Qatar's population has risen from around
600,000 in 2000 to in excess of 2.2 million at the end of 2016. It
is among one of the most prosperous countries in the world and one
of the fastest growing economies in the Middle East.
Law No.21 of 2015, Immigration Law, sets out the regulations
under which expatriates may enter, work and reside in and exit from
Qatar. The Immigration Law will repeal Law No.(4) of 2009 (Old
Immigration Law) and the decisions and resolutions previously
issued to implement it. However, until the publication of the
executive regulations, the Old Immigration Law will remain in force
to the extent that it does not contradict the provisions of the
Immigration Law. The Immigration Department of the Ministry of
Interior and the Labour Department of the Ministry of
Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs are the main
agencies of administration. The law defines an Expatriate as any
individual entering Qatar who is not a Qatari national.
