The head of the Fatwa and Legislation Department at the Ministry of Interior, Captain Abdullah Mohammed Al Shahwani, has unveiled new amendments in the decision projects of His Excellency the Minister of Interior. These amendments are designed to enhance administrative efficiency and streamline procedures, ultimately benefiting the citizens and residents of the State of Qatar.
Al-Shahwani clarified in statements to Qatar Radio that the amendments include the national address, the data recorded on the ID cards of citizens and GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) nationals, and residency permits for residents.
He explained that the amendments include proposed changes to the Minister of Interior’s Resolution No. (96) of 2019, which states that the national address for minors shall be the address of their legal guardian or the person representing them. The assigned person must provide their national address within six months from the date the decision is published in the official gazette, and upon reaching the age of majority, the address must be provided within thirty days. If unable to do so, the address will be provided by their legal representative. Additionally, the arriving assigned person must notify their national address upon entering the country and inform the relevant authority of any modifications or changes to the address.
Law No. (24) for the year 2017 stipulates that an assigned person must establish a national address that includes their residential address, phone number, email, and workplace address and submit it to the relevant authority within the specified deadlines. If this is not done, any declaration or notification to the relevant authority is considered valid and produces all its legal effects. The assigned person must also notify the relevant authority of any changes to their national address data. If they fail to do so, the announcement is still considered valid and legally binding.
Anyone who violates these provisions will be fined no more than 10,000 riyals. The minister has the right to settle the crimes mentioned in the law by paying half the maximum fine and removing the causes of the violation. Criminal prosecution may not be initiated or may be dismissed depending on the circumstances regarding the national address, where individuals will be given the opportunity to choose the address at which they wish to receive judicial advertisements and official notifications.
One of the key objectives of this project is to establish a clear distinction between the selected address for judicial advertisements and official notifications and the residential address details of the assigned person. This differentiation aims to simplify administrative procedures and ensure a more efficient system.
The project also includes a draft resolution to amend some of the Executive Regulations of Law No. (21) of 2015, which governs the entry and exit of expatriates and their residence. It stipulates that expatriates entering or leaving the State of Qatar must carry a valid passport and an entry permit from the relevant authority. However, this requirement does not apply upon departure.
Arrivals must also enter or leave the country through designated ports and are required to provide a list of passengers and crew along with their details. They must notify the authorities of any passenger carrying incorrect documents, with the carrier bearing the costs of returning the illegal passenger. Managers of hotel and tourist facilities are responsible for accommodating arrivals and must report any absences to the relevant authorities, or they will be held responsible. They must also inform the security administration of new arrivals within 24 hours. The address of residence will be included in the residency permit for arrivals.
Regarding the personal ID card, some provisions of the Minister of Interior’s Decision No. (17) of 2015, which outlines the data recorded on it, will be amended. The decision regulates the inclusion of information on the card, such as the country name, card name, cardholder’s name, date of birth, nationality, personal number, card serial number, expiration date, and address for Qatari citizens, along with a personal photo and the state emblem.
Additional information such as occupation, type of license, passport number, and expiration date is added for expatriates. The procedures required to obtain the card include filling out a form, presenting the original passport, attaching a recent personal photo, taking fingerprints, and paying the prescribed fee.
Attendance in person is required for those aged 16 and older, or the legal representative must apply for those under this age. The card is renewed by filling out a new form, attaching a recent personal photo, returning the old card for Qataris, and paying the prescribed fee. In case of loss or damage to the card, a form must be filled out, a loss report must be attached, or the damaged card must be delivered, along with a recent personal photo. The address details must be recorded, whether for citizens or GCC nationals.
