mrkjd

Just looking through a proposed job offer contract it states that an "Exit Permit" is needed for employees if they are to leave Qatar (wife/children don't need it).

I thought we could get a multi-entry visa so visits to Dubai etc can be taken but this would seem to suggest an extra step needs to be taken. Not sure if this "Exit Permit" is a company thing or Qatar Immigration requirement. Is this normal?

Kix

You MUST get a multiple exit permit - even offer to pay for it if you have to.

Without it you need to get an exit permit from your company every time when you want to leave the country.

It's another form of control and total distrust from the employers, if they don't offer you this it says a lot about the company you're joining.

Theseus

It's a Qatar immigration thing. You can get multiple entry visa's however you still need an exit permit to leave at any time. You can ask for a multiple exit permit to be part of your terms of employment, but that is relatively unusual here. What will usually be the case is you have to ask HR for an exit permit which can be done quickly depending on the company or can take a week for some large companies.

Also immigration do not like people being here for extended periods on a multiple entry visa, i.e. a 6 month business visa. You will probably have to get a residency permit. Which is fine as it allows you to do more here like rent a villa, get an alcohol licence etc.

I would try and push for a multiple exit but if you don't get it its not very often that an exit permit is denied. So shouldn't necessarily be a deal breaker. However take note, some bosses routinely stop people leaving if they haven't completed work satisfactorily.

mrkjd

Agreed Kix. I think they do offer multiples as they are a major O&P operator but looks like it is a typical case of "no askey .... no getey" and a good example of why you should never-ever assume anything when dealing with Gulf work contracts!

mrkjd

Hi Theseus,

In Saudi I had a multiple visa and was across the causeway frequently - and often as a last minute thing (you know the feeling!). Guess that's far less likely in Qatar unless we want a road-trip to AD and you can of course let off steam over a £6 pint in Doha but must say I don't like the thought of asking every time so will make a note to ask for a multi exit/entry visa.

We will be getting residence rather than continuous business visas so that side shouldn't be an issue. Thanks for the clarification.

dohadesertdog

i wouldnt go as far as to say not offering a multi exit says negative things about the company. Ive worked for two v large consultancies here in Doha neither of which offered multi exit permits or would provide upon request. regional policy decision, nothing more to it than that

DOHDUBMAN

I dont have a multi exit visa. Never asked to be honest. I leave the country a fair bit and it only take a few hours for admin to get me an exit visa

I work for a fairly big O&G company as well however and i wouldnt think its used as a form of control

britexpat76

I don't have multi exit permit and don't need one as a quick phone call and it is done. With larger/more useless companies I would have one though but I wouldn't have it as a deal breaker.

co durham boy

Of course it's used as a form of control , what do you think the sponsorship system is ?

I have a multi exit permit in my deal , when i need to leave i need to leave , things turn to shit here in a matter of minutes .

DOHDUBMAN

Why dont you leave then?

co durham boy

Don't be naive lad .

lostinthedust

OP mentioned dependents do not need Exit permits. Is that correct for Qatar? Dependents need them in KSA.

co durham boy

Correct , your wife or kids don't need an exit permit so they can come and go as they please .

lostinthedust

Sigh....I wish. Still, we are always permitted to keep Multi's, which seems less common in Qatar?

dubaiguy2011

Requiring an exit permit is an absolute form of control. The point is that an exit permit can be granted and/or denied at will and the process is completely arbitrary.

Our ancestors and countrymen fought for my independent right to come and go as I please for centuries - dunno about you, but I won't give that right up for anyone.

Further, it's all well and good saying that exit permits can be issued in minutes... but they can't if the concerned authority is closed. If you need to get the fark out of Dohell urgently (e.g. for a family emergency) during Eid etc, you're farked!