Qatar – End of Life Issues

What end of life care options are available in Qatar, and how does the system work?

Qatar’s publicly funded healthcare network is both well-equipped and extensive. Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is the primary governmental provider, running 14 hospitals that include dedicated geriatric services delivered through the geriatric department at Rumailah Hospital. HMC serves as the cornerstone of publicly funded care for Qatari citizens and resident expatriates alike.

Over the past decade, considerable effort has gone into embedding palliative care within Qatar’s national health infrastructure, though progress in establishing dedicated end-of-life services has been incremental. The National Health Strategy 2022–2024 contained only a passing reference to improving end-of-life provision among its goals, and the forthcoming National Health Strategy 2024–2030 similarly stops short of devoting a standalone section or dedicated resources to palliative care.

For the majority of patients nearing the end of their lives, care is delivered within inpatient hospital environments. Studies suggest that as many as 87% of patients would prefer to die at home, but the combination of complex post-death administrative requirements and the near-absence of community-based palliative services means that dying at home remains largely out of reach for most people at present. Private home care companies do operate in Qatar and can provide symptomatic relief and personal care in a home setting, though patients and families must fund these services themselves.

What is palliative care in Qatar, and who is eligible for it?

Palliative care is a form of specialised support — both medical and non-medical — intended for people living with serious or terminal conditions. Rather than pursuing a cure, it aims to manage symptoms, address emotional and psychological needs, and enhance a person’s overall quality of life. In countries with well-established systems, such as the NHS in the United Kingdom or Canada’s public hospital networks, palliative care spans a broad range of diagnoses. In Qatar, provision is currently more restricted in scope.

At present, palliative care in Qatar is offered only to patients with cancer (oncology) and is not available to those suffering from other life-limiting conditions. Qatar has been delivering palliative care to adult oncology patients for some years, with approximately 100 patients receiving this support annually; however, the service has not been extended to people with other diagnoses.

HMC, working alongside the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) and Alzheimer’s Disease International, is pursuing a development initiative aimed at broadening palliative care access to those with non-oncological needs — especially older adults and those living with dementia. At this stage, no hospital-based or home-based palliative or end-of-life service is specifically designed for elderly patients or those with non-cancer diagnoses, though a needs assessment has been undertaken to guide the development of such a model. Expats with conditions other than cancer who require palliative-level support are encouraged to raise their circumstances with their treating physician at HMC or at a private facility such as Sidra Medicine.

Are there hospices in Qatar, and how do you access them?

Qatar launched its first acute palliative care unit within a specialist cancer hospital in 2008. Situated at the National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR) — a part of HMC — this unit remains the country’s principal specialist end-of-life care facility. It holds the distinction of being the only palliative care programme in the Middle East and Gulf region to have received accreditation as a clinical care programme from the Joint Commission International (JCI).

There is no standalone hospice in Qatar in the way that dedicated inpatient hospices exist in countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, or Australia. While hospice care and palliative care share a common focus on comfort and quality of life, hospice care is specifically designed for the final stage of life, whereas palliative care can be provided throughout the course of a chronic or terminal illness. In Qatar, both functions are delivered primarily through hospital-based palliative units rather than independent hospice institutions.

Entry to the palliative care unit at NCCCR is via physician referral. Cancer patients under HMC’s care who are approaching end of life should request a referral from their oncologist to the Supportive and Palliative Care team. In 2016, that team introduced a Fellowship Programme centred on palliative care for patients and families from the point of diagnosis, through active treatment, and into end of life. For care outside the hospital setting, private home care providers such as Clear Diamond Care offer palliative-oriented support, funded either privately or through personal health insurance.

Is palliative or hospice care covered by public health insurance or the national health system in Qatar, or does it need to be funded privately?

Qatar operates a compulsory health insurance framework in which resident workers must be enrolled in employer-provided coverage, and this scheme covers treatment delivered at HMC public facilities. Palliative care received by oncology patients within the HMC system — including at the NCCCR palliative unit — would ordinarily fall within the scope of this coverage for those enrolled in the public scheme.

That said, because palliative care has not yet been extended to all diagnoses or to home-based settings, gaps in coverage are considerable. Improving access to opioid pain medications in outpatient and home care environments has been identified as a key policy challenge, indicating that even where palliative care theoretically exists, adequate pain relief outside a hospital context may be difficult to obtain.

