Qatar on Wednesday (August 9th) introduced a visa-free entry programme for 80 nationalities to stimulate air transport and tourism as it struggles with the fallout from the Gulf diplomatic crisis, AFP reported.
"The visa exemption scheme will make Qatar the most open country in the region," tourism department official Hassan al-Ibrahim said.
Interior ministry official Mohamed Rashed al-Mazrouei said nationals of 80 countries would only need to present a valid passport for entry to Qatar.
The waiver programme, which came into immediate effect, affects countries of the European Union's Schengen zone, other Western states, Latin American and Asian nations.
Lebanon is the only Arab country on the list, although the six-nation Gulf Co-operation Council of which Qatar is a member already allows freedom of movement by its nationals.
Nationals of 33 countries will now be authorised to reside in Qatar for 180 days and the other 47 states listed for up to 30 days, periods which are renewable a single time.
Mazrouei said the countries were selected on the basis of security and economic considerations, or for the buying power of their nationals.
On August 2nd, Qatar created a new permanent residents status for certain groups of foreigners, including those who have worked for its benefit.
Those deemed eligible for the new status will be afforded the same access as Qataris to free public services, such as health and education.
