Almost a year ago, Qatar made sweeping changes to its visa policy, allowing citizens from several countries to come to Qatar and get an on-arrival visa at the airport.
It led to a huge increase in the number of visitors to Qatar, with Indians making the most use of the facility.
But now, Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (MoI) has introduced a set of new conditions for Indian citizens looking to avail of Qatar's visa-free entry facility, reported Gulf Times.
The MoI, in its website, said Indians cannot extend their on-arrival visa beyond the initial 30-day period. They will also need to carry a credit card in their own name before arriving in the country. The new rules will come into effect on November 11.
Applicants for on-arrival visas should mandatorily present a valid credit card in their own name or the ‘paterfamilias’ (male head of the family).
The applicant should also have a confirmed hotel reservation as well as a confirmed return ticket. His or her passport should also have a validity of at least six months from the date of arrival.
Under the old system, an Indian citizen could get his/her on-arrival visa extended by a month for a total of 60 days. Also, no credit card was required to obtain the visa.
One user took to Twitter to request authorities to reconsider the decision.
@MOI_QatarEn dear respected members, I humbly request you to rework on your decision of on arrival visa for Indians. Because of some goofy people others will suffer. My parents are expected to visit Qatar next month & this decision brought me into tears.
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