To work in Qatar, you need a visa and a sponsor. The sponsor can be a Qatari citizen or a registered business owner. They will give you the visa and legal status.
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Some workers in Qatar have a freelance visa. This visa lets you have more than one employer and earn more money. But it has good and bad points. If you’re thinking of going to Qatar with this visa, read on to learn more.
What is a Freelance Visa?
A freelance visa lets you work for more than one employer as a self-employed worker. You can find new clients whenever you want.
While other countries have a freelance visa, there is no such thing in Qatar. The sponsor who provides the work visa to the expatriate will not be used for employment. The visa only allows you to live in Qatar and look for work on your own.
Costs / Fees of a Freelance Visa
The cost of the freelance visa depends on the expatriate and the sponsor. But it typically ranges from QR 5000 to 10,000. According to some forums, it can reach up to QR 15,000.
Procedure for Getting a Freelance Visa
To get the visa, you pay the sponsor the agreed amount. Some sponsors may require upfront payment, while others allow paying in installments.
Video About Freelance Visa
You can learn about freelance visas by watching a YouTube video from Qatar OFW Kabayan Sheila Vlog. The vlogger explains what the visa is, as well as the pros and cons of using it. She also advises viewers to save money for job-related tasks in the future.
You can watch the full video here:
Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on personal experiences that the OFW shared in the video. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video or on their social media accounts.
Advantages of a Freelance Visa
With a freelance visa, you can offer your services to as many employers as you can handle. In addition, you can choose which job you prefer and leave it when you want without a contract holding you back.
As the video shows, expats with freelance visas are in demand in Qatar right now. They can also earn more than workers with a regular work visa.
Disadvantages of a Freelance Visa
Expats with a freelance visa are not guaranteed a job. Since there is no contract, they can be let go anytime. They are also responsible for paying their rent, utilities, and transportation. This is the reason why freelancers earn more, because they are the ones who pay for their needs.
But if the expat wants to change their profession, apply for a driver’s license, or bring their family to Qatar, they need to get a sponsor. In these cases, the sponsor may charge higher fees.
If the Labour Ministry checks a company and finds an employee with a different sponsor, it could lead to the employer’s arrest or deportation.
Alternatives to Freelance Visa
Fortunately, there are legal ways to get the same job with the flexibility of the freelance visa. One option is to work in a labor supply company. The company provides employees for various companies in Qatar and is responsible for paying their salary. The employee can have a different sponsor because they are outsourced.
Another option is to work as a “secondee.” This is a formal arrangement between the employee and sponsor with prior approval from the Ministry of Labour. A “secondee” can work for less than 6 months. If there is a need to renew the arrangement, they need approval from the Labour Ministry.,
Summary
The freelance visa has some gray areas. While it allows the expat to find work on their own terms, they lack the legal documents to back up their employment. If caught, freelancers might face legal problems, imprisonment, or deportation.
Instead, why not explore legal options to find work? We have discussed alternatives for those who prefer too work from one employer to another.
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