The Ministry of Interior (MOI) recently launched its new electronic service that enables residents to apply for family visit visas electronically through Metrash2 mobile application and the MOI web portal. This is to make their services accessible anytime and anywhere, in accordance with Qatar National Vision 2030.

Brigadier Abdullah Ali Al Mohannadi, Director of the Expats Affairs Department at the General Directorate of Passports, said that the E-application service for family visit visa for residents has been added to over 150 services available through Metrash2. Through the service, the user can upload all the required documents, track the status of requests and pay the fees electronically once approved.

He said that in case of missing or non-matching of any attached or requested documents, the applicant will be notified to make the required change/s. The applicant will receive the application number to proceed for payment after the application is verified and approved. This service is specific to residents for their families, including father, mother, spouse, children or relatives of the first and second degree.

The Ministry has evaluated the service over the last two months and it has proven to be successful. The General Directorate of Passports will continue to evaluate the service on a daily basis and make improvements along the way. The new service will also significantly reduce the number of visitors to the GDP headquarters and service centres, with the application easier and more efficient for residents.

Brigadier Abdullah Salim Al Ansari, Assistant Director of Expats Affairs, said that the General Directorate of Passports is now receiving requests for family visit visa through Metrash2 and MOI website. Manual applications, however, are still accepted for some cases.

The electronic service was prepared by the General Directorate of Passports in cooperation with the General Directorate of Information Systems. The service was initially put on pilot phase to identify any unforeseen errors and make the necessary modification.

The Ministry plans to switch to an electronic system (Paperless Ministry) in the near future and provide services that are easier to use and accessible to everyone.

The family visit-visa application service is one of the most important services requested by the residents. The Expatriates Affairs Department alone received 15,500 requests for family visit-visa last May, while the General Directorate of Passports received 53,000 visa applications in all its service centres, an increase of 27.5% compared to April.

For updates and more information about the new electronic system, visit moi.gov.qa.