Qatar: Restrictive driver’s license policy

Qatar has announced a more restrictive policy on certain expatriates obtaining driver’s licenses.

What does the change mean? Expatriates holding licenses issued in certain Asian and African countries will now be required to take a driving class in Qatar and pass a test. Additionally, the Qatari Traffic Department will no longer convert licenses of expatriate residents of Gulf Cooperation Council countries into Qatari licenses. This provision does not affect citizens of GCC countries, who remain eligible to convert their domestic driver’s licenses into Qatari licenses.

Implementation time frame: Immediate.
Visas/permits affected: Qatari driver’s licenses.
Who is affected: Foreign nationals holding a driver’s license issued by certain countries and wishing to obtain a driver’s license in Qatar.
Impact on processing times: It will take longer for certain foreign nationals to obtain a license in Qatar.
Business impact: Expatriate employees in Qatar should be made aware of the new policy.
Background: The policy will affect foreigners living in GCC countries who wish to convert their GCC license to a Qatari license. The ability to convert a license will only be available to GCC citizens. The Qatari Traffic Department has also stopped allowing direct driving tests for foreigners holding licenses issued by the following countries:

Bangladesh

China

Egypt

Eritrea

Ethiopia

Ghana

India

Indonesia

Kenya

Mauritania

Nepal

Nigeria

North Korea

Pakistan

The Philippines

Somalia

Sri Lanka

Sudan

They will be required to take a driving course and pass a test.