Visa Application

I have heard unfortunate stories about applying for a visa to Qatar. Visa application to some is a challenge, not to mention the rudeness of the personnel behind the counter add to that if you don’t know any letter in the Arabic alphabet much more to understand an Arabic word.

Disorderliness, rudeness, lack of courtesy, unprofessionalism and other negative adjective that you can think of, is what I was expecting when I went to the Airport Visa Office to apply for my wife’s visa.

But to my surprise, except the overwhelming Arabic signs, notices and posters, the staff behind the counter was very accommodating and helpful. Frankly, I was expecting a grumpy faced local trying to bully a foreigner but I experienced a total contrast to what I have been hearing above government employees.

It only took me less than ten minutes to go-in and go-out with my visa application sorted. I only spent QAR 100 for my visa application. The officer actually looks for my salary certificate but I just told him that I did not bring such certificate. He did not insist but only asked me how much my salary is. He took my word and processed my visa application.

I did not expect how smooth that would be. Even my colleague, was really surprised that she thought she should have arranged by herself her mother’s visa. She actually asked our admin to assist her with her mother’s visa and she paid QAR 250 as “processing fee”.

This is actually my first time to transact with government authorities here in Qatar. Thankfully, my wife’s visa application is a breeze.