Qatar has announced a general amnesty for migrant workers who have overstayed their residence visas and are now undocumented. Under this amnesty, such individuals will be allowed to return to their home countries within three months without facing any penalties. The amnesty scheme came into effect from Sunday.

Issuing an announcement on Saturday, Qatar’s Ministry of Interior said that migrant workers without a valid residence permit, expired visas, or those who failed to renew their documents can now return to their home countries without paying fines or staying in deportation centres.

The ministry has announced a grace period for violators of Law No (21) of 2015 regulating the entry, exit, and residence of expatriates, to facilitate their departure. “The amnesty applies to those who have violated provisions of the law related to residency or have overstayed their approved period in the country under an entry visa,” the announcement read. “The grace period begins on Sunday, February 9, 2025, and will continue for three months.”

However, the notice does not clarify whether undocumented workers will be allowed to obtain legal status and remain in Qatar with the approval of a new employer. In previous amnesty schemes, migrant workers were given the option to either repatriate or regularise their status and continue working in the country.

For repatriation, violators can proceed to the Hamad International Airport for departure or approach the Search and Follow-up Department, Salwa Road on official working days between 1 pm and 9 pm to complete the departure procedures within the specified period, the ministry says.

For those without passports, the Nepali Embassy in Qatar has stated that it will facilitate necessary arrangements to assist affected workers.