Visa procedures for private companies set to become much easier

There are reasons for private sector companies — and by extension the expatriates — in Qatar to cheer.

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani announced that it will become much more easier for private-sector companies to hire the required staff they need. He was speaking during a meeting of chairmen of Qatar’s companies listed in the stock market, reported Qatar News Agency.

Private companies will find it easier to obtain work visas for hiring people, based on needs in the job market.

He said that the government was committed to continue improving the ease of doing business and investing in Qatar by developing a pro-active legislative framework and simplifying procedures.

A committee has been set up to revise current procedures and facilitate the private sector's ability to participate in Qatar’s economic activities. He quoted the examples of changes made to visa and transit visas procedures as examples of these efforts.

The official explained that Qatar’s spending on public projects had reached QR56bn in the first six months of this year. He emphasised that the state would spend even more in 2017 on completing its major projects on infrastructure, education and health, thus enhancing Qatar’s economic growth.

HE The Prime Minister urged more companies to come forward and list themselves on the Qatari stock market.

Work is also progressing on giving final touches to the Qatar National Development Strategy 2017-2022. It will be the second strategic plan in the framework of Qatar National Vision 2030.

In addition to strengthening the private sector, efforts will be made to develop the logistics sector, improve the process of offering land to investors and simplifying procedures for investment.