No more non-working women drivers?
What do you all know about this? I read a article in the Gulf Times a couple months ago about how Qatar is going to no longer issue driving licenses to non-working women since "they stay home all day anyway" (hahahahahahhaha). Actually, though, the funniest part is that it is an idea for cutting down on traffic. So, how does it cut down on traffic if you take drivers off the road who supposedly never drive anyway?
So, this week, I have started hearing stories and meeting new women who are not being issued licenses because they are not employed!
I'll just share my 2 cents here, just because I want to... I know most western families are reliant on the wife driving. As for me, while my husband is at work I take care of all the details of life such as grocery shopping, banking, and running other errands. Not to mention the fact that my 1 year old goes nuts on the days we don't get out of the house. I have no desire to employ a driver (we couldn't afford one anyway) and taxis are fine only occasionally because on these dangerous Doha roads I want my baby strapped in a car safety seat!
I am certain that if this law stays in place, Qatar will lose many western expat families.
I don't know what the deal is with people yet to actually obtain a driving license; but I do know that transferring a valid license to a Qatar one shouldn't be a problem. If you have a license issued in the US, then you just have to do an eye exam (which is a joke) and then stand in line for a cuple of hours to get it transferred.
So good luck. I got mine transferred about 1 1/2 months ago.
"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Mahatma Ghandi
I'm happy to hear you got yours renewed. I wonder what the difference is between your application and the application of some women I know who have recently arrived in Qatar and had their license applications rejected due to this new law.
If you look at the previous post regarding "Driving in Qatar, how true?" which is post by me. We just proved that it's not true! I just had my license recently and one of my friend had hers the next day and we still have another friend on process of her license. As far as we could see it's not really happening.
Just keep dancing, it will do you good!