Mandatory reimbursement of recruitment costs in cases where worker leave during the probationary period raises several questions: Will recruitment costs of the first contract be made transparent and openly declared? How else would the amount be determined? What steps will be taken to prevent illegal visa trading, and to ensure these costs are not passed on to the workers themselves?...

One key matter to consider... is whether or not migrants will be able to renew their own residence permits. Currently, only sponsors can renew residency permits, though workers are liable if the visa expires. Migrants with expired residency permits have an irregular status, incur fines and penalties, and face difficulty accessing benefits of Qatar’s other reforms.