The Qatari government has extended the validity period for the multiple-entry work visa (MEWV) for nationals of Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines and Sri Lanka.

Key Points:

• The updated regulation takes effect immediately and extends the MEWV validity period to a maximum of 12 months.
• The updated validity period is up from the previous maximum duration of 180 days.
• Foreign nationals from these countries are now subject to updated application rules, including medical and biometric procedures now required at Qatar Visa Centers in their country of residence.

Additional Information: Qatar has introduced new services at its visa centers in recent years, and Visa Support Services department officials have stated that medical test services for MEWVs are now available to meet these new requirements. Additional changes for sponsoring companies are now in effect as well, and non-Qatar Financial Centre Freezone organizations must submit employment contracts with salary details as part of the MEWV application.

BAL Analysis: The increased validity period may attract more foreign nationals from these countries to apply for MEWVs, and individuals and sponsoring companies should be aware of the new requirements when applying.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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