Qatar has scrapped exit permits for different categories of expatriates including those who are not covered by the country's Labour Law like domestic workers, as part of its efforts to ensure the rights of all foreign workers.

Indians in Qatar marked the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, known as the ‘Father of the Nation’ with several programmes on Wednesday.

Qatar will open seven visa centres in India, with the first set for launch on March 26 in New Delhi, a senior official said on Thursday.

The new legislation on exit permits – Law No. 13 of 2018, amending certain provisions of Law No. 21 of 2015 regulating the entry, exit and residency of expatriates - came into effect Sunday, drawing praise from various quarters.

The Minister clarified that the amended law guarantees the right of the expatriate workers who come under the provisions of the Labour Law to leave the country temporarily or on final exit.

His Highness the Amir issued Law No 13 of 2018, amending certain provisions of Law No 21 of 2015 regulating the entry, exit and residency of expatriates.

A vendor at the new Gold Souq said gold jewellery sales at his shop jumped by 20% to 25% in the run up to Eid.

Expatriates said they would forego all the celebrations to express solidarity with thousands of fellow Keralites who have lost their belongings and are forced to shift to relief shelters.

The awareness tips were imparted by the Ministry of Interior along with the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs at the celebrations hosted in different parts of Qatar.

The pardon included 274 inmates, 115 of them were expatriates, Oman News Agency reported.

Ibn Ajayan Projects has announced the winners of the second draw for Asian Town Shopping Festival 2018.

The demand for such sweets among non-Arabs has been particularly high since the start of the holy month of Ramadan, say sources.