Qatar, a country where modernism blends with tradition, attracts people due to its booming economy and peaceful life. The country ranks #29 in the 2024 Global Peace Index and #02 in the Middle East and North Africa.
The credit goes to Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (MOI). From implementing laws in the state to issuing necessary licences, the Ministry handles all. Today, we will cover everything the Ministry does and how you can make your stay in Qatar convenient with it.
About Ministry of Interior (MOI) Qatar
In 1970, under the decree no. (5), the Ministry of Interior was established to implement the highest safety standards. Initially, it organised and oversaw police forces to ensure a lower crime rate within the state. Over time, the Ministry started overseeing different processes within Qatar.
Working under the supervision of His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, here are the Ministry’s highlights:
- MOI QA looks after the safety and peace within the state, national border security and lowering crime rates. The Ministry works hard to protect lives, properties and national security.
- Additionally, the Ministry is also responsible for nationality, travel and residence-related matters. It is a one-stop destination for every Qatar resident’s concerns.
- Due to its diligence, Qatar ranks high in the world safety index.
- Moreover, the Ministry works hard to raise awareness among people against unlawful practices. It has received awards for its thoughtful initiatives and public awareness campaigns by different authorities.
MOI Qatar Strategy
The Ministry’s main focus is a stable and modern environment within the state. To achieve its goal, the authority follows the Constitution of Qatar, Islamic culture and other laws.
Location
MOI has its main office in Doha, the heart of Qatar, and has multiple service centres to provide ultimate convenience.
Functions of MOI Qatar
Emiri Decree 16/2014 assigned different functions to the Ministry of Interior Qatar. Let’s quickly go through its functions:
1. Proposing Initiatives
MOI continuously works to revolutionise and streamline the processes within the state. It suggests innovations, programs, laws and policies related to its functions. Once approved, the Ministry is also responsible for implementing them.
2. Keeping a Check on Other Authorities
Some departments fall under MOI such as police and security departments, traffic patrols and investigation departments. The Ministry is responsible for regulating the processes of these departments, ensuring everyone is doing their work just right.
3. Laws Implementation
MOI QA is responsible for implementing laws and regulations within the state and ensuring citizens abide by those.
4. Supervising and Licence Issuance
Often, the Ministry collaborates with other public and private bodies to carry out the necessary functions. In this case, MOI also supervises these entities. Moreover, the Ministry is also responsible for issuing different licences.
5. Quality Checks
To provide the highest quality services, MOI runs regular checks and identifies areas to improve the functionality.
6. Foreign Affairs
From creating strong ties with neighbouring countries to developing business relationships, the Ministry does it all.
7. Data Analysis
To keep up with modern practices and technology, MOI continuously works to generate new insights from data. This helps launch new initiatives and policies.
8. Legal Documents
Its basic function is to carry out all the legal documentation processes for different functions and programs.
9. Representing Qatar
MOI is also responsible for representing the country in different walks of life. From participating in different conferences to being a part of organisations, MOI is a leading authority in Qatar.
10. Qatar Statistics
MOI is also responsible for gathering data, generating meaningful insights and publishing the statistics for its different functions.
11. Annual Budget
It also works on the annual budget and finalises it with the approval of relevant authorities.
12. Special Functions of MOI
According to Clause (3) of Emiri Decree 16/2014, MOI performs some special functions listed below:
- Ensuring the highest degree of security and order within the state.
- Taking safety measures to protect human lives, honour and their properties.
- Working on building a safe nation.
- Controlling crime rate within Qatar.
- Guarding monuments and Government buildings within Qatar.
- Dealing with Nationality matters of expats.
- Providing ease of entry and a good lifestyle for expats within the state.
Ministry of Interior Qatar Services
MOI offers a complete package of services in person and online using its website or app. Whether you want to know the status of your Qatar visa or inquire about traffic violations, the authority answers all. Let’s explore the different service categories before moving on to the newly launched Metrash2 app.
