Qatar warns employers of up to QR25,000 fine for withholding workers’ passports

Fine for withholding passports

Employers in Qatar who do not return workers’ passports after finishing residence permit issuance or renewal may be fined up to QR25,000, according to a reminder from a Ministry of Interior official.

Official’s guidance

Speaking during a Ministry of Interior webinar, Major Saud Hamad Alburaydi, head of the Detention Section at the Search and Follow‑up Department, said passports must be handed back to employees unless there is a mutual agreement to keep them or a signed legal document authorising the retention.

The ministry’s guidance treats failure to return passports after residency procedures as a legal violation and urges employers to give the documents back to their workers.

Employers’ responsibilities

Major Alburaydi also advised employers to keep proper employment contracts, complete residence permit processes within the required timeframes, provide suitable accommodation for workers and follow all regulations governing expatriate labour.

He urged employers to approach the competent authorities to settle any employment‑related problems and noted that workers whose passports are being withheld can seek help from the relevant authorities.