New law on exit permits to be implemented soon after publication in Official Gazette

Just a few days back, Qatar took an important step towards workers upliftment when it decided to almost completely do away with the exit permit system.

The decision, taken by HH The Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has come in for great praise from all around the world.

Despite the euphoria of the decision, many people had wondered about when the law would actually come into effect.

And now, thanks to a joint Press conference by the Ministry of Interior (MoI) and the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA), there is some more clarity regarding the new law’s implementation.

HE the Minister of MADLSA Dr Issa Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi said the new law would be implemented soon.

“The second article of the law stipulates that the law is to be implemented on the day following its publication in the Official Gazette,” he said.

During the period leading up to implementation, MoI and MADLSA, in co-ordination with Qatar Chamber, will conduct awareness workshops for employers to clarify all required procedures and mechanisms to implement this amendment.

He added that the new law guaranteed rights of the workers.

“This law is part of a bundle of legislations issued by Qatar to protect the rights of workers. The amended law guarantees the right of expatriate workers who come under the provisions of the Labour Law to leave the country temporarily or on final exit, without requiring the consent of the employer,” he was quoted as saying by Gulf Times.

While an employer can specify 5% of workers who would still need pre-approval before leaving the country due to their nature of work, such workers can approach the Expatriate Exit Grievances Committee.

The committee will decide on the grievances within three working days.

“These committees are headed by judges of the Supreme Judicial Council along with expert members from the Ministry. The complaints are reviewed and settled within a maximum period of three weeks,” he told Qatar Tribune.

Brigadier Mohammed Ahmed Al Ateeq, Director of the General Directorate of Passports at the MoI, said joint committees have been formed between MoI and MADLSA to find mechanisms to simplify the procedures for implementing the law, according to The Peninsula.