What is the QID, who applies and how long does it take?

Your residence permit is called the QID (Qatar ID). Your employer, who is your sponsor, must apply for it, and by law must start within 30 days of you arriving. It needs a medical test, fingerprints and government approval, and usually takes a few weeks. There is no guaranteed one-to-two-week time. Do not leave Qatar before your QID is issued, or the process resets. Check status on Metrash2 once issued. If your employer delays your QID, call the Ministry of Labour helpline 16008 and keep proof you were working.