Private palliative or home care services — including those provided by independent agencies — must be funded out of pocket or through comprehensive private health insurance. Expats should read their policy documents carefully before assuming coverage for palliative or end-of-life home care. Certain employer-sponsored policies may not extend to palliative services, and supplementary cover may need to be arranged. Always confirm current terms directly with your insurer and the relevant care provider.

What legal documents should expats have in place before the end of life in Qatar — such as a living will, advance directive, power of attorney, or healthcare proxy — and how do these work?

Qatar does not have a formal statutory framework for advance directives or living wills comparable to those found across much of the Western world. This does not, however, make such documents redundant — on the contrary, they are highly recommended. HMC clinicians will generally endeavour to respect a patient’s documented wishes, and a clearly written advance directive can meaningfully guide medical decision-making and relieve some of the burden on family members during an already distressing period.

Recommendations arising from WISH’s needs assessment report include putting advance care planning into practice with patients and families, establishing strong psychological support services, and creating a national strategic policy for palliative care. This reflects institutional recognition of the value of planning ahead, even as the formal legal architecture continues to evolve.

Expats living in Qatar should think about preparing the following documents before any serious illness develops:

• A will — covering assets held in Qatar and, where relevant, in your country of origin. Without a valid will, Qatar’s courts may apply Sharia law to the estate (see the intestacy section below).
• An advance directive or living will — outlining your preferences regarding life-sustaining treatment, resuscitation, and other medical interventions in the event that you lose the capacity to decide for yourself.
• A healthcare proxy or power of attorney for healthcare decisions — designating a trusted individual to take medical decisions on your behalf should you be unable to do so.
• A general or financial power of attorney — enabling someone to manage your financial affairs in Qatar and/or your home country.

Comprehensive counselling services that incorporate religious guidelines are considered fundamental to ensuring that patients, caregivers, and families are equipped to make palliative care decisions within Qatar’s culturally specific context. When preparing these documents, seek advice from a law firm with experience in both Qatari law and the legal system of your home country.

Are documents such as advance directives or powers of attorney made in another country legally recognised in Qatar?

Qatar does not have a clear statutory mechanism through which advance directives or healthcare proxy documents executed abroad are automatically recognised. The legal standing of an advance directive prepared in one jurisdiction when presented in another remains uncertain. That said, because an advance directive reflects your personal wishes regarding medical and financial care, it may be honoured in any setting — provided those around you are aware that it exists. If you divide your time between Qatar and another jurisdiction, you may wish to ensure your advance directive is drafted to satisfy the legal requirements of both locations as far as practicable.

In practical terms, a foreign power of attorney or advance directive presented to a Qatari institution will carry greater weight if it has been formally legalised. This requires a set of seals and signatures, concluding with a seal and signature from Qatari missions abroad or foreign missions accredited to the Consular Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Foreign powers of attorney can be attested through Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The most reliable course of action is to have any critical legal documents — particularly a will and a healthcare proxy — either drafted from scratch or revised to conform with Qatari legal standards by a qualified Qatari lawyer. Doing so ensures they will be recognised without complication in a medical or legal emergency. Having documents prepared abroad notarised through your home country’s embassy or consulate in Doha may also strengthen their validity in Qatar.

What are the laws around euthanasia or assisted dying in Qatar?

Euthanasia and assisted dying are illegal in Qatar. As an Islamic state, Qatar prohibits both active euthanasia and assisted suicide under Qatari law; both are also contrary to Islamic ethical teachings. Deliberately ending a life — even with the intent of relieving suffering — constitutes a serious criminal offence.

In clinical settings, this means that withdrawing treatment or withholding life-sustaining interventions at a patient’s request occupies a complicated legal and ethical space. Decisions about removing artificial life support are made case by case within the healthcare system, generally requiring input from senior clinicians and, where appropriate, the patient’s family. Implementing sensitive palliative care counselling that incorporates religious guidelines is considered central to navigating these situations in a manner that is both lawful and compassionate within Qatar’s cultural context.

Expats from countries where assisted dying legislation is in force — such as Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, or parts of Australia — should understand that no such option exists in Qatar. Conversations about end-of-life preferences should take place with treating physicians and family members well in advance, within the bounds of what is legally and culturally permissible in Qatar.

What are the local customs, traditions, and religious practices around death and dying in Qatar?