E-Services
Here are the E-services offered by the Ministry of Interior (MOI):
Inquiries
Under this section, you can find different inquiry services such as traffic violations or visa inquiries. Let’s go through the complete services offered:
| Service Type | Description |
| a. Traffic Inquiries | |
| Traffic Violations | Search for recorded traffic violations using company ID number, vehicle number, ID number, or foreign vehicle information. |
| Traffic Reports | Easily go through the accident reports using this service. Search by incident number and driver/plate number and download these types of reports:
|
| Certificates Inquiry | Inquire about export, clearance and cancelled certificates. |
| b. Visa Services | |
| Visa Approval Tracking | Applied for a Qatar work or visit visa? Easily check the approval status by typing your application number. |
| Visa Inquiry and Printing | Inquire about visa details and print using this service. |
| Visa Visit Extension | With MOI, a visa extension is just a click away! |
| Track Application Status (Qatar Visa Centre) | Book an appointment at the Qatar Visa Centre. |
| c. Exit and Entry Permits | |
| Entry Permits | Fill out the necessary information and print Airport, diplomatic area, Qatar Media Corporation, Abu Samrah Border, Hamad Port, Doha Port and Ruwais Port entry permits. |
| Exit Permit | Check out the leave notification status using the QID Number. |
| Leave Notification | Print the leave notification form using the service. |
| d. Residency Permits | |
| Tracking Application | Applied for a residency permit in Qatar? Check the status using the visa number. |
| Renewal Tracking | Use the QID number to check the renewal status. |
| Eligibility for Permanent Residency | Fill out the QID number and residency expiry date to check eligibility. |
| Other Services |
|
| e. Other Inquiries | |
| Official Documents Expiry | Use QID or Passport number to check the expiry dates of official documents like ID cards, Passports, Residency permits or driving licences. |
| Smart Card Form | Fill out the necessary details and select the duration of the smart card to print the form. |
| Smart Card Activation Form | Activate e-services on a smart card by printing the form easily. |
| f. Metrash | |
| SMS Alerts | By subscribing to individual or companies/establishments Metrash services, the subscriber can receive SMS alerts on their mobile phones for:
|
| g. QPost Services | |
| Traffic |
|
| Residence Permit |
|
| Qatari Documents |
|
| h. PCC Inquiry | |
| PCC | Using the QID and application number, check the status of the police clearance certificate. |
| i. DCV Inquiry | |
| Validation | Check the validity of digitally signed documents. |
Category Specific Services
The Ministry of Interior has different departments that look after varying functions. For the below-mentioned, an individual has to visit the concerned department or the MOI service centres. Here are the complete service details:
| Category | Department | Service |
| a. Exit and Entry Permits | Airport Security Department | Fill out and print the airport entry permit form to enter Doha International Airport or other Qatar Airports for work or any other purpose. Fees:
|
| b. Early Warning Services | Communications Department | Apply for obtaining a new licence for an early warning system. |
| c. Services for Security Companies | Establishments and Authorities Security Department |
|
| d. Police Clearance Certificate | Evidences and Information Department | Apply for a police clearance certificate through this Department. Service charges are QAR 10 for residents and USD 10 for others. |
| e. Civil Defence Services General | Directorate of Civil Defence |
|
| f. Supplier Registration | General Directorate of Logistics and Supply | Register a foreign company through this service. |
| g. Residence Permit and Visa Services | General Directorate of Passports | Non-Work Residence Visas
Work Residence Visas
Other Services:
|
| h. Traffic Services | General Directorate of Traffic |
|
| i. Official Documents Service | Nationality and Travel Documents Department |
|
| j. Security Surveillance System Services | Security Systems Department | Apply for security company registration, NOCs or shipment clearance. |
Metrash2: The Ultimate Convenience
The Ministry of Interior has launched its mobile application by the name ‘Metrash2’. The app contains over 224 services that you can easily use. The application is available on the Play Store and App Store. Among the many services, here are some of the main highlights:
- Citizens: Qatari documents issuance and loss report and exit permit.
- Traffic: Traffic violations, certificates and driving licence issuance and renewal.
- Residencies: Issuance and renewal of residence permit.
- Entry Features: Such as checking the status of visa applications.
FAQs
How Can I Check My MOI Qatar ID Status?
You can easily check your QID Status using the MOI QA Website. For the complete process, check out our comprehensive guide.
How Many Types of Visas Are There in Qatar?
Qatar allows foreigners to come and live on short-term or long-term visas. Some common types of visas in Qatar include tourist visas, family visas and residency visas.
Conclusion
With the convenient E-services, inquire about the status of your visa, residency or traffic violations. Visit your nearest MOI service centre to apply for visas or licences quickly!
Furthermore, Qatar boasts top driving schools such as Karwa Academy and Doha Driving Academy. You can learn driving from the best in Qatar!
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