Change of name procedure

ajmani
By ajmani

 Change of name procedure for Indian passport / Qatar visa- all you wanted to know


Hello everyone, been through the name change process and it was looong. I tried searching for the information on QL, asked Mr. Google, but the responses were very limited, or misleading. I have been through this process lately, hence putting it across for the benefit of everyone who would want to undergo this process. I would like to apologize to the readers in advance since I will be mixing the process along with the frustration i had to face. Hope you would be kind enough to understand.


I initiated the process in June 2011. Please note that this process is definitely applicable to Indian national, but can be relevant to other nationalities as well. Ok, here is what I had to do, add surname to my existing name. Below are the steps and costs involved:


1. Go to Indian embassy or ICC (Indian Cultural center) in order to request for a NOC from the consulate stating your old name and desired new name. I got the letter in 2 working days from ICC, cost was approximately 80-100 QAR (might vary per the respective consulate rules)


2. Collect the letter from your embassy (make plenty of photocopies or scan the document for future reference). Take this letter and proceed to immigration @ Gharaffa, building 2, 2nd floor (Committee in looking for name change) and show the letter to the lady/gentleman sitting at the counter. They will issue a form to you. Now, since my entire process was supposed to be in English, hence everything is to be typed in English. Please note, everything should be typed, not hand written. I lay emphasis on this since i filled the form (hand written) in front of the lady, asking her if it was ok. She said it was fine. I then took this form back to my company, got it stamped and signed by the authorities, went back to immigration only to be told that oops, everything should be typed. Got another form from them, went to the typing center within immigration. They do not type forms in English!! What? Well, the fact is that most of the documents at typing center in immigration are computerized and typing is restricted to few. I was asked to go to typing center next to the gas station a block away. They do not type in English as well, guided me to another shop which is about 200meters away. Just keep asking guys there until you reach this small typing center where all you can hear is typewriters. Anyways, get the form filled with right details (cost 5-10 QAR) in English. Verify all the details (my ID number was typed wrongly) before you proceed to go out. Go back to your company, get this document signed and stamped by the government relation / HR office. Please scan / take photocopies of this document as this becomes a reference at a later stage (though can live without it). Note: One photo is attached to this form (blue background). I don't think they require more, but just keep them handy.


3. Bring the form back to immigration, building 2, 2nd floor and submit along with copy of your passport, and identity card. The lady/gentleman will give you a small receipt with a number and date written on it. They will normally ask you to come after 2 weeks. I was in July by this time and lot of people were gone for summer vacation (including the captain + committee members)


4. Proceed to the immigration after 2 weeks and request for an update. They will tell you whether it has been "finished" or "not finished". If finished, then great, else they will ask you to come next week. At this stage, i was supposed to travel to Dubai and asked them if i could exit the country without any trouble. I am not an Arabic speaker so the communication became a barrier, where everything i heard was "no problem" and "inshalla". Anyhow, i could travel out of country and come back without trouble.


Visited immigration again and was told that process is not yet "finished". Come after 3 days. Went after 3 days, same story, and come after 1 week. Went after 1 week but still nothing had been done about the application. Now, i think it was the time i chose (summer break) to initiate the process since most of the employees were away. Anyhow followed up one more time and knew that it is going to take longer than expected. At this stage, i was asked, "newspaper publication khalas?". There was no instruction for it. The lady at this moment gave me another form which had to be typed and was supposed to be for publishing in gulf times. Went back to the English typing center, got the form typed, came back to the same lady and she stamped the form. Asked me to take it to gulf times for publication. On the same morning i went to gulf times and requested for publishing the name change advertisement. Cost @ gulf times was about 100 QAR. Immediately after that i contacted one of my friends in India to get the publication done there as well (local newspaper). He was kind enough and gathered information from times of India office. They wanted notarized letter, along with the text of name change. Now, at this moment, the NOC from Indian consulate came handy. I had scanned the document and sent it to my friend, which was accepted by the newspaper. Got the advertisement printed the very next day in times of India.


 


Cost was 20QAR for publication and 120 QAR for courier of 5 copies of newspaper, which my friend took care of. After the publication in gulf times, you have to wait for 15 days. I went back to the immigration after 17th day from the day advertisement was published in the newspaper, submitted the whole paper


(Remember, cutting is not accepted, it has to be the whole page) and asked for an update. And no surprises here, there was no progress. We were in August already and the holy month of Ramadan had started. I gave up on going to the immigration during that period and just waited. In the meantime, i could go out of the country for Eid holidays without any issues.


