Residence and Family questions?
My employer is now going to process my visa so I can come there from UK.
They are saying that initially I will get a paper from Ministry on which I can come to Qatar and my wife will have to wait until my residency is sorted out in Qatar.
Is this normal? Ideally I would want to take my wife with you but seems its unlikely.
Also, what exactly are the requirements of residency?
Medical is all that I could gather, though I am not aware of any problems, but what exactly does it look for?
Anything else?
Oops, I didn't realise. We came over 3 years ago smack bang in the middle of Ramadan...So it took a good 10 weeks to get sorted, but it was ok with us because hubby's company took good care of us.
I feel for you londonlad, I didn't realise different companies have different rules for this because everyone I spoke to about it either came with their partner or intentionally stayed behind to get things sorted at home first.
I know, I know! I am appalled at the treatment of newbies here now! As I say, I only know specifics of the US companies and universities that do this. I guess it all depends on your employer. Try a little (a lot) of pressure because it can be done under Qatar law. I just wish I knew more specifics of why some companies can/will do this and others can't/won't. When I'm on the Expatwoman.com site I don't see the waiting problems either. I can only guess that the Western expats are being treated differently by some companies. I wish you all the best, as I say, I'm in full sympathy with your plight, it's terrible!
Mandi
Hey Mandi,
Do you know of any specific visa/process name, etc? I am friggin British and dont want to be treated like shit. I was gobsmacked when I was told, your wife will have to wait for 3 to 4 weeks before coming and if you dont come 20 days before Ramadhan then expect her to come after Ramadhan.
Then how come it works differently in Education City for the US universities? And for the oil companies that bring their folks together from the US? And it should take 3-4 weeks for an RP.
Mandi
I was told by HR that this is the ONLY WAY IT WORKS! and its out of their hands, this is the government process.
I was also told that it will only take roughly 3 weeks for me to get residency (not the 6 months process as someone mentioned earlier)?
How recent was your trip snessy?
They can, snessy, but the rules have changed and a lot of the companies are taking the easy way out. I would like to see employees making it a part of their agreement.
Mandi
They can do your wife's paperwork at the same time...We came to Doha as a family and went through the process together.
I know! It's a travesty! I honest-to-God think people ought to be saying, "thanks but no thanks, I have other options." We've been like lobsters in a pot, we don't realize it's gotten too hot to stay here.
Mandi
I so do not understand this employee-coming-first and then the spouse being allowed to come later. Let's just say that won't fly with American expats. We don't do the second-class citizen role very well.
Mandi
you need to have your Residence Permit first before you can bring any of your family here or you can apply a business/visit visa for her separately if you want her to tag along with you.