Doha Guides Team regularly reviews this article to ensure the content is up-to-date and accurate. The last editorial review and update were on 02 February 2024.
In June 2015, Qatar’s Ministry of Interior introduced new Residence Permit cards for expatriates, thereby abolishing the system of RP stickers in passports.
The Ministry said it had issued a circular to all concerned authorities worldwide and airlines that the ID card is the only supporting document for expatriates after cancelling the RP sticker on the passports.
The resident must show their Qatari ID card at all airports, platforms and airline desks to be allowed to travel to Qatar, where airline companies may check the validity and information in the cards through MOI’s website online.
In effect, the new Residence Permit cards (also called QID) are now acting as identity proof and a travel document for the expatriates.
With the new system, one problem many people face is losing their Residence Permit card while abroad.
Qatar ID Lost While Abroad: Two Solutions
A Qatar ID lost while abroad can be horrific for most people as they cannot return to Qatar without proof of Residence Permit. This article explains the possible solutions if you face such a situation.
Solution 1: Return Permit on arrival at Doha airport
According to a Facebook post by MoI, you can get a return permit (often referred to as a return visa or re-entry permit) at Doha airport without resorting to your employer. The conditions for this are:
- Your Residence Permit should be valid at the time of entry
- You shouldn’t have stayed out of Qatar for more than 6 months
In this case, you can get a Return Permit on arrival, and your Residence Card (Qatar ID) will be marked as lost in the immigration system. Later, your employer/sponsor can apply for the replacement of the Residence Card.
The problem with this approach
Even though this is a good solution by Qatar MoI, it does not address the requirements at the port of boarding. Airline or immigration authorities in your home country (or port of boarding) may not allow you to travel without a valid travel document.
Here is one alternative that has worked with some people:
If you have a photocopy of the Residence Permit card, you can file a report with the local Police (in your home country or wherever you lost it) saying that you have lost your Qatar Residence Permit card. The Police report along with a photocopy of the Residence Permit card may be enough to convince the airline/immigration authorities while boarding.
However, please note that this is only a possible alternative and may not be allowed in some airports. The best option will be to check with your airline in advance.
PLEASE NOTE: If the resident has exceeded six months’ stay outside the country, he will be required to get a Return Permit processed by his employer/sponsor to enter the country and the resident shall sign an undertaking not to repeat it (See Solution 2).
Solution 2: Return Permit processed by employer/sponsor
If you lose the Residence Card, the safest option will be to get a Return Permit processed by your employer or sponsor. Even though it is costly, it will guarantee you will not face any hassle during travel.
Return Permit is a temporary document with 14/30 days validity (the validity will be mentioned on the document). The sponsored person has to return to Qatar within the validity period.
Return Permit can be issued even in cases where the person has stayed out for more than six months (provided that his Residence Permit is still valid).
Here is how your employer or sponsor can get the Return Permit:
For those on sponsorship of companies and establishments
This permit is granted to an expatriate on the sponsorship of an establishment whose residence permit is still valid.
The sponsor can apply online (Metrash 2) or through any MoI Service Center.
On Metrash2, this option is available under: “Leave Notification” – “Return Permit”. Select Operation Type as “Lost ID within 6 months”. Pay the required fee (QR 200). You will receive the permit through email.
Below are the requirements to apply through MoI Service Center:
- Submission of the application from the sponsor
- Copy of the establishment card of the company
- Passport copy of the sponsored person
- In case of passport loss, a copy of a Lost Passport Certificate and copies of the old and new passports are required.
- Credit/Debit card for fee payment
For those on personal sponsorship of an expatriate
This permit is granted to family members of an expatriate resident whose residence permit is still valid.
The sponsor can apply on Metrash2 or through any MoI Service Center.
On Metrash2, this option is available under: “Leave Notification” – “Return Permit”
Below are the requirements to apply through MoI Service Center:
- Submission of the application from the sponsor
- Passport copy or the ID card copy of the sponsor
- Passport copy of the sponsored person
- In case of passport loss, a copy of a Lost Passport Certificate and copies of the old and new passports are required.
- Credit/Debit card for fee payment
For those on personal sponsorship of a Qatari national
This permit is granted for housemaids and others on the personal sponsorship of a Qatari national.
The sponsor can apply on Metrash2 or through any MoI Service Center.