5. Went to immigration right after Eid holidays, and guess what was i told: "System is down, come tomorrow, or you have to wait". Oh man!! i told the lady that i waited 2 months for this and consumed


lot of my work time, i prefer to wait. She said it might be 2 hours, i said no worries, hoping that the process had "finished". After waiting for about 1hr while playing games on my phone, the lady called me and guess what said “It is finished". Wow, what a relief. I could not believe this achievement. My patience had finally paid off, but wait...She gave me another slip and asked me to go to 1st floor of building number 1 to collect the NOC (No objection certificate). Hmm, i thought it would be simple. I happily went to the location and was asked by an office boy “have you filled the NOC form". Sorry, which form? He showed me a form of name change. Another form needs to be filled out. Hoping i don’t have to walk a long distance, i went to the typing center @ immigration. Guys there bounced me around saying this person has the form that person has the form and after being directed from one table to another, I got back to the same place where I started from. The guy could make out frustration on my face and asked me to wait and he will help me. After waiting for 20minutes, he filled out the form and gave it to me. Please verify all details at this place as well. Took the form, went back to the building 1, 1st floor and gave the form to the very friendly Sudanese gentleman, who asked me to get the form stamped by a guy in uniform (who was on phone since I had first visited this office). I went to him, and he just picked up the stamp while he was speaking over the phone, stamped and signed the document. Great, i said. Went back to the Sudanese gentleman and he promptly gave me a form (it looked like a form in Arabic) which is actually a NOC. Patience, patience!!


6. Took this NOC, went to ICC, filled out the new passport form, some affidavit and was about to submit when i was told, no blue background picture. It should be white background, 2inchesx2inches. More patience went to city center the next day and got the picture done in less than 30minutes. Went back to ICC same evening and submitted the documents for new passport. I opted for jumbo passport, fees approx. 270QAR. I had to add my wife's name (who is not an Indian) in my passport which went on a different tangent. If interested, then let me know and i will detail down the procedure here. Anyways,


coming back to the name change, i submitted all the forms to ICC, along with gulf times newspaper page, NOC from local immigration, times of India publication page and photographs + affidavit (you can fill it out there itself) and was told to collect the passport after 7 working days.


Got my passport after 7 working days with all the amendments done. Name change is successful, but wait, process is still not over. 2 issues here.


                a. You need to transfer your Qatar visa to new passport


                b. Indian consulate issues passport valid only for 1 year. You need to go back after 2 months      


                for the extra 9 years extension (at no cost). This is the process specific to Qatar only i    


                think. I had got my previous passport issued in Dubai, with 10 years validity, but hey, it is             


                just 1 day process. Go and submit your passport after 2 months and get it the next day with      


                extension done.


Now for point (a): I contacted my office PRO to get the visa transferred on new passport. Gave him both my passports (old & new) along with the identity card and photocopies of all the documents. He got the work done in 1 day, cost 300 QAR.


And now, I have my visa + passport reflecting the new name. Started the process in June, completed in October. To expedite the process, i would recommend doing it in winter since most of the staff is present. My decision to initiate the process in summer got me delayed coz of unavailability of staff and as you all are aware, summer heat is worse in June / July / August and you would be testing your patience while looking for parking or walking from parking to the immigration buildings.


Summarizing the entire procedure, it would take you approximately 2-3 months, total cost 1000 QAR, a lot of sweat and plenty of patience.


This post became longer than anticipated, but i guess it will go a long way in helping out people who are looking for such information.

By mariaRM• 24 Jun 2016 04:27
mariaRM

Hello. Would you be able to travel outside qatar with your new passport and new family name even if your name change application is on process?

By kkr• 11 Jan 2015 09:21
kkr

Excellent article , still it is usefull for people who are no idea about the change of name procedure. even i had too much confusion everytime the government official told me next week :) .... i just open this post eveytime and cool my self

thank you

By ambros• 13 Nov 2014 13:09
ambros

how can change passport surname similar & Visa Surname? where I have to go ?

