Changes to the private medical insurance-associated Visa rules in Qatar means firms operating in the region may find themselves short-staffed if they don't adapt to new reforms.
The warning was issued by Jelf Employee Benefits as Qatar prepares for the roll out of the regulations starting with white collar workers from the first quarter of 2015.
The changes include a legal obligation for employers with expatriate staff in Qatar being legally obliged to pay premiums on behalf of their employees.
Residence permits will not be issued for staff unless they have subscribed to the new National Health Insurance Service and have suitable coverage in place.
Insurance companies, including international insurers must have their place of business in Qatar and be registered with the Supreme Council of Health and other government authorities in Qatar.
The rules will extend across the workforce in Qatar across next year and the final phase covering blue collar non-international workers will be concluded by the end of 2015.
James Spencer, international development manager for Jelf International said: "Qatar does not levy personal income tax on employee earnings, making it an attractive relocation for expatriate employees, especially those in financial services and professions.
Employers looking to renew visas for these staff will simply find they are left without sufficient employee capacity unless they have complied with the new rules. It will be the responsibility of the employer to ensure that they comply with new legislation; and some insurers who do not have a solution may not be immediately able to cover employees in Qatar."
Spencer concluded: "In a country expanding so rapidly it is not surprising to see this directive being put in place, and employers who plan ahead shouldn't experience many difficulties. It is encouraging to understand that the new National Health Insurance Service will work with private health insurers in order to transition their member schemes to compliant plans to avoid double coverage. However, international employee benefits is such a complex area, any employer with concerns should seek expert advice."
