Here are a few more clarifications regarding the new residency law
The new residency law in Qatar came into effect last December and there has been a lot of discussions about it ever since. Every day, new information about the law comes to light.
The Peninsula newspaper printed a list of clarifications made by the Ministry of Interior. We break it down here for you.
Working for ‘Employer B’ while working with ‘Employer A’
An employer can grant a written permission to his employees to work with another employer for a period of up to six months, renewable for a similar period.
The expat must not violate terms and the purpose for which he/she has been granted the residency permit and should not work with another employer without permission of his original employer.
Part time jobs
Employees can take up part time job with another employer, provided they have a written approval from his/her original employer.
Re-entering country after absence of more than six months
Expatriates staying out of Qatar for more than six months can re-enter the country with a ‘return visa,’ within a year, if they hold a Qatari residency permit (RP) and after paying the fine.
Residency permits for children and parents
Expatriates holding Qatari RP have the right to get residency permit for their sons pursuing education until the age of 25 years, daughters who are unmarried and parents if there are genuine reasons.
A newborn baby can get residency permit within 90 days from the date of birth or the date of entering the country, if the parents hold a valid Qatari RP.
Mandatory medical checkup for visit visa holders
Anyone who enters Qatar on a visit visa or for other purposes are not required to undergo mandatory medical checkup if they stay for a period not more than 30 days. Foreigners are not allowed to stay in the country after expiry of their visa if not renewed.
Changing jobs before end of contract period
An expatriate worker can change his/her job before the end of the work contract with or without the consent of the employer, if the contract period ended or after five years if the contract is open ended. With approval from the competent authority, the worker also can change his job if the employer died or the company folded for any reason.
Residency Permit processing
The employer must process the RP of his employees within 90 days from the date of his entry to the country. Similarly, an expat must leave Qatar within 90 days of his visa expiry.
The employer must return the travel document (passport) to the employee after finishing the RP formalities unless the employee makes a written request to keep it with the employer.
Cancellation of Residence Permit
The employer must report to the authorities concerned within 24 hours if the worker left his job, refused to leave the country after cancellation of his RP, passed three months since its expiry or his visit visa ended.
If the visa or residency permit becomes invalid the expat needs to leave the country within 90 days from the date of its expiry.
No, you cannot switch your job, unless of course you have a NOC from your Qatari sponsor !!
Regardless of you completing your contract term or not - You still require NOC to switch jobs !!!
i think from the start of your contract if its already 2 or 5 years depending on ur contract you can leave anytime and switch ur job as long as you have another available job.
my contract term says "The
duration of the contract is one calendar year and it shall be
renewable from year to year, unless one party notifies the other in
writing of his intention to terminate the contract,such notification
shall be given at least 60 days in advance prior to intended
termination".
1-In this case whether its a fixed term contract or open contract?
Ban period in limited and unlimited contracts if leave job and NO NOC: If 2 years contract and leave after 1 year, then 1 year ban... If unlimited contract (which will be in most cases) and leave after 1 year then 4 years ban. Loll. More difficult.
Is it permissible to work with Employer B before completing 1 year with the Original employer, given they are ready to provide NOC.
As per Nizar Kochery the lawyer, NOC is still required in all cases.
Granting of NOC is 'not a legal right'
Check yesterday's Gulf Times, Legal Helpline section, Page 19
Please answer britexpat Question, its a vital one, no one seems to knows the answer.
You forgot one major question which is asked again and again - "If I resign before the end of contract, do i still need an NOC or does the two year ban apply?"