By mvshetty• 22 Aug 2013 15:46
mvshetty

how to change the name in driving license

By faaizali• 3 Mar 2013 15:02
Rating: 5/5
faaizali

Name Change Procedure for WIFE (INDIAN, Residing in Qatar)

ASSUMPTIONS:

1. Your wife is in Doha with her maiden name on her passport, has completed her Medical formalities, stamped Visa/RP on her Passport & also made her Qatar ID (All with Maiden Name)

2. She wants to make a new passport with Husband’s Surname and also change her Visa/RP with the new name. Also, she wants to add her Husband’s name in place of spouse name & also wants to change the address as per Husband’s address

3. This procedure was started on 01/12/2012 & ended on 30/01/2013 (2 months exactly)

4. Total Cost (105+15+5+100+323+5+100+300) = QR 953

PROCEDURE:

1. Collect Form2 from Indian Embassy (or download from Embassy website). This form requests the Indian Embassy to issue an NOC with the corrected name

a. Fill the form and submit it at Indian Embassy or Indian Cultural Centre (ICC)

2. The ICC takes 2 working days to get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Indian Embassy allowing you to change your name on your passport

a. Make at least 3-4 photocopies of the NOC

b. Fees for making NOC: QR 105 (Including ICC fees which is QR 10)

3. Once you get this letter you need to go to Immigration office (Gharaffa Branch ONLY) to request change of name in Visa/RP

a. For this you need to get a Name Change Form filled from one of the typing centers near the petrol station besides Gharaffa Immigration. The typing center downloads the form from www.moi.gov.qa & fills it for you.

b. Also, you will require a Letter stating that you are changing your name from your old name to new name and the reason behind it (e.g.: your Marriage) – Letter to be made from typing center

c. Typing Center Fees: QR 15 (for both documents)

4. Now go to Immigration Office (Gharaffa Branch ONLY) to submit the documents

a. You need to go to Gate 2, 2nd floor, Name Change Section in the Morning ONLY (ideally between 6:30am to 11:00am)

b. Following documents need to be submitted in order

i. Name Change Form (Original) – the one you got from Typing Center

ii. Name Change Letter (Original) – the one you got from Typing Center

iii. NOC from Indian Embassy (Original)

iv. Photocopy of passport (first & last page)

v. Photocopy of Visa/RP on passport

c. The Immigration Officer will give you a small handwritten receipt and ask you to come after 2 weeks

i. Instead of 2 weeks, the task was completed after 5 weeks

5. Once the Immigration task (of changing name in their system) is completed, they will give you a pre-printed page to put your name change advert in the newspaper

a. You need to get your information typed (on that pre-printed page) at one of the typing centers near Immigration Office

b. Get it typed in ENGLISH

c. They will automatically address it to GULF TIMES newspaper

d. Typing Center fees: QR 5

e. Once it is typed, take it back to Immigration Office (Gate 2, 2nd floor, Name Change Section) and get it stamped

f. Now you can submit this at GULF TIMES office for name change advert (Take one photocopy of this stamped page as you need to submit the photocopy along with the form to the GULF TIMES office)

6. GULF TIMES office is on C-Ring road. If you are coming from Ramada signal, keep an eye on Gulf Cinema signal (It is the 3rd signal from Ramada Signal). Once you cross that signal, keep your car to the right and take the second exit on the service road. GULF TIMES office is a big yellow building to the right.

a. Once you enter the building from the main gate, you can place the advert at the reception itself

b. Fill the form that is provided by the lady

c. Attach a photocopy of the stamped letter you got from immigration

d. GULF TIMES fees: QR 100

e. GULF TIMES working hours: 8am – 12:30pm, 4pm – 7:30pm

f. If you reach gulf times before 12:30pm, your ad will be published in the next day newspaper. If your reach after 4pm, it will be published in the day-after newspaper

g. Once Ad is published, take 4-5 copies of the original Newspaper in which the Ad is published (QR 2 per paper)

h. Wait for 15 days once the Ad is published

7. After 15 days, go back to Immigration office (Gharaffa Branch ONLY: Gate 2, 2nd floor, Name Change Section) and submit the newspaper advert page (i.e. the Original Newspaper page). The captain/lady will circle your advert & write your wife’s Qatar ID on it and ask you to come after 4-5 days.

