Middle East and North Africa

Insurance

 

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel Insurance.

 

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.

Registering with the British Embassy

There is no need for short-term visitors (less than two-weeks) to register.  If you intend to live in Qatar, you should register at the British Embassy in Doha. This can now be done online, or in person by completion of a registration card. 

You may also register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.  More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

 

Working in Qatar

Potential job seekers should be aware that those testing HIV positive whilst applying for their residence permit are detained then deported.  There is no appeal process.  Taking a blood test shortly before travelling to Qatar to take up work would therefore be advisable.

Potential job seekers should also be aware that under Qatari Labour Law the employer’s permission (an Exit Permit) to leave Qatar is required on every occasion. You should also ask potential employers whether they operate under an exemption from the Qatari Labour Law, as this may affect the terms and conditions under which you are employed.

Under Qatar sponsorship laws, any employee wishing to change from one sponsor to another must be given a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Employees should note however that there is no obligation upon a sponsor to give an employee an NOC. Without an NOC an employee must leave Qatar at the end of their employment and may not return to work in Qatar for two (2) years. The Embassy is not able to influence or request the granting of an NOC on behalf of a British National.