Qatar is a predominantly Muslim country, and Islamic tradition deeply influences attitudes towards death, the dying process, and funerary practice. Within the Islamic faith, death is understood as a passage to the afterlife, and certain religious observances are considered obligatory. While the majority of Qatar’s residents are non-Qatari nationals, Islamic customs are legally and institutionally woven into death-related procedures throughout the country.

Under Islamic law, the body should be interred as quickly as possible following death, which means routine post-mortem examinations are uncommon. In cases involving suspected criminal activity or death in unusual or suspicious circumstances, Qatari authorities may order a post mortem as part of their investigation and are not required to obtain the family’s consent. Cultural or religious sensitivities may not factor into this decision.

Islamic funerary tradition requires ritual washing (ghusl) and shrouding (kafan) of the body, followed by communal funeral prayers (Salat al-Janazah) and prompt burial. Non-Muslim expats are not obliged to follow Islamic burial rites, but since cremation is unavailable in Qatar, non-Muslims who would prefer this option must have their remains transported to their home country for that purpose.

No additions to graves are permitted that do not conform to the provisions of Islamic law (Shariah) and that fail to meet the requirements and specifications set by the relevant ministry. Non-Muslim expats may be buried in designated sections of cemeteries in Qatar, and families should clarify the necessary arrangements through the Humanitarian Services Office at HMC.

WISH has produced a culturally and religiously sensitive guide for patients, caregivers, and families in both English and Arabic, distributed across all HMC hospitals. It explains the meaning of palliative care, patient rights, and the Islamic ethical perspective on these matters.

What must you do when someone dies in Qatar? Who do you notify, how quickly, and in what order?

All deaths must be registered without delay. When a death occurs in Qatar, the next of kin or an appropriate representative such as the deceased’s sponsor must make prompt decisions about whether the body will be buried locally or returned to the home country. The steps below apply to deaths occurring both in hospital and at home. Keep at least ten copies of the deceased’s Qatar ID and passport readily available, as these will be required on numerous forms throughout the process.

1. Call emergency services or notify the hospital. If the death takes place at home or outside a medical facility, dial 999 immediately. If it occurs in hospital, the clinical team will initiate the formal notification process.
2. Obtain the Notification of Death letter from the hospital. For expatriates, a Notification of Death letter issued by the hospital is required in order to obtain a death certificate and complete the formalities with MoPH. If the death occurred outside a hospital, a letter from the police is required instead.
3. The Public Prosecutor’s Office issues a No Objection Letter. The Public Prosecutor’s Office issues a “No Objection Letter to Release Remains” and provides the family member or representative with three copies of the “Notification of Death Certificate”, to be submitted to the deceased’s embassy, the Ministry of Public Health, and the Qatari Criminal Investigations Division (CID) Evidence Office.
4. Go to the Humanitarian Services Office at HMC. The Unified Services Department is situated behind the Hamad Hospital mortuary. Family members, friends, or the next of kin can complete all formalities relating to death, local burial, or repatriation within hours under one roof. The Department is open seven days a week from 7am to 9pm.
5. Register the death with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). Complete the death registration form and submit it to the Births and Deaths Record Department at the Ministry of Public Health. The death certificate is issued by HMC once the details of the deceased and the cause of death have been entered into the system.
6. Notify the deceased’s home country embassy or consulate. Contact the appropriate embassy as soon as possible. They will walk you through the consular registration of the death and any further documentation needed for repatriation.
7. Notify the deceased’s employer and insurance company. If the deceased held insurance, the insurer should be notified immediately so it can begin covering costs; if not, the next of kin or sponsor will be responsible for burial expenses. Under Article 55 of Law No. 14 of 2004, if a worker dies during service, the employer must deposit wages and other entitlements including end-of-service gratuity with the court treasury within 15 days of the death.
8. Decide on burial or repatriation and obtain the appropriate permit. The Ministry of Public Health verifies and checks the registered data before issuing either a burial permit or an embalming certificate if the body is to be transported to the deceased’s home country.

How is a death officially registered in Qatar, and what documents are needed?

Responsibility for registering deaths — including those of Qataris who die abroad, issuing death certificates, authorising burials for non-Qatari nationals, and facilitating the transfer of bodies out of the country — rests with the Births and Deaths Record Department at the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). Every death in Qatar, whether involving a Qatari national or a resident expat, must be registered with this department.