8. Go after 2-3 days and tell the captain/lady that you have already submitted the newspaper advert & you require the NOC

a. The lady will check it in the system & if updated, will print a form for you and ask you to get it stamped from Gate No. 1. She will also give you a small slip with a system updated number

b. Now go to Gate 1, 1st Floor. They will enter system number in their system, stamp the form & write something in Arabic. (I think it says that Qatar Immigration has approved the NOC). Take 1-2 copies of this form

9. Go to ICC, fill the new passport application form along with the following:

a. Passport Form for new passport (with 2 photos – 2x2 size – WHITE background)

b. Copy of stamped NOC letter from Qatar Immigration

c. Sworn Affidavit/Poll Deed requesting change of Surname

d. Copy of Marriage certificate that reflects Husband’s name (to add husband’s name in place of spouse name)

e. Copy of Husband’s passport (to add husband’s address, in case you want to change your address in your passport as per husband’s address)

f. New passport fees are as follows:

New passport Normal (36 pages) : QR 274 (5 working days)

New Passport Jumbo (64 Pages) : QR 369 (5 working days)

Affidavit (Single) : QR 38

Tatkal service : QR 550 (Passport will be available next working day)

ICC fees : QR 10

Labour Welfare Fund : QR 1

10. Once you receive the passport from ICC/Indian Embassy, you need to get your Qatar Visa/RP transferred from old passport to new passport. For that, you need the following:

a. Stamped NOC letter from Immigration – Original

b. Typed Form from typing center stating that you need to transfer RP from old passport to new passport. Typing center fees: QR 5

c. Copy of new passport (front & back)

11. Take all the above documents and go to Gate No. 2 (Ground floor). Take coupon from reception & await your turn. Then go to a CAPTAIN and ask him to transfer the RP from old Passport to new Passport. NOTE: Only a CAPTAIN is authorized to do this. He will make the relevant changes in the system, print the new RP & stick it on the new passport. Also, he will make a new QID card and hand it over to you with the new name reflecting on your QID

i. RP transfer fees: QR 100

ii. Making new QID fees: QR 300

OR

12. The above step can also be done by your company PRO. He might not even take the QR 100 fees. So you’ll have to pay only QR 300 to him depending on your company policy

REFERENCE WEBSITES:

http://www.indianembassyqatar.org/passportinformation.html

http://www.indianembassyqatar.org/passportservices.html

http://www.indianembassyqatar.org/downloadforms.html

http://iccqatar.com/pages/consular-services.php

By Ice_candy_boy• 26 Nov 2012 14:02
Ice_candy_boy

Hi Ajmani,

I have send you a PM. My case is uncannily similar to yours. I'm an Indian citizen working here in Doha. Surname on my passport is blank. I will be using one of my names as my surname. Can you please help me.

Regards

ICB

By ajmani• 19 Nov 2012 15:20
Rating: 3/5
ajmani

@Dentist - My passport mentions that I was known as "xy" before the name changed to "xyz". There by all my certificates are valid. I did not have to do anything for my certificates.

@prj: You RP will be based on the passport name (if not issued). Amendments can be done based on marriage certificate (attested by MOFA and MOI). You might have to check this with your embassy / consulate.

By dyollmaj• 13 Nov 2012 15:46
dyollmaj

Thank for sharing your experience...indeed very inspiring...your patience was tested :)

I am planning to change my name let say my surname under my husband. Actually I applied already last month for my Passport to be renew. Phil Embassy told me that I have to wait for 45days for me to get it.

My question is, what will be my next step? Shall i do the same procedures like your?

Please help and advice me in advance because I want to know now as early as possible.

Thanks

By Dentistqatar• 12 Nov 2012 18:29
Dentistqatar

Dear Sir please give ur contact no. so that i can ask u for any douts

By Dentistqatar• 12 Nov 2012 18:27
Dentistqatar

Great Brother thats very usefull.

But what about the job you are working, because the degree certificates are in your old name, was there any thing to do for that...?

By trojen• 25 Sep 2012 09:10
trojen

I am glad you wrote this for many like me! I am about to start the process, wish me good luck!

By Chinmay_singh• 28 May 2012 16:07
Chinmay_singh

Thanks a lot for sharing your experience, it is defenitely going to help all those who are thinking of "Change of Name".

Can you please let me know your contact details.

By christopherd1965• 21 May 2012 15:10
Rating: 4/5
christopherd1965

I have submitted a change of name application on 15 April and they still have the 14 days and again 14 days and then next week and then 3 days and then again Next week game continuing

Any way after reading your experience i still have a long way to go...thanx at least i know the next week will take another month.

By Rayz donttry• 6 Oct 2011 17:57
Rayz donttry

i experinced this shit once.......it cost me abt QR300aprox

By anonymous• 6 Oct 2011 13:03
Rating: 4/5
anonymous

Really hatt off to you for shared your experience with QL..And m damn sure it will helps for the folks who wants to change their names on the passport.

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