Qatar has launched a three-month amnesty period starting from 9 February 2025, allowing foreign residents with irregular immigration status to exit the country without penalties. It is not clear if residents would be able to regularise their status.According to the Ministry of Interior, the amnesty period extends to those in violation of Law No. (21) of 2015 regarding immigration or those who have overstayed on an entry visa. Workers can exit the country through Hamad International Airport, or alternatively, they can visit the Search and Follow-up Department on Salwa Road to complete departure procedures within the specified period.
According to both small businesses and several individuals, the easing of entry requirements through the Hayya visa, which was introduced during the FIFA World Cup 2022, had also attracted job seekers. Furthermore, while the economic activities in hospitality, retail, and construction have slowed down, recruitment continues with manpower supply companies and agencies bringing in workers without proper jobs in place. Workers who have paid steep amounts for the jobs often overstay the entry visa and become undocumented, working freelance jobs.
The previous amnesty period was held from October 10, 2021, till April 30, 2022. Workers were allowed to either regularise their stay and acquire new sponsorship to extend their visa or exit the country by paying 50% of the accrued penalties. Reports from local media indicated that the ministry had received over 28,400 applications for amnesty, with 8,227 workers repatriated and 6,000 workers regularising their stay. This discrepancy is due to workers who have been reported as absconding after the grace period was announced and were therefore ineligible for the amnesty.
The last amnesty was announced after the COVID-19 pandemic and the introduction of labour reforms. It is unclear how many workers are expected to request amnesty under the current campaign. This article will be updated as more information about the amnesty application procedures becomes available.
