For those wishing to leave Qatar indefinitely, it means filling out several pieces of paperwork regarding home rentals, school enrollments and the like. A campaign that comprises of a significant to-do list which requires attention before leaving Qatar has been published online and is intended to support residents of other nationalities who are leaving to return to their own home countries. The list includes tips on closing out of bank accounts and releasing yourself from liabilities while also reminding residents that all debts must be cleared before leaving Qatar.
Checklist: Tips on what to do before leaving Qatar for good
As the annual summer exodus of expats preparing to repatriate to their home countries begins, the British Embassy in Doha has drawn up a list of essential administrative things to do to ensure a smooth exit.
Leaving Qatar for good entails filling out a lot of paperwork, regarding home rentals, school enrollments, bank accounts and other factors.
The “Checking Out” campaign includes a list of important reminders of matters that require attention to avoid clashing with the authorities at the last minute.
Published online and aimed to assist some of the 20,000 Britons living in Qatar, much of the advice included also applies to residents of other nationalities who are leaving the country.
The advice echoes a similar social media campaign launched earlier this month by the British mission in Abu Dhabi, which tweeted highlights from its checklist over the course of a week.
The checklist includes tips on closing out bank accounts, credit cards and loans; terminating employment and sorting visas, finishing accommodation contracts; and releasing oneself from liabilities like cars and other possessions.
It reminds residents that all debts have to be cleared before leaving Qatar, and that non-payment of a debt is a criminal offense that could result in a prison sentence.
The embassy also warns that even if residents with outstanding debts manage to leave, they risk being arrested if they try to return to Qatar – even if they are just transiting throughHamad International Airport (HIA).
Forward planning appears to be key, as the paperwork involved in canceling bank accounts and credit cards can be time-consuming. The embassy advises starting the process at least two months before leaving the country.
It added that all credit cards and loans should be fully paid off and bank accounts emptied. Confirmation of these should be sought from the relevant banks.
A bank clearance letter is also required from employers, and a forwarding address should be left for future correspondence.
It advises those whose contract is ending to ensure they hand over their passport to their employer so they can cancel the residence permit.
“Failure to do so could delay your departure or mean you are marked on the immigration system as an absconder,” the embassy said.
It also reminded residents to: