The number of expatriate workers who came to Qatar last year was 94,000, according to a report in the local Arabic daily Arrayah, quoting the recruitment division of the Ministry of Labour. They included 9,956 engineers, 6,673 accountants, 20,000 drivers, 18,000 cleaners, 17,500 technicians and a range of other professions such as salesmen, carpenters, masons, foremen, painters, electricians and waiters in varying numbers.
On the renewal of residence permits during the last year, the report said that from a total of 77,950 applications received only 19,628 were approved. On sponsorship changes, the report said that from a total of 418 applications 374 were approved. The report also referred to the number of applications received from women for work permits and said that from a total of 4,287 applications 4,177 were approved. These women are under the sponsorship of either their spouses or guardians.
