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Qatari nationality law

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Qatari Citizenship Act
Parliament of Qatar
  • An Act relating to Qatari citizenship
Enacted byGovernment of Qatar
Passedun
Status: Current legislation

Qatari nationality law is based mostly on jus sanguinis. Qatari citizens enjoy freedom of movement between other Gulf Cooperation Council member states.

By birth

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Children born in Qatar are not granted Qatari citizenship by virtue of their place of birth.[1]

By descent

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  • Any person who can demonstrate Qatari descent may apply to be a citizen of Qatar, depending on certain conditions.
  • Any person born to a Qatari father irrespective of their place of birth are Qatari citizens by descent.

By naturalization

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Foreigners may be granted citizenship if they fulfil the following conditions[2]

  • Lawful residence in the State of Qatar for no less than 25 consecutive years before applying for citizenship.
  • Availability of legitimate means to earn one's living and meet one's needs.
  • Good conduct and behavior, in addition to absence of previous conviction by final ruling in a crime of dishonor or mistrust, whether inside or outside Qatar.

By marriage

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The wife of a naturalized person may be, by an Emiri decision, granted Qatari nationality by virtue of her husband, provided that her stay with him in Qatar extends for a period of at least five years from the date her husband acquired Qatari nationality. The wife will not lose her citizenship in the event that the marriage contract is broken.[3]

Dual citizenship

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Qatar does not recognize dual citizenship. Holding another citizenship that's not allowed may lead to the revoking of Qatari citizenship.[4]

Loss of Qatari citizenship

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The person may lose Qatari citizenship in the following cases:

  • the person joins the military service of a foreign country.
  • the person works for a foreign government that is in war with Qatar.
  • the person takes up a foreign nationality.

Citizens are allowed to voluntarily give up Qatari citizenship.[1]

Travel freedom

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In 2016, Qatari citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 79 countries and territories, ranking the Qatari passport 60th in the world according to the Visa Restrictions Index.

References

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  1. ^ a b "Qatari citizenship". Archived from the original on 21 February 2015. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
  2. ^ "How to Acquire Qatari Nationality?". hukoomi.gov.qa. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  3. ^ "Law No. 38 of 2005 on the acquisition of Qatari nationality". almeezan.qa. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  4. ^ "Dual citizenship 'is not allowed under Qatari law'". Gulf News. Retrieved 21 February 2015.