Bahrain Mirror: The Qatari Cabinet issued a decision identifying the categories that have the right to apply for political asylum, and revealed the advantages enjoyed by the political asylum seeker.

The decision, which was published in the official gazette, came pursuant to the law issued by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, last September, which specifies the procedures and conditions for seeking asylum in the country.

The decision identified five categories entitled to seek political asylum: "rights activists, media and written media correspondents, persons belonging to political parties, religious communities or ethnic minorities, writers and researchers and former or current officials, provided they are pursued or threatened with imprisonment, intimidation or persecution due to their positions."

The asylum seeker is entitled to benefits and duties, including sending for one's spouse and first-degree members of the family, and not staying outside the country for more than 6 consecutive months, according to the law.

A political refugee is entitled to a monthly benefit of at least $820 and $220 for both the spouse and each of the children under the age of 18, until a job opportunity is available.

A political refugee is allowed to work in the country, excluding jobs related to the country's security, according to the Al Jazeera channel website.

The political refugee has the right to housing, receive health care and education, and obtain a travel document.

In September 2018, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, issued a law regulating political asylum in the country and prohibiting extraditing a refugee to his country or any other country where he is "at risk of danger or persecution."

Arabic Version