Health System in Qatar—Ministry of Labor has announced the launch of a fast track service for new electronic labor requests, which will allow companies to obtain, in minutes or less quickly, visas to bring in workers from abroad following specified criteria and requirements, as part of labor law reforms and labor market organization in the State of Qatar.
To better organize the labor market, the government of Qatar has issued a series of laws and regulations, including rules for entry, exit, and residential permits, wage protection, and the right to a movement where workers no longer need exit permits to leave the country or change employment freely, without requiring a No-Objection Certificate.
The State of Qatar established 20 Qatar Visa Centers (QVCs) in 10 countries to speed the recruitment process and ensure that workers are not exploited in their home countries. Additionally, the government has established a Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund to safeguard and provide care for workers, protect their rights, and create a healthy and safe working environment.
It also established methods for requesting the recruitment of labor for the private sector using innovative electronic services, enhanced the labor sector’s electronic services system, and helped speed up and facilitate the completion of services for its clients.
The Ministry of Labor has launched a new fast track service to assist enterprises dedicated to the Labor Law’s rules in setting up and expanding operations in Qatar for new and existing businesses. Recent and current companies must apply with the details of the labor they need to be eligible for this service, which is determined by the employment growth rates in similar enterprises and the activity level of the facility.
The national authentication system requires companies to use a thoughtful card to validate the facility’s identification before utilizing the service. According to the most recent developments in the labor market and related services, the Ministry has stated that it intends to implement a comprehensive electronic system for all of its services over the next several months.
Health System in Qatar: Great for Expats
According to the Qatar Red Crescent (QRC), the first phase of a three-year nationwide initiative to prevent the spread of infectious diseases covered around 36,000 ex-pats.
The QRC and the Supreme Council of Health hosted a ceremony at the Museum of Islamic Art Friday to honor completing the first part of the project, which was inaugurated in late August last year (SCH). Through lectures, flyers, and hygiene kits, the program aims to improve the health and safety of foreign workers.
QRC Secretary-General Saleh bin Ali Al Mohannadi said that 10,000 workers from 40 firms and 21,000 visitors to health centers attended lectures, interactive sessions, and training for healthier lifestyles and infection prevention during the ceremony. Every employee who requested one received one.
Dr. Mohammed Al Hajri, SCH’s Director of Health Protection and Communicable Disease Control, said that the SCH would hold more health-related topics such as mental health, workplace health, and non-communicable diseases.
He said that preparations for the second phase in conjunction with QRC are underway, asking other participants to join the campaign. Our essential duty to the individual and communal health of all members of society, notably expat employees and foreign communities, makes QRC collaboration a key priority for us. All institutions and businesses are welcome, as this initiative is far too large to be handled by a single entity. All ages are welcome to join in in the effort.”
The campaign’s actions and accomplishments were discussed in a presentation. Several employees cited Weqaya health services as having a significant impact on their well-being. Officials from the campaign and volunteers, sponsors, and medical staff members were also recognized.
Why is the Health System in Qatar Good For Expats?
As one of the best in the Middle East, Qatar’s healthcare system has constantly received high praise. Qatar’s state and private hospitals are home to many highly trained medical professionals. The majority of these medical professionals are from outside the country. Qatar’s public healthcare is available to all citizens, regardless of their income level. A costly private healthcare system is available for those who want more specialized care or faster access. As a result, private and public healthcare may be affected by the recent suspension of the Social Medical Insurance Scheme. Citizens worldwide will no longer be able to use Qatar’s free public healthcare system, and they will be required to purchase private international health insurance as a result.
Hospitals in Qatar, both public and private, are equipped with cutting-edge technology and well-trained staff. It is the responsibility of the Supreme Council of Health to oversee the public healthcare system, and Qataris and ex-pats alike can use the system. As a general rule, healthcare is either free or heavily subsidized.
The government has mandated health insurance for everyone, including citizens and foreign nationals. Medical coverage is provided to the citizens of Qatar through this program. Public health insurance is mandatory, and one cannot choose private medical insurance instead of public health insurance. Before landing in the country, all visitors and expats must carry health insurance.
Health care is a priority for the government of Qatar. Thanks to the investment, infrastructure and highly-trained employees are now available to public clinics and hospitals. HMC is Qatar’s non-profit medical corporation that manages and monitors Qatar’s public medical facilities, including major state-run hospitals. Expats can receive free or subsidized treatment from the HMC’s extensive network of medical clinics and hospitals. A government health card is required to use these services. While the cost of treatment for local Qataris is reduced, expatriates may still have to pay for testing, consultations, and hospitalization.
As a result of rising public demand, the private healthcare industry in the United States is expanding at an exponential rate. A strong proponent of the private healthcare system in Qatar’s government. Pay-as-you-need medical services at private hospitals are offered, as is medical coverage guaranteed by the international health insurance carrier. We urge ex-pats to get international health insurance because of the rising costs of treatment in the country.
Expatriates may be forced to pay for public health care in several countries. As a result, some of them decide to purchase overseas health insurance to cover any gaps in their coverage. Others can afford their healthcare costs because of their companies’ medical insurance. Because of this, the provision of public healthcare for expats in the country is under question.
The country has a considerable supply of emergency vehicles. Even in Doha, the average response time is outstanding. Ambulances are available in public and private hospitals, and emergency rescue helicopters and medical airlifts are ready throughout the country. Ambulance, police, and fire departments can be reached by dialing 999 by expats.