Qatar’s Ministry of Interior has announced a reduction in the post-cancellation residency grace period for expatriates. The grace period for individuals whose residence permits have been cancelled has been shortened from 30 days to 14 days, as stated by an official from the Airport Passports Department.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
This change directly affects expatriate employees and their employers by reducing the time available to arrange departure or alternative residency following permit cancellation. The shortened window may also have implications for the planning of final payroll, repatriation logistics, and end-of-assignment processes.
Key Highlights
- The allowable period to remain in Qatar following residence permit cancellation is now 14 days, down from 30 days.
- Individuals remaining in Qatar beyond the 14-day grace period may incur a fine of QAR 10 per day.
- Overstaying a visit visa is subject to a penalty of QAR 200 per day.
- Travellers may check their residency and compliance status—such as unpaid fines or overstay penalties—via the Metrash mobile application before departure.
- Newborns may be registered and issued a residence permit under the father's sponsorship; otherwise, re-entry into Qatar may not be permitted after exit.
- E‑gates at Hamad International Airport are available for immigration processing.
KPMG INSIGHTS
In light of the changes, the organizations, entities and individuals might consider the following:
- Organizations could review and update internal mobility and exit processes to reflect the new 14-day limit.
- Employers could communicate the change to expatriate staff and review documentation and travel planning timelines following permit cancellation.
- Employers could use the Metrash app to review whether employees have outstanding dues prior to departure.
- Human resources leaders, global mobility managers, and affected employees could note a shorter timeline for exit procedures, administrative arrangements, and compliance with immigration regulations.
If assignees and/or their programme managers have any questions or concerns about the scope of the update, its application and potential impacts, and appropriate next steps, they should consult with their qualified immigration professional or a member of the GMS immigration team with KPMG in Qatar (see the Contacts section).
ENDNOTE:
1 Gulf News, “Qatar cuts post-cancellation residency grace period to 14 days,” published on 17 June 2026.
Contacts
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Qatar.
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