Country Facts

1. Quick Overview
Country	Qatar
Capital	Doha
Population	3,115,888
Gross National Product	$213.003 billion
Unemployment rate	0.4%
Main religions	Muslims 62.5 % Christians 13.7 %, Hindus 15.9 %, Buddhists 3.8 %.
Main ethnic groups	India 21.80% Bangladesh 12.50% Nepal 12.50% (Qatar 10.50%)
2. National Overall Context & Background
Short political and social context	Qatar is a constitutional monarchy led by the Al Thani family. Political power is centralized under the Emir. Socially, Qatar is a conservative yet diverse society. Qatari citizens make up a minority, and expatriates form the majority, contributing to a multicultural but stratified population.
Main national challenges	Qatar faces the challenge of diversifying its economy beyond oil and gas to ensure sustainable growth in a post-hydrocarbon era. Additionally, balancing rapid modernization with preserving cultural identity and addressing labour rights issues among its large expatriate workforce remains a significant national concern.
Historical background (e.g. long-term hosting of Palestinian refugees)	After the 1948 Nakba, Qatar has hosted waves of Palestinian refugees seeking safety and employment opportunities. Over the decades, Palestinians have integrated into Qatari society, contributing significantly to sectors like education, healthcare, and public service, despite not having formal refugee status.
3. International Cooperation & Programs
Most relevant key actors	International organizations like the United Nations agencies (e.g., UNHCR, ILO) and the International