Expatriates laud the recently announced landmark ‘permanent residency’ plan
Qatar recently announced its intention to allow expatriates, who fulfil certain criteria, to obtain permanent residency status in the country. Widely hailed as a ‘revolutionary move’ and a ‘game changer,’ members of Qatar’s expatriate community have welcomed the move wholeheartedly.
A draft law approved at a Cabinet meeting will also allow permanent residence to the children of Qatari women married to non-Qataris, as well as expatriates who provide outstanding services to Qatar.
More than 60,000 people read the news when Qatar Living posted about it online and different social media channels. Understandably, many of the comments by users were very positive.
Kenny Ybanez Fernando felt Qatar once again showed it was different from its neighbours.
“It only shows that Qatar is different from the rest of its neighbours. Keep it up Qatar. It’s time to give back the love and hard work that some expats invested on this blessed Country,” he said.
Linda Fain Al-Saigel also sounded excited about the new development.
“Very excited about this. It will strengthen Qatar even more if they give more rights to those that are committed to Qatar and call it home,” she noted on Qatar Living’s Facebook page.
For the first time, holders of the new permanent residency can access free state education and healthcare. They will also have the right to own property and run some businesses without needing a Qatari partner.
Prominent expatriates also chimed in about the positive impacts of the new legislations that would further enhance Qatar’s economy, competence and productivity, driven by a better talent pool.
“The granting of permanent residency is a great testament to Qatar's recognition of the people’s contribution towards its economy and society, and will serve to cement this relationship and integration as the country works towards achieving its long term vision,” Philippine Business Council – Qatar chairman Greg Loayon told Gulf Times.
“It’s really a landmark decision which will help in retaining the skilled migrants required to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030 and will create a very positive image for Qatar in the world community because only Qatar has taken this great step in the Arab world so far,” Malik Qaiser Awan, Group GM of Ezdan Malls, told The Peninsula.
He said that one of objectives of the blockading countries was to scare expats residing in Qatar.
“They were expecting that the migrant workforce will leave Qatar and Qatar will not be able to sustain its development. This step will unlock the blockade not only by retaining but attracting the great knowledge pool,” he added.
It is a great move indeed..Keep looking the space for more updates on this as it seems blur without any concrete bullet points of requirements.
I think this a good idea. But could you do a story on the requirements? Like do you have to speak Arabic, do you have to have been born here, do you have to have lived in Qatar for a certain length of time, is there a salary requirement, are you required to, or do you have to buy land here, are you required to invest a certain amount into a business or infrastructure? etc etc..