Qatar PRO Update – Health Insurance now mandatory for all Visas

Qatar PRO Update – Health Insurance now mandatory for all Visas

- Paulina Zalewska-Dzieciuchowicz

Qatar Law No. (22) of 2021 regulating Health Care Services within the country issued by His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has now formally come into force from May 4, 2022 - six months after it was published in the Official Gazette, under “the Health Care Services Law“.

As per the law, health insurance is now mandatory for all expatriates and visitors. In order to obtain an entry visa for an expatriate or visitor, or to grant or renew a residence permit to employ expatriates, the company must show proof of mandatory health insurance with adequate compliant coverage for the full duration of their stay in Qatar. Employers in Qatar are required to pay for health insurance their employees and their family members that are residing in Qatar.

Please note that the Health Care Services Law is expected to be followed by executive regulations that will define further conditions and requirements to be complied with by recruiters, employers and individuals subject to this law.

Furthermore, the Ministry has announced that it will follow a phased approach, with the first phase focusing on tourists and visitors, with more information being released in the future.

What do employers need to do now?

Employers are now required to provide health insurance for all non-Qatari national employees and their family members through an authorized insurance company registered with the Ministry of Public Health.

What are the sanctions in case of failing to comply with regulations?

Failure to maintain continuous and valid insurance coverage will subject employers to payment of the costs of healthcare services if they are not adequately covered, and companies will not be entitled to recover such cost.

The law also introduces several sanctions and financial fines for violating its provisions. In addition, the company will not be able to obtain or renew their staff resident permits without health insurance coverage.

How can PRO Partner Group help?

PRO Partner Group can assist with arranging health insurance through our associates and partnered health insurance companies, as part of the visa obtainment process and PRO work.

If you need assistance with this, or any other related company setup, restructuring, local partner or PRO support matter in Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, the wider UAE or Oman, then please do get in touch with us on +971 (0)4 456 1761 for Dubai, +971 (0)2 448 5120 for Abu Dhabi, or email us at info@propartnergroup.com, or complete the contact form below and we will be delighted to assist you.

Get in touch with Paulina Zalewska-Dzieciuchowicz

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