Qatar has announced a general amnesty for migrant workers who have overstayed their visas and are now undocumented. Under this policy, these workers can return to their home countries within three months without facing fines or penalties. The amnesty began on Sunday and applies to those without valid residence permits, expired visas, or those who failed to renew their documents. Qatar’s Ministry of Interior stated that affected individuals can leave without paying fines or staying in deportation centers.
The government has introduced a grace period under Law No (21) of 2015, which regulates the entry, exit, and residence of expatriates. This allows individuals who have violated residency laws or overstayed their visas to depart without legal consequences. The grace period will last for three months, giving undocumented workers a chance to leave the country without issues. However, it is unclear whether affected workers will have the option to stay in Qatar by obtaining legal status through a new employer, as was allowed in previous amnesty programs.
To facilitate departure, workers can go directly to Hamad International Airport or visit the Search and Follow-up Department on Salwa Road between 1 pm and 9 pm on working days to complete exit procedures. For those without passports, the Nepali Embassy in Qatar has assured that it will assist in arranging the necessary documents to help affected workers return home.