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The State of Qatar participated in the 43rd session of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers, held Wednesday via videoconference.His Excellency Minister of State for Interior Affairs Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Faisal bin Mohammed Al-Thani led the State of Qatar's delegation participating in the session.During the meeting, HE Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Faisal bin Mohammed Al-Thani affirmed that the convening of this session comes amid the complex security conditions witnessed by the State of Qatar and countries in the region as a result of the ongoing war and the damages - both human and material - caused by the Iranian aggression against the affected Arab states. This has doubled the responsibilities placed on security agencies, which have exerted additional efforts to safeguard public security and confront security threats, carrying out their duties with competence and efficiency.His Excellency added that the current phase, with its complexities and overlapping interests and regional and international influences, necessitates that Arab countries intensify efforts to develop joint security cooperation frameworks, strengthen channels for exchanging information and expertise, and activate training and capacity-building initiatives in line with the nature of contemporary threats. This is in addition to enhancing the highest levels of security coordination and unifying efforts to preserve the security of our countries and protect the achievements of their peoples..His Excellency affirmed the State of Qatar's commitment to supporting all initiatives aimed at strengthening joint Arab action.Their Excellencies, and distinguished officials also discussed during the meeting various security issues and challenges facing Arab countries, in addition to reviewing the recommendations issued by previous conferences and meetings within the framework of the General Secretariat, the outcomes of joint meetings with Arab and international bodies, and ways to enhance security cooperation and coordination among Arab security agencies. 

Prompt reporting of cybercrime is crucial to successfully proving the offence or mitigating its impact, an official from the Ministry of Interior (MoI) has said.“When a fraud or a cybercrime occurs, the speed of reporting the incident is an important factor in the success of the evidence-gathering process as digital evidence is subject to loss and manipulation,” said First Lieutenant Adnan Hasan al-Rashed of the MoI’s Economic and Cyber Crimes Prevention Department. “As soon as the crime has happened or you are a victim of a cybercrime, you should immediately report it to the concerned department, which is the office of the Cybercrimes Prevention Department.”He was speaking Tuesday at a webinar organised by the MoI’s Public Relations Department on the topic of “Cybercrimes and Methods of Prevention”.The webinar discussed various cybercrimes, including hacking, fraud of all kinds, threatening people and blackmailing them, sexual exploitation of children, and spreading rumours.Al-Rashed said that when such a crime takes place, people can report it in various ways.“However, the best option for the public to raise a complaint is by visiting the office of the department and report it personally, especially in case of a fraud involving huge amount of money,” he stated. “Other methods of reporting through e-mail or Metrash can be applied in case of minor crimes.”Al-Rashed noted that in case of an economic crime involving bank accounts, there are some procedures to be followed.“In such cases, the person has to first go to the bank and take a report about details of the account from the bank,” he said. “It should be sealed and signed by the bank.”“(Then) approach the MoI department along with the document,” the official continued. “The most important thing in raising a complaint related with the cybercrime is the immediate action taken by the victim.”As for blackmailing through various social media channels, al-Rashed advised victims not to respond to the perpetrator at all and block the person from all communication channels.“In such cases, the economic and cybercrime prevention department must be informed directly through the available reporting channels, such as e-mail, phone, Metrash, or by representing personally to initiate investigation,” he said.“Most important thing: if a person becomes a victim of blackmail, he should not respond to the offender at all and block him from all networking channels,” al-Rashed emphasised. “Sometimes the offender will be asking for many things which may lead to many other complications.He said that people should always be extra vigilant while using online communication channels.“It is important to have strong passwords for all the online accounts, including personal accounts in banks as well as social media accounts,” the official said. “There should be continuous backups of the systems, and they should be updated periodically.”“It is also important to have multi-factor authentication as it ensures extra security through a two-step verification process,” he added.“Additional security measures should be set up in the e-mail, such as phone number and a backup e-mail which can help to recover the accounts as well as to track the offender,” al-Rashed said. “Furthermore, people should not open links from untrusted sources.” 

The General Directorate of Communications and Information Systems at the Ministry of Interior (MoI) received Thursday a delegation from the Ministry of Interior of Romania, headed by Deputy Director-General of the General Directorate of European Affairs, Schengen and International Relations, Police Quaestor Florin Bajenaru. The visit aimed to strengthen co-operation and exchange expertise in the fields of technical systems and digital transformation.The delegation was received by Director of Systems Development at the Ministry Lt Col Engineer Abdulaziz al-Asmar al-Ruwaili. A briefing tour was organised during which the delegation was introduced to the latest systems and technological solutions adopted by the MoI, particularly in the areas of e-services, artificial intelligence, and data analytics, in addition to the digital infrastructure supporting security and service operations.Several strategic projects related to digital transformation, implemented according to the highest standards of cybersecurity and data governance, were also reviewed.This visit reflects the MoI's commitment to strengthening international partnerships and exchanging expertise, contributing to the development of the security work system and keeping pace with modern technological advancements.  

