Qatar urges residency violators to seek departure assistance

The Search and Follow-Up Department, which operates under Qatar’s General Directorate of Passports, urged residency violators without pending cases to seek help leaving the country voluntarily.

Major Saud Hamad Alburaidi, head of the Detention Section, Search and Follow-Up Department at Ministry of Interior, said: “Individuals who have overstayed their permitted period of residence but have no other pending cases or legal proceedings can approach the department to request assistance with their departure. Individuals may approach the department voluntarily and explain their circumstances.”

“Their circumstances will be reviewed by the Follow-Up Section, which will determine the necessary procedures. Where additional legal measures are required, the case will be processed in accordance with the applicable regulations before departure can be completed.”

“It functions as a temporary administrative facility for individuals whose departure from Qatar is being arranged following applicable legal decisions or procedures. Detainees are provided with round-the-clock healthcare, balanced meals and access to the relevant services and rights associated with their embassy or consular representation.”

Voluntary Departure Assistance Process

The Search and Follow-Up Department headquarters is located on Salwa Road.

Visa Trading Penalties

Illegal visa trading is punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of up to QR50,000, with the maximum fine rising to QR100,000 for repeated offences.

“People engaging in illegal visa trading will have to undergo a jail term of up to three years and a fine of up to QR50,000. If the offence is repeated, the fine can go up to QR100,000,” Major Saud Hamad Alburaidi said.

Entering or leaving Qatar through a point that has not been approved carries a three-year prison term and a QR50,000 fine. Employers also face a QR10,000 fine if they fail to process or renew an employee’s visa within 90 days of its expiry.

“If any person enters or exits the country through any other point other than the approved ones, he or she will have to face a jail term of three years and a fine of QR50,000. Similarly, if an employer fails to process and renew the visa of an employee within 90 days from the expiry date, it attracts a fine of QR 10, 000,” Major Saud Hamad Alburaidi said.

Enforcement work by the Search and Follow-Up Department covers inquiries into suspected illegal visa trading and inspections of businesses and offices. Major Saud Hamad Alburaidi said: “Additional responsibilities include investigating suspected visa-trading offences, conducting inspections of commercial establishments and offices, and carrying out legally authorised operations to locate and apprehend violators and other wanted persons.”