A government spokesperson told Human Rights Watch:

...the measures announced today remove exit permits for all expatriates who are not currently subject to Qatar’s Labor Law—including domestic workers...

domestic workers must notify employers at least 72 hours prior to their departure... reports suggesting financial penalties for workers failing to notify their employer are patently false and misinformed...

[HRW said this] could lead domestic workers to believe they do in fact require their employer’s permission. This is especially problematic for domestic workers who are in abusive or exploitative situations, or who fear retaliation. It also could create further abuses in which employers could confine domestic workers to the house after receiving notice of their intent to leave or file trumped-up criminal charges against them to prevent their departure.