The United States are one of the few countries in the world today loosening their policies regarding non-nationals entering and living in the country. In Qatar, this aspect of governance is, understandably, highly regulated. Anyone intending to take a long-term position in the state will, within short order, need to acquire a Residency Permit to stay for any length of time over a couple weeks.
Like so many things in Qatar, the process is both simple and difficult all at once. As long as one has a position, no criminal background, and is not coughing blood all over the place, obtaining a Residency Permit is basically assured. Getting through the process is another matter.
As previously mentioned regarding entrance visas, the Residency Permit will be obtained by way of an employer. That simplifies the whole matter: the employer wants the new employee, and the new employee wants the job -- everyone has the same goal. Employers handle all the paperwork and contact with the government, so on that, no worries.
A quick note before discussing the details: be prepared to wait, but know that it will get done. Anyone from the United States has grown accustomed to the idea that things tend to happen in a fairly orderly and timely fashion. That is not the case here. At the same time, if something must be done, it will.
In the next post, I will explain the first step: an exam at the Medical Commission. After that follows fingerprinting and actually getting the Qatar resident ID.
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