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What Is Qatar Return Permit?
A Return Permit (also called a re-entry permit) is a temporary document granted for those who have stayed out of the country for more than six (6) months, and his/her residency is still valid and has the prior approval of entry.
This document can also be used if the resident loses their passport or Residence Card while outside Qatar.
This article explains how residents can apply for Qatar Return Permit if they overstay outside Qatar (staying out for more than six months) or lose their Qatar ID while abroad.
How Many Days Can I Stay Outside Qatar?
You can stay up to 180 days (6 months) out of Qatar with a valid Residence Permit. To return after six months, you will need a Return Permit (re-entry permit) processed by the sponsor.
Return Permit For Residents Outside Qatar
If you, a member of your family, or a member of your staff, have stayed out of the country for more than six (6) months and the residency is still valid, and you have prior approval of entry, you can apply for a Return Permit.
Different document requirements depend on who the sponsor is. The fee varies from QR 200 to QR 500 again, depending on the sponsorship type. Here are the details:
1. For those on sponsorship of companies and establishments
This permit is granted to an expatriate on the sponsorship of an establishment who has stayed out of the country for more than 6 months, and his residence permit is still valid.
The sponsor can apply online (Metrash 2) or through MoI Service Center.
On Metrash2, this option is available under: “Leave Notification” – “Return Permit”.
Below are the requirements to apply through MoI Service Center:
Requirements:
- Submission of the application from the sponsor
- Copy of the establishment card of the company
- Passport copy of the sponsored person
- In case of passport loss, a copy of a Lost Passport Certificate and copies of the old and new passports is required.
- Fee: QR 500 (Pay by credit/debit card)
2. For those on personal sponsorship of an expatriate
This permit is granted to family members of residents who have stayed out of the country for more than 6 months and whose residence permit is still valid.
The sponsor can apply on Metrash2 or through MoI Service Center.
On Metrash2, this option is available under: “Leave Notification” – “Return Permit”.
Below are the requirements to apply through MoI Service Center:
Requirements:
- Submission of the application from the sponsor
- Passport copy or the ID card copy of the sponsor
- Passport copy of the sponsored person
- In case of passport loss, a copy of a Lost Passport Certificate and copies of the old and new passports is required.
- Fee: QR 500 (Pay by credit/debit card)
3. For those on personal sponsorship of a Qatari national
This permit is granted for housemaids and those on their status who are on the personal sponsorship of a Qatari national and have stayed outside the country for more than 6 months.
The sponsor can apply on Metrash2 or through MoI Service Center.
On Metrash2, this option is available under: “Leave Notification” – “Return Permit”.
Below are the requirements to apply through MoI Service Center:
Requirements:
- Submission of an application from the sponsor
- Copy of the ID Card of the sponsor
- Passport copy of the sponsored person
- In case of passport loss, a copy of a Lost Passport Certificate and copies of the old and new passports are required.
- Fee: QR 200 (Pay by credit/debit card)
Important Notes
If you lose your passport and get a return permit, your lost passport becomes invalid/blacklisted. You cannot use that passport in case you get it back.
The return permit has a validity period which will be mentioned on the permit. The sponsored person has to return to Qatar within the validity period.
FAQ on Qatar Return Permit
When is a Return Permit needed in Qatar?
If you, a member of your family, or a member of your staff, have stayed out of the country for more than 6 months and the residency is still valid, you can apply for a Return Permit.
How can I apply for Return Permit to Qatar?
The sponsor has to apply for Return Permit online via Metrash2 or by visiting any Ministry of Interior Service Centre.
How much does Qatar Return Permit cost?
A Qatar Return Permit can cost QR 500 (for company / personal sponsorship) or QR 200 (for housemaids).
How long is Qatar Return Permit valid?
The validity will be mentioned on the permit.
How long can I stay out of Qatar with Residence Permit?
You can stay up to six months out of Qatar with a valid Residence Permit. After six months, you can stay up to one year and return using a Return Permit. The QID should be valid during this period.
Can I go back to Qatar after 6 months?
A resident can go back to Qatar even after six months but will need a Return Permit processed by the sponsor. The Residence Permit should also be valid.
You May Also Like:
- How to Change Job in Qatar Without NOC
- Death in Qatar: Repatriation and Funeral Procedures
- MOI Qatar Metrash2 Registration and User Guide
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Hi NRI,
I have encountered a message of “Invalid Operation Type” in the Issue Return Visa under Exit Permit Services in Metrash2. Hence, I was not able to pay the fee (beyond 6 mos. outside Qatar). What could be the cause of this error? Is it because my ID is not a smart ID card?
