Are you planning to leave Qatar permanently or apply for a different visa? Like visa approval for entry, exit requires a visa and Qatar ID cancellation. Expats must clear outstanding dues, close all accounts and settle all matters before leaving the state. The government has simplified visa cancellation in Qatar with the introduction of an online application facility.

Save yourself from legal challenges, skip the hassles and apply for a visa cancellation in no time. Here we go!

Visa Cancellation in Qatar: A Quick Overview

Visa cancellation in Qatar is a legal process of settling all pending matters and terminating the Qatar ID and visa. Whether your employment contract has ended or your study duration has concluded, this process is crucial before leaving the country. The core steps of the process are almost the same for all visa types except for a few minor differences.

The cancellation process usually starts with paying off debts, gathering documents, applying for cancellation and receiving an exit permit. There is more to it and the details make all the difference to a smooth visa cancellation. Let’s review the step-by-step process for a seamless exit from Qatar.

Importance of Visa Cancellation in Qatar

Here is why visa termination is mandatory before leaving the country:

• Prevents legal issues.
• Saves you from penalties.
• Helps in final settlement and end-of-service benefits.
• Makes the re-entry process hassle-free.

What Types of Visas Need Cancellation?

Be it a work, student or visit visa, visa cancellation is crucial for every Qatar visa before leaving the country permanently.

How to Cancel a Visa in Qatar

Visa cancellation involves some simple steps that begin with the sponsor’s approval. Let’s get straight into it.

Checklist for Cancellation

Follow this checklist before applying for visa cancellation:

1. Get Sponsor’s Approval

According to Qatar labour laws, a signed permission letter from the sponsor is the first step of visa cancellation in Qatar. This step is crucial for every expat under the sponsorship of an employer or a family member.

2. Settle Outstanding Debts

The next step is to clear any outstanding dues, financial debts and fines. This is crucial for visa cancellation and prevents any legal complications. It also includes settling rent payments and utility charges.

3. Conclude Employment Contract

It is equally important to satisfy employment contract conditions and serve proper notice. To streamline the process, resign, inform your employer and get a permission letter.

4. Seize all Operations

Lastly, expats must close their bank accounts and conclude tenancy contracts. It is mandatory to settle all financial and legal obligations before leaving the country.

Documents Required

Here are the documents you need to arrange for a smooth process:

• Original passport
• Qatar ID
• No objection certificate (NOC) from the sponsor
• Bank clearance letter
• Clearance certificate from educational institution (for student visa holders)

Process

Once everything is in place, now comes the actual part: visa and Qatar ID cancellation. There are multiple application ways to facilitate expats including user-friendly online and traditional in-person applications. Here are the ways to cancel your visa in Qatar:

Online Application Via the Ministry of Interior (MOI)

• Go to the MOI’s official website or Metrash2 mobile application (Android | iOS).
• Login or register on the MOI portal.
• Click ‘Residence Services’, then go to ‘Cancel Residence.’
• Fill out the details such as the Residence Permit number.
• Attach the required documents.
• Pay the fee.
• Get payment receipt.
• The cancellation process usually takes one to two working days.

Via MOI Self-Service Machine

• Go to the nearest MOI office or public place installed with a self-service machine.
• Choose the language of instructions.
• Selected the correct service.
• Follow the instructions and provide details like Qatar ID number and passport information.
• Scan to upload documents.
• Pay in cash or using a card.
• Wait for cancellation approval and document issuance.

Offline Via Immigration Office

Expats who prefer in-person applications can visit the nearest immigration office or General Directorate for Borders, Passport and Expats Affairs Office. Simply carry your documents, apply and wait one to two working days for approval and visa cancellation confirmation.

Qatar Visa Centre (QVC) handles in-person visa cancellation applications for citizens of the following countries:

• India
• Nepal
• Bangladesh
• Pakistan
• Sri Lanka
• Philippines

Company or Government-Sponsored Expats

The government or private organisation is responsible for applying on behalf of the sponsored employees. The application must be stamped by the organisation, verified by PRO and sent to the immigration office.

Grace Period

It is suggested to leave the country within the allotted grace period after visa cancellation in Qatar. This is to avoid overstaying fines and other penalties. The grace period is 7 days for visit visa holders and 30 days for others.

Exit Permit: Overview and Process

An exit permit is a document issued after visa cancellation in Qatar. Initially, it was a mandatory requirement for every expat. However, with the launch of online cancellation, the exit permit requirement is limited to these individuals:

• Employees bound by employment contracts.
• Those working for government or security departments.
• If financial debts or legal cases are registered against an individual.
• Employees sponsored by employers.
• If an employment contract requires an employee to seek approval from the employer.

Process

Expats who require an exit permit can follow this process to apply for it:

• Visit the MOI website or the Metrash2 application.
• Go to the ‘Inquiries’ section.
• Choose ‘Exit and Entry Permits’ and head to ‘Leave Application Form’.
• Carefully fill out the form and provide details such as name, ID number, visa number and sponsor’s Qatar ID number.
• Pay the fee using a card.
• Wait for one to two working days for approval and exit permit issuance.

Fees

The fee for exit permit issuance is QAR 10.

Validity

Exit permits are valid for 72 hours after issuance which is the period to leave Qatar. Consequences of exceeding this period include reapplication and legal fines.

Exit Permit from the Ministry of Labour

The Ministry of Labour is responsible for managing relationships and conflicts between employees and employers. The ministry issues an exit permit to employees who need approval from the employer. Not all employees require this permit but it is limited to a few designated ones.

Process

Here is how you can apply for an exit permit:

• Visit the Ministry of Labour’s official website.
• Go to the ‘Exit-Entry Services’ tab.
• Choose the relevant service, follow the instructions and submit the application.

Visa Cancellation Challenges and Resolutions

Although the process is seamless in most cases, some common challenges may occur. By knowing beforehand, you can deal with these issues with confidence. Let’s look at these challenges and how to resolve them:

1. Travel Bans in Qatar

Travel bans in Qatar are stressful and a resident is restricted from leaving the country. The main reasons include legal cases, financial obligations and employer objections. Check your travel ban status in Qatar using the MOI website before planning to leave the country. Resolve any issues to prevent delays in visa cancellation in Qatar.

2. Delays in Visa Cancellation

Are you facing a delay in visa cancellation? Be it documentation issues or outstanding fines, delays are a common yet challenging situation. Avoid such a situation by planning and keeping a check on necessary procedures.

3. Issues Created by Sponsor or Employer

In some cases, a sponsor or employer restricts an expat from leaving the country. Notify in advance and communicate clearly to resolve such matters. If both parties are unable to reach a mutual ground, the final step is to file a complaint.

FAQs

1. What Happens When Your Visa Is Cancelled in Qatar?

The immediate step after visa cancellation is to plan your departure. Expats have 7 to 30 days to leave Qatar depending on visa type. After the end of this grace period, the authorities impose fines and can blacklist them in severe cases.

2. How Much Does It Cost to Cancel a Visa in Qatar?

Visa cancellation cost differs based on visa type while exit permit issuance costs QAR 10.

3. How Can I Check the Qatar Visa Cancellation Status?

Qatar visa status check is a quick and straightforward process. To apply, visit the MOI or QVC website and head to the ‘visa inquiry’ section. Enter the details and click ‘submit’ to view the visa status.

Now you have all the information for a seamless visa cancellation in Qatar. Settle any outstanding debts, follow the process and leave the country within the grace period.

Similarly, check your traffic fines online in Qatar and settle them in time. It saves you from financial debts and ensures compliance with legal practices.

Stay connected to the Property Finder blogs for more information on a smooth relocation to and from Qatar.