Smooth sailing at HIA on day one after formal end of the exit permit system

Yesterday was the day when Qatar’s exit permit system officially came to an end for 95% of the country’s expatriate population.

The move, which has been widely hailed, passed its first hurdle without a hitch as passengers enjoyed smooth sailing through the Hamad International Airport.

The Ministry of Interior had made all provisions for a smooth transition at the airport well ahead of the implementation of the amended law, said Colonel Mohammed Rashid Al Mazroui, the Director of Airport Passports Department.

“The entry and exit through HIA proceeded quite normally. However, I urge travellers flying out of the country to reach the airport a little ahead of schedule in order to further assure a smooth exit,” he was quoted as saying by Qatar Tribune.

The Law No. 13 of 2018, which amends Article No. 7 of Law No. 21 of 2015, came into force yesterday.

 “Expatriate workers who are unable to leave the country for any reason can approach the Expatriate Exit Grievance Committee, which will look into the complaint and take a decision within three working days,” the MoI said in a tweet.

Law No. 13 of 2018, which amended certain provisions of the Law No. 21 of 2015 regulating the entry, exit and residency of expatriates is being implemented starting today, Sunday 28 October 2018. #MoIQatar

— Ministry of Interior (@MOI_QatarEn) October 28, 2018

As per the amendment, the expatriate workers that come under the Labour Law can leave the country without obtaining a prior permit, while the employer can restrict up to 5% of his workforce to obtain a prior consent because of the nature of their work. #MoIQatar

— Ministry of Interior (@MOI_QatarEn) October 28, 2018

The employers can upload such list of employees who require prior consent to exit the country, through the website of the @ADLSAQa Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs (MADLSA) https://t.co/K7Ni3RuwGs. #MoIQatar

— Ministry of Interior (@MOI_QatarEn) October 28, 2018

The expatriate workers, who are unable to leave the country for any reason, can approach the Expatriate Exit Grievance Committee, which will look into the complaint and take a decision within three working days. #MoIQatar

— Ministry of Interior (@MOI_QatarEn) October 28, 2018

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) welcomed the move wholeheartedly.

“Great news! As of today, exit visas no longer needed for the majority of workers in Qatar,” the ILO tweeted.

Great news! As of today, exit visas no longer needed for the majority of workers in Qatar. @ADLSAQa @MOI_QatarEn @Houtan_ILO pic.twitter.com/sVuZ5tJ67U

— ILO Project Office for the State of Qatar (@ILOQatar) October 28, 2018

“As of October 28, the majority of workers covered by the labour code in Qatar will no longer require an exit permit. This will have a direct and positive impact on the lives of migrant workers in Qatar,” Houtan Homayounpour, head of the ILO Project Office, said in a video message on Twitter.

“We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the government, employers, workers and other stakeholders on moving forward with the ambitious labour reform agenda of Qatar,” he added.

Different diplomats in Qatar also welcomed the move.

“The promulgation of Law No. 13 by His Highness the Amir represents a strong achievement in the process led by Qatari authorities to implement an ambitious labour reform agenda in terms of the protection of migrant workers and their rights,” the Philippines Ambassador to Qatar Alan L Timbayan was quoted as saying by Gulf Times. 

“This legislation will benefit the majority of expats by positively impacting their lives and contributing to creating proper conditions to attract more skilled and experienced migrant workers to the country,” he added.