Registration must be completed in person at the hospital or mortuary. The documents typically required for expatriates include:

• Original passport of the deceased
• Qatar ID (residence permit) of the deceased
• Notification of Death letter from the hospital (or a police letter if the death occurred outside a hospital)
• Passport and Qatar ID of the next of kin or representative
• Sponsor’s Qatar ID (where applicable)
• Completed death registration form (available from MoPH or online via the Hukoomi government portal)

Staff at the Births and Deaths Record Department will process the submission, and you will be informed when the death certificate is ready for collection. Processing takes approximately 3–5 days (as of 2024). The certificate is issued in both English and Arabic. Requesting additional copies is advisable, as they are often needed for multiple purposes simultaneously.

Certificates are retained on a central register and must be issued before any burial can take place. If the death certificate needs to be attested for use in another country, this service is available through the Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation service.

What happens if a foreign national dies in Qatar — what are the specific steps for notifying their home country’s embassy or consulate, and what role does the consulate play?

When a foreign national dies in Qatar, their home country’s embassy or consulate in Doha takes on a vital support function. The Humanitarian Services Office receives and processes the documentation required for local burial or repatriation at no charge. The office operates seven days a week from 7am to 6pm and is located behind the Hamad Hospital mortuary.

The embassy or consulate should be contacted as early as possible — ideally on the day of the death. Their usual functions include:

• Recording the death in their national register and issuing a consular death certificate
• Issuing a No Objection Certificate or equivalent authorisation for the release and transfer of the remains
• Liaising with Qatari authorities including HMC, MoPH, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Offering guidance to family members on required documentation and local procedures
• In some instances, communicating with the deceased’s employer regarding outstanding wages and entitlements

Where repatriation is planned, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Affairs Department works with the relevant embassy to issue a No Objection Certificate (Release of Remains Certificate) upon submission of the deceased’s passport and a copy of the death certificate. For families overseas who are unable to travel to Qatar, consulates can guide them through the process remotely. Consult your country’s embassy website in Doha for specific contact details and procedures — the UK government’s guidance on deaths in Qatar is one example of the detailed country-specific information that embassies publish.

How are funerals typically arranged in Qatar, and what are the usual options for burial or cremation?

Cremation is neither permitted nor available in Qatar. If the deceased is to be cremated, the body must be properly preserved and transported to their home country for this purpose. This is a particularly important consideration for expats whose religious beliefs or personal preferences favour cremation — repatriation will be necessary, adding both time and expense to the process.

For those opting for local burial, Qatar maintains cemeteries with dedicated sections for non-Muslim expats. Burial logistics are coordinated through the Humanitarian Services Office at Hamad Hospital, which oversees the entire process. An ambulance is required to transport the deceased from the mortuary to the home or the cemetery. An ambulance carrying the body to the deceased’s home may not remain there for more than two hours.

Muslim expats will typically have the full set of Islamic funerary rites observed — ritual washing, shrouding, the funeral prayer, and burial — arranged through a mosque or through Islamic services at HMC. For non-Muslims, funeral homes and embassies can assist with funeral arrangements. It is advisable to contact your embassy for a list of trusted funeral directors experienced in handling non-Muslim remains. Before the body is buried or repatriated, someone who knew the deceased personally must formally identify the body.

What are the approximate costs of a funeral in Qatar, and are there any state or insurance-based funds that can help cover them?

The costs associated with a funeral in Qatar vary according to the circumstances of the death, the nationality of the deceased, and whether the body will be buried locally or sent abroad. Official fee schedules are not widely publicised and are subject to change, so the following should be treated as indicative guidance only — always verify current figures with the Humanitarian Services Office and your insurer.

The Humanitarian Services Office processes and issues all documentation required for burial in Qatar or for repatriation free of charge, meaning the administrative paperwork itself carries no government fee. Embalming services can be arranged through HMC; this is provided free of charge, though donations are welcomed and are directed to various community charities.

The main costs expats should anticipate include:

• Embalming and preparation of the body — generally provided free or at minimal cost through HMC for the purpose of repatriation
• Air freight for repatriation — typically the largest single expense, which can range from several hundred to several thousand Qatari Riyals depending on the destination and the airline
• Local burial plot fees — fees apply for non-Muslim burial plots in Qatar; confirm current rates with the relevant municipality
• Funeral director or agent fees — if a private funeral agency is engaged to manage the logistics
• Consular fees — some embassies levy charges for consular death certificates or mortuary documentation (as of 2024, the Philippine Embassy, for example, charges QR 200 in total consular fees for death-related paperwork)

If the deceased held insurance, the insurer should be contacted without delay so that it can begin covering relevant costs. Many international health and life insurance policies include a repatriation of remains benefit. Employer-provided life insurance in Qatar may also extend to funeral-related expenses. Review your policy wording carefully and contact your insurer at the earliest opportunity.

