Starting early next year, a new electronic system should make it easier to hire private-sector employees in Qatar, the country’s labor ministry has said.

The move comes weeks after the Prime Minister promised to ease work visa procedures, which can involve long approval waiting times.

It can also be hard to get visas for staff depending on the countries they come from and the positions they’re expected to fill.

Lower oil prices and a subsequent budget deficit have forced Qatar to speed up development of its private sector.

How it works

When it takes effect, the new e-system will phase out the current standing committee for recruitment.

The software will manage the various steps involved with employer applications for new staff visas.

It will also take into account and explain Qatar’s nationality requirements for certain positions, the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs said in a statement.

This will help improve transparency and prevent repeat applications for approvals, it added.

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