Qatar easing of foreign worker exit system comes into force
What's the story
Long-awaited reform of Qatar's controversial exit visa system, which requires foreign workers to obtain their bosses' permission to leave the country, came into force on Sunday, the government said. Qatar announced in September it had approved legislation to scrap the visa system, a lynchpin of the country's "kafala", or sponsorship, a system which many liken to modern-day slavery. Read more.
New law
Violators of the law to face action from EEGC
The Interior Ministry said, "Law No. 13 of 2018, regulating the entry, exit, and residency of expatriates, is being implemented starting today." Under the new law, all but 5% of a company's workforce, reportedly those in the most senior positions, can leave without prior permission from employers. Those not allowed "for any reason" can file a complaint to the Expatriate Exit Grievance Committee (EEGC).
Abolishing the system
An end to the long-argument for abolition of exit visa-system
Scrapping the exit permit is the biggest annoUNcement made so far since Qatar agreed last November to enter into a three-year agreement with the UN's International Labour Organization to oversee reform. Critics have long argued for abolition of the exit visa system. Research published last year by rights group "Migrant-Rights.org" found around a quarter of all exit visa requests were denied by the government.