Prison sentences for periods ranging between one and three years have been handed down to more than 40 people, including expatriates and nationals, for visa trading
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The Interior Ministry’s Search and Follow up Department (SFD) has intensified its operations against illegal and absconding workers throughout Qatar, taking action against dozens of companies and individuals who have been found violating rules, officials said yesterday.
According to SFD sources, around 50 companies were referred to the Public Prosecution last year. Altogether 84 cases were registered during the same time.
The SDF revealed in a press release that prison sentences for periods ranging between one and three years were handed down to more than 40 people, including expatriates and nationals, for visa trading.
The companies and individuals were charged a total of QR4.27mn in fines on violation of the Law No 4 of 2009 regarding expatriates’ entry, exit, residence and sponsorship regulations.
SFD director Col Nasser Mohamed al-Sayed said the department would continue its inspections and operations to strictly implement the law.
The results of the operations proved that “fake companies” had a key role in increasing the number of illegal and absconded workers whose “large presence threatened the social security of the state”.
The SFD has formed special teams to search and investigate such offences and another team to study and probe violations of rules.
The department ‘is working with dedication to prove these violations that are later forwarded to the prosecution department for further legal actions”, the senior officer said.
He added that their efforts had already brought about “many positive results” so far.
He pointed out that the Interior Ministry handled victims with compassion by which more than 1,000 workers were able to transfer their sponsorship to other agents.
He emphasised that the SFD would continue to implement the law strictly, urging the co-operation of individuals and companies in this regard.
Employing absconded workers is illegal and those who attempt to employ or work in similar conditions would be held accountable by the law.
Information or queries about absconding workers was available via telephone on 44695222 round the clock, the ministry release added.