What is the process for repatriating the remains of a foreign national from Qatar to another country?

Repatriating remains from Qatar involves several government departments, but the Humanitarian Services Office at Hamad Hospital is specifically structured to bring these steps together in a single location. The office exists to simplify the repatriation procedures for expatriates who die in Qatar and to assist with local burial arrangements where needed. It is open from 7am to 9pm seven days a week.

1. Obtain the death certificate and embalming certificate. Following registration of the death, you will receive an embalming and sealing certificate if the body is to leave Qatar.
2. Obtain the No Objection Certificate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Consular Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs liaises with the relevant embassy to issue a No Objection Certificate (Release of Remains Certificate) upon submission of the deceased’s passport and a copy of the death certificate, permitting the body to exit Qatar.
3. Obtain the Transfer of Remains Certificate from CID. The CID Department issues a Transfer of Remains Certificate following submission of a copy of the birth certificate and the Notification of Death Certificate.
4. Arrange the air cargo booking. Report to customs at the Qatar Airways cargo building to obtain authorisation to ship the body. The duty officer will place an exit stamp and signature on the embalming certificate and airway bill.
5. Obtain the exit stamp from immigration. Six hours before the scheduled departure, take originals and copies of all documentation — including the passport of the deceased and flight details — to immigration at the Qatar Airways crew building to obtain an exit stamp. Officers will stamp the death certificate, airway bill, and embalming certificate. It is essential that the date of the stamp matches the date of the flight.
6. Hand all documents to the cargo agent. Report to the cargo department with all issued documents, including the airway bill of lading and the stamped passport of the deceased. An agent should place all documents in an envelope to travel with the body to its final destination.

Under normal circumstances, the repatriation process in Qatar takes between one and two weeks owing to local administrative requirements. Where the death resulted from unnatural causes and investigations into the cause of death are continuing, the process may take considerably longer, depending on the progress of those investigations (as of 2024).

What happens to the estate of someone who dies in Qatar — how does probate or estate administration work, and are there inheritance taxes?

Qatar levies no inheritance tax, which represents a meaningful financial advantage for many expats relative to their home jurisdictions. Administration of a deceased person’s estate in Qatar falls under the jurisdiction of the Sharia courts, which handle inheritance matters involving Qatar residents. This applies regardless of the deceased’s nationality.

Where a deceased person has not left a valid will specifying otherwise, Qatar’s courts will generally apply Islamic inheritance law (Sharia) to the estate. For Muslim expats, this means distribution according to the Quranic rules of faraid, which allocate fixed shares to prescribed heirs. For non-Muslim expats, the courts may take into account the inheritance law of the deceased’s home country — particularly in relation to moveable assets — though this is not guaranteed and the outcome will depend on the specifics of the case. Local legal advice is essential.

In accordance with Article 55 of Law No. 14 of 2004, where a worker dies during service — regardless of the cause of death — the employer is required to deposit any wages and other entitlements owed to the worker, including end-of-service gratuity, with the treasury of the competent court within 15 days of the death. The record of this deposit must include a detailed account of how the amounts were calculated, and the employer must lodge a copy of that record with the relevant department.

Bank accounts in Qatar are ordinarily frozen once a death is reported. The deceased’s family or appointed executor will need to obtain a court order from the Sharia court in order to access or transfer these funds, a process that can take several months. Expats with significant assets in Qatar should consult a Qatari lawyer with expertise in estate administration to ensure their assets are safeguarded and distributed as intended.

If an expat dies without a will in Qatar, what happens to their assets under local intestacy laws?

Should an expat die intestate (without a will) in Qatar, their estate will be governed by Qatari inheritance law. For Muslim expats, this means the mandatory application of Islamic faraid rules, which assign fixed proportional shares to specified relatives including spouses, children, parents, and siblings, with male heirs typically receiving twice the share allocated to equivalent female heirs.

For non-Muslim expats who die without a will in Qatar, the position is more complex. Qatari courts may in certain circumstances take the inheritance law of the deceased’s home country into account, but there is no guarantee of this outcome, and the result will turn on the specifics of the case and the nature of the assets involved. Immoveable property in Qatar is more likely to be governed by Qatari law; moveable assets such as bank account balances may be treated differently.