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has outlined how Qatar’s visa services are becoming faster and paperless, urging residents and companies to use the Metrash app correctly to avoid unnecessary delays. At a webinar Thursday, MoI, in co-operation with the General Directorate of Passports, highlighted the expanding range of visa services available through the Metrash app as part of Qatar’s move towards a fully digital, paperless government. The webinar, organised by MoI’s Public Relations Department, was aimed at individuals, companies, and government relations officers to streamline visa procedures and address common public concerns. Officials stressed that the General Directorate of Passports is a service-oriented department that caters to all segments of society, whether individuals or businesses, and continuously works to streamline procedures in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. During the presentation, speakers explained that Metrash allows users to complete most visa-related transactions electronically, without the need to visit government offices. Services include tracking submitted applications, checking request status, paying visa fees and fines, renewing and extending visas, issuing return visas, cancelling visas, modifying visa data, and replacing or changing visa applicants. Entry visa services for both individuals and companies are also fully accessible through the app, offering a comprehensive digital alternative to traditional paper-based processes. Using the example of a family visit visa, officials demonstrated how services previously handled manually can now be completed online, provided applicants meet the eligibility requirements. These include selecting permitted family relationships, submitting documented proof, ensuring the applicant’s salary is not less than QR5,000, and attaching all required documents clearly. Visitors must also hold compulsory health insurance covering their stay in Qatar. Officials noted that when applications are complete and accurate, approvals are typically processed within three working days. However, many delays occur due to repeated mistakes by applicants, including submitting unclear documents, attaching the wrong passport, or entering incorrect personal information. One recurring issue highlighted was the submission of multiple applications while an existing request is still under review. Officials emphasised that applicants should not submit a new request in such cases; instead, they should return to the same application and upload the corrected or missing documents when prompted. “Many applications remain under review simply because the applicant did not complete the required steps after receiving a notification,” the presenter explained, urging users to carefully follow instructions sent through the app. The webinar also addressed concerns from company representatives and public relations officers who continue to rely on manual submissions. Officials strongly encouraged them to fully utilise the electronic services offered through Metrash and MoI’s website, noting that visiting headquarters unnecessarily wastes time and effort. In cases where users are unfamiliar with digital procedures, officials assured that support is available at the General Directorate of Passports to guide applicants in completing transactions electronically. The session also covered services related to the Qatar Visa Center (QVC), which allows certain procedures — including overseas medical examinations — to be completed before visa issuance. Applicants can add or edit QVC contract details, sign contracts, pay the required fees, and book appointments online through the QVC platform. Concluding the webinar, officials reiterated that the expansion of electronic visa services reflects MoI’s commitment to accessibility, efficiency and user convenience, while reducing paperwork and queues. The MoI encouraged the public to ensure accuracy when submitting applications and to rely on Metrash as the primary channel for visa-related services, reinforcing the message that a smooth process begins with correct and complete information. 

The Ministry of Interior has announced that the funeral prayer for the martyrs of Israel’s brutal targeting — including the Martyr of Duty, Corporal Badr Saad Mohammed Al-Humaidi Al-Dosari of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) — will be held today, Thursday, September 11, 2025, after Asr prayer at the Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab Mosque in Doha, followed by burial at Mesaimeer Cemetery.The Ministry extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the martyrs.

Qatar's Ministry of Interior (MoI) has confirmed the identity of one of the victims killed in Tuesday's Israeli strike on a residential building in Doha housing members of Hamas's political bureau.An MoI statement said the identity of martyr Jihad Riyah Hassan Labad has been confirmed "as part of the ongoing monitoring of developments related to the Israeli targeting and in light of the field operations carried out by the relevant security agencies to collect evidence and information".The statement added that human remains were discovered in various locations at the site, and the Qatari Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) team is currently working to accurately identify the victims.The Ministry affirmed that it will continue to monitor developments and will announce any verified updates through official channels.It also noted that efforts are still underway to locate and identify missing individuals, as specialized field teams carry out search and investigation operations.

Children are not permitted to swim alone in the sea without being accompanied by guardians or a responsible adult, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) has said.“Children must be continuously supervised both in the water and on the shore,” Lt Col Ahmed Ali Saad from the General Directorate of Coasts and Borders Security explained.He was sharing the general guidelines for sea, beach-goers and marine activity lovers at a recent awareness webinar organised by the Public Relations Department of MoI in association with the General Directorate of Coasts and Borders Security.“Swimming is considered one of the beautiful and enjoyable water sports, and it is also one of the most beneficial from a health perspective. It is the best exercise for activating, moving, and strengthening most of the body’s muscles. Therefore, out of concern for public safety, the General Directorate of Coasts and Borders Security urges swimming enthusiasts to adhere to the following advice, guidance and instructions,” the MoI official said.He urged sea-goers not to swim in places where there are signs prohibiting swimming by the administration and avoid swimming, if they suffer from fever or feel extremely tired.“It is essential to check the sea conditions and any potential currents before entering the water,” he said, adding that it is mandatory to wear appropriate and designated swimwear.The official urged marine activity enthusiasts to not swim alone even if they are skilled swimmers. “Always ensure that someone is nearby to assist you if necessary. Do not swim far from the shore; always remain close to it and avoid moving away. Do not swim or play in the water at night due to the difficulty of being able to determine your location in the dark,” he said. Lt Col Saad urged not to attempt to rescue a drowning person unless one is trained in lifesaving. ”If you encounter any difficulties in the water, do not panic; remain calm, move your legs gently up and down, and raise your hands to attract the attention of others. If a water current pulls you, do not resist it. Instead, swim across it until it fades, then swim back to the coast. Always handle inflatable flotation devices with great care, as they can easily lose air due to wind or water currents, especially for young children. Do not swim in restricted zones or close to water scooter (jet ski) areas,” he added.If someone is seen in need of help in the water, the General Directorate of Coasts and Borders Security should be contacted immediately at 2354666 or emergency should be called at 999. “If you can, throw them something to keep them afloat until the rescuers arrive,” the official added.