Qatar: Gulf’s First Refugee Asylum Law

Expand Doha Skyline, Qatar. © 2018 Šarūnas Burdulis (Beirut) – Qatar’s emir signed into law in September 2018 the Gulf region’s first law setting out procedures and requirements for people to seek asylum in the country, Human Rights Watch said today. The law demonstrates Qatar’s commitment to refugee rights and serves as an example for the region. But it falls short of Qatar’s international obligations, particularly with regard to its restrictions on freedom of movement and expression. “Qatar’s asylum law is a huge step forward in a region made up of wealthy states that have historically shut…

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