On Metrash2, this option is available under: “Leave Notification” – “Return Permit”.
Below are the requirements to apply through MoI Service Center:
- Submission of an application from the sponsor
- Copy of the ID Card of the sponsor
- Passport copy of the sponsored person
- In case of passport loss, a copy of a Lost Passport Certificate and copies of the old and new passports are required.
- Credit/Debit card for fee payment
Fee for Lost Qatar ID
- If the person has stayed out for less than 6 months (and QID is lost), the fee will be QR 200.
- If the person has stayed out for more than 6 months, the return permit fee is QR 500.
The permit should be sent to the resident abroad to allow him to enter the country. Once he arrives in Qatar, the resident must approach the Expatriates Affairs Department to complete the formalities for issuing a new ID.
NOTE: If you lose your passport and get a return permit, your lost passport becomes invalid/blacklisted. You cannot use that passport in case you get it back.
FAQ on Qatar ID Lost During Travel
What is a Return Permit in Qatar?
Return Permit is a temporary document granted for those who have stayed out of the country more than 6 months and his/her residency is still valid.
What are the conditions to get Return Permit on arrival?
The conditions are that (a) your Residence Permit should be valid at the time of entry and
(b) you shouldn’t have stayed out of Qatar for more than 6 months.
What can I do if my Qatar ID is lost during travel?
If your Qatar ID is lost during travel, you can get a Return Permit processed by your employer or sponsor.
How much does Qatar Return Permit cost?
Qatar Return Permit fee varies from QR200 to QR500 depending on sponsorship type.
You May Also Like:
- MOI Qatar Metrash2 Registration and User Guide
- Death in Qatar: Repatriation and Funeral Procedures
- Qatar Family Visit Visa Requirements and How To Apply
- Everything You Need to Know About Qatar ID Card
- Know The Meaning of Your Qatar ID Number
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Aneesh, the Founder & Editor of DohaGuides holds a Master’s Degree in Communication & Journalism, and has two decades of experience living in the Middle East. Since 2014, he and his team have been sharing helpful content on travel, visa rules, and expatriate affairs.
Here’s the message format:
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Hi,
I’m a Qatar resident studying in Canada and lost my Qatari ID. I’ve been outside Qatar for over six months and will be returning soon. I understand I need a return permit to re-enter before completing one year abroad.
My sponsor (my father) will be in Pakistan during my return. Can he apply for the return permit through Metrash while outside Qatar? Also, will the return permit be enough at immigration without my Qatari ID, or should I prepare for any additional requirements?
Thanks for your help.
Best,
Rahil Khan
Hi dohaguides
I’m unable to apply return permit for my baby on Metrash it shows permit not required, can I show qid wallet image on airport or how can I get return permit for my baby
Hi Shabeena, QID image on Metrash wallet is accepted by most airlines. Please confirm this with your airline in advance. You will not face any problem once you reach Qatar.
What to do if I lost my ID and Passport in home country. I have a special permit done, do I need to get a new passport?
Hi Gigi, Please contact your airline. They will advise if they can allow travel back without passport and QID.
Hi dohaguides,
I’m on vacation in India, I have my qid but I lost my baby’s qid can I return Qatar with my baby using my qid or I have to apply qid for my baby
Hi Shabeena, Please check with your airline. Most airlines allow when you show the QID on Metrash. You will be asked this while in India, but won’t face any problem after you have reached Qatar.
Hi dohaguides,
Thanks for your reply, if they didn’t allow can I take return permit for my baby? Can you tell me d steps for return permit
Hi Shabeena, You can apply for return permit on Metrash. Here is how: https://www.dohaguides.com/how-to-get-qatar-return-permit/
sir my qid loss
if possible I use Metrash 2 go travel possible
Hi Thamilarasan, You can go out of Qatar without QID. While coming back to Qatar, most airlines accept the ID image on Metrash wallet. However in some rare cases airline staff will not allow. So it is better to check with your airline in advance. If you are still in Qatar you can easily get a reprint by visiting MOI Service Center.
I lost my passport along with my QID. QID still valid and within 6 mos outside Qatar. Should i ask for 2 return permit? One for lost passport and one for lost QID? Pls help
Is there any way I can renew the resident permit if the person is outside Qatar and the QID is expired?
Hi, my QID has minor scratch on my photo, is there will be any issue while returning from vacation. Plz advice