Labor court cancel my visa how came back Qatar 2013
Hi, my brother family (wife & 6yrs old daughter overstay last 36 months ,now how get exit permit for them go out from Doha to india
Hi Ronald, 36 months overstay is a serious issue. Please check with Indian Embassy and they would advise.
Sir, Salaam
I’m out of Qatar more than six months. and RP is valid, what is the procedure to enter in Qatar, please advise.thank you,
Zakir
Dear NRI Cafe, Really appreciable and thankful for your effort & support to clear our doubts..!
Could you please give me an information about family visit visa. My family was here until last month for visit. They have stayed here 06 months + 01 month, total 07 months. Now i’m again trying them for visit visa. Is there any issue to approve visit visa bcz of this 1 month over stay. kindly advise me. i’m planning to bring them on next week.
Hi Vneeth, There shouldn’t be any issue if they have already left the country.
Dear NRI Cafe,
Can you please advise in such a situation when the email copy is not received? Thanks
Hi Shahid, In such cases, you can call Metrash Helpline 2342000.
HELLO NRI CAFE,
I APPLIED RETURN VISA THROUGH METRASH 2 BUT I DINT RECEIVE EMAIL FROM MOI EVEN I REGISTED MY EMAIL ID IN METRASH… NOW PLEASE ADVICE ME HOW CAN GET THIS PAPER
Hi Anees, For Metrash support please call 2342000
hi sir
my friend in turkey and he lost his id card mean (Resident Permit) turkey airport can’t accept return visa paper
what I do know please can you help me I want bring back my friend Doha safely…….
Hi Farhan, Please check this: http://nricafe.com/2016/02/guide-what-to-do-if-you-lose-qatar-residence-card-while-abroad/
Doha I don’t have any problem in turkey airport immigration can’t understand he told my friend I need your identification and my friend passport new and no sticker inside the passport only Id card ……
Hi Farhan, Regret for the delay. If there is an issue in Turkey airport, someone has to get a return visa in Qatar and send to him (as per the above process).
How long can a spouse with a valid RP visa stay out of Qatar for?. Is it up to 12 months, then a return visa is required?
Hi Steve, It is 6 months only for all (including those on family visa).
thanks million..
Hi NRI Cafe,
Once i got return permit for my wife and kid, do you know how long the permit valid?
Thanks in Advance,
Akbar
Hi Akbar, Validity date will be mentioned in the return permit. Usually it is 14 or 30 days.
You can pay fine thro Metrash App. Login and go exit permit menu and select return permit. Then enter the QID of person who overstayed and details will appear and pay the fine by entering credit card details and receive a e mail from MOI Qatar. Quite easy and convenient. Please register your email with MOI thro seettings in Metrash app
Thanks for explaining Kishan.
Hi, after paying 500qr for a return visa/permit through metrash2, is there some documents to print to present at the airport? Thanks.
Hi Jay, You will get an email to the registered ID. You can take a print out to be more sure.
How to pay overstay fine for my daughter thro metrash. I tried all the option, no icon for paying 500 Qr fine
Hi NRICAFE,
Thanks very much for your help. My question is how 6 months is calculated ?
Is it 180 Days or same day after 6 months ?
Hi Jahangir, It is 180 days.
Hi, I have received Return Permit for my wife whose RP has got expired during her stay in India… I’m afraid whether airways will allow her to board the flight without any hiccups while she shows passport having Visa expired but still holding this “Return Permit” which is valid for another 30days… Please advise.
Hii NRI Café, My wife was having RP here in Qatar and she went back to India for delivery and her RP was expired during her stay in India, please let me know can I file a return visa for her or i have to apply the visa again from the beginning
Hi Bharadwaj, You can try the Return Visa process as above.
Hi i try to get return visa for my family.. But i unable to found that option in metrash2.. My version is upto date.. Pls guid how to do it.. Thabks
Hi Ila, From Home screen, click on Exit Permit and then on Return Permit.
Hi do we need to have a medical for a return visa please any one who knows
Hi Marilou, There is no need to do medical again (as you have already done it for Residence Permit).
Dear NRI Cafe,
Please advise where is the office location to submit the return visa form
Hi Kaveri, You can search Al Gharafa Immigration Department on Google Map.