Qatar okays law to give permanent residency to its expats
To counter boycott from the Saudi-led alliance, Qatar has now okayed a draft law that grants permanent residency cards to certain foreigners. This is a landmark decision, owing to the fact that for decades Gulf Arab monarchies have banked on expatriate labor for their economies to function. The executive regulations pertaining to the law will be issued later. Here's all about it.
Who all are eligible?
Children of Qatari women married to foreigners, individuals with special talents "needed by the state" and those, who have extended exemplary services to the state are some of the categories that would qualify for the permanent residency cards. According to Qatar News Agency, those who receive the permanent residency card will be given the same rights that are reserved for Qatari nationals.
What will they get?
The cardholders will get benefits of state-run educational and healthcare services. They'll enjoy priority in military and civilian public jobs, after locals. Moreover, they'll have the right to own property and won't need any liaison with a local partner to run certain commercial activities in the state. Expats in the other nations under six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council still have to be sponsored by locals.
Why was such a step taken?
This landmark law comes in the toe of country's ruler, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, instructing officials to take measures that would attract investments and lessen the economy's reliance on energy. This is critical, as Saudi Arabia and three allies have now severed diplomatic and transport links with Qatar. Tamim also urged on bolstering "the home front," said QNA.