In practice, dying without a will in Qatar can create serious problems for surviving family members — including frozen bank accounts, disputes over property, and difficulties transferring funds overseas. All expats living in Qatar are strongly advised to draw up a valid will. The recommended approach is to prepare both a local Qatari will covering Qatar-based assets and an updated will in the home country addressing assets held there. This dual-will strategy is widely endorsed for expats throughout the Gulf region. Consult a qualified lawyer registered with the Qatar Ministry of Justice for advice tailored to your personal situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is foreign health insurance accepted for end-of-life or palliative care in Qatar?

This depends on your insurer and the specific terms of your policy. International private health insurance is generally accepted at private hospitals in Qatar such as Sidra Medicine, Aspetar, and a range of private clinics. For treatment at HMC public facilities, the Qatari mandatory health insurance framework applies. If you hold a comprehensive international policy, check with your insurer whether palliative care and end-of-life treatment are explicitly included, since some policies place restrictions or caps on these benefits. Notify your insurer as early as possible once a serious diagnosis has been made.

Are documents in languages other than Arabic legally valid in Qatar?

Death certificates issued in Qatar are produced in both English and Arabic. For other legal documents — such as powers of attorney or wills prepared abroad — those written in languages other than Arabic will generally need to be accompanied by a certified Arabic translation before they will be accepted by Qatari courts and government departments. Always have important foreign-language documents professionally translated and, where necessary, attested through the Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

How long does it typically take to repatriate remains from Qatar?

Under normal circumstances, repatriation of remains from Qatar takes between one and two weeks due to local administrative procedures. If the death arose from unnatural causes and investigations are still under way, the process may take considerably longer, depending on the pace of those investigations (as of 2024). Having all identification documents readily available and notifying the relevant embassy promptly will help minimise unnecessary delays.

What support is available to bereaved family members remaining in Qatar after a death?

Immediate practical assistance is available through the Humanitarian Services Office at HMC, which can help coordinate paperwork and provide procedural guidance. Embassies and consulates frequently hold lists of grief counsellors, community support groups, and chaplaincy services for their nationals. HMC hospitals have social workers on staff and, in some cases, chaplaincy services available to the families of patients. The Qatar Red Crescent Society may also be in a position to offer assistance in certain situations. Longer-term psychological support is accessible through private clinics and selected HMC facilities.

Can a non-Muslim expat be buried locally in Qatar rather than repatriated?

Yes. Designated non-Muslim sections of cemeteries in Qatar are available for the burial of non-Muslim expats. The process is coordinated through the Humanitarian Services Office at Hamad Hospital, and a burial permit is issued by the Ministry of Public Health. No additions to graves are permitted that fall outside the provisions of Islamic law and the specifications approved by the ministry. Families should confirm the specific regulations and available plots with the Humanitarian Services Office at the time of the death.

Does Qatar’s mandatory health insurance cover the costs of repatriating remains?

Qatar’s compulsory employer-provided health insurance is primarily intended to cover medical treatment during life and does not typically extend to post-death repatriation costs. The repatriation of remains is usually covered by separate life insurance or travel insurance policies that include a repatriation of mortal remains benefit, or by the employer where the death is related to work. Some embassies and nationality-specific community welfare funds may also provide financial assistance in hardship cases. Review your insurance documents carefully and contact your insurer immediately following a death.

What happens to a deceased expat’s residence permit and Qatar ID?

Cancellation of the deceased’s residence permit is handled through the Humanitarian Services Office as part of the repatriation or burial process. The Qatar ID and passport of the deceased will be collected and cancelled during the official exit procedures. Bringing multiple copies of these documents to the Humanitarian Services Office is important, as they will be needed across many of the forms required throughout the process. The deceased’s visa and residency status are formally closed as part of the overall administrative procedure.

Is a post mortem carried out automatically when someone dies in Qatar?

Because Islamic law calls for burial to take place as soon as possible following death, routine post-mortem examinations are not standard practice in Qatar. In cases involving suspected criminal activity or deaths occurring in unusual or suspicious circumstances, the Qatari authorities may order a post mortem as part of their investigation and are not required to seek the family’s consent in doing so. Post-mortem reports are not ordinarily provided to the next of kin. If a post mortem is required by authorities in the deceased’s home country — for example, to support an inquest — the relevant coroner’s office or equivalent body may request a copy through official channels.