Malaysian driving licence recognised in Qatar

DOHA: The Qatar government has agreed to recognise Malaysian driving licence, hence exempting the holders from having to sit and pass the driving test in that country.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the ‘gift’ from the Qatar government to the Malaysian people was acquired during his meeting with Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah Nasser Khalifa Al Thani, who is also Interior Minister, last Sunday.

“The Qatar Prime Minister immediately approves my request after I informed him on problems facing Malaysians, especially those working in the country,” he said at a dinner with Malaysians here.

The announcement by the deputy prime minister was welcomed with applause from those present, including Malaysian Ambassador to Qatar Datuk Ahmad Jazri Mohd Johar.

Prior to this, Malaysians are required to sit and pass a driving test in Qatar to be able to drive in the left-hand driving country.

Ahmad Zahid said it was the special relations enjoyed between Malaysia and Qatar that problems facing Malaysian citizens and companies could be resolved through meetings by leaders of both countries without having to go through diplomatic channel that could take a longer time.

He said the Malaysian workforce in Malaysia comprised those in technical fields and professionals, and not labourers or unskilled workers like from other countries.

The deputy prime minister arrived in Qatar last Saturday for a four- day working visit on the invitation from Sheikh Abdullah Nasser. – Bernama