Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (MoI) has reduced the grace period for residents to leave the country after their residency permit lapses from 30 days to 14 days, an official announced on Tuesday. Captain Ali Ahmed Ali al-Kuwari from the MoI’s Airport Passport Department provided the update during a webinar focused on travel procedures and safety.

Under the new policy, individuals must exit Qatar within two weeks following the cancellation of their residence permit. Those who overstay beyond this period face a daily fine of QR10. Previously, the allowable exit window was 30 days.

Captain al-Kuwari also emphasized the importance of verifying the duration of stay for visitors holding visit visas, noting that the permitted length is indicated on the visa sticker affixed to their passports. Visitors who exceed the allowed stay are subject to a QR200 daily fine.

He advised travelers to consult the government’s Metrash app prior to departure to settle any outstanding fines, such as traffic violations or overstaying penalties. The app also provides information on travel bans, which must be lifted by the relevant authorities before departure.

To streamline immigration procedures, the Airport Passports Department operates 76 electronic gates across arrival and departure terminals. The e-gate system expedites clearance, typically requiring only 10 to 15 seconds per traveler, and is available free of charge to citizens, residents, and visitors.

Captain al-Kuwari urged travelers to observe floor markings at immigration areas to maintain orderly processing and reduce wait times. He further noted that the Metrash app facilitates residency permit renewal when transferring permits to new passports.

Regarding newborns in Qatar, the official explained that residents must register births at the passport office and obtain residence permits for the infants, sponsored by the father and supported by embassy documentation. Without the residence permit, newborns will be unable to re-enter Qatar.

These clarifications follow the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance compliance with immigration regulations and improve traveler convenience within Qatar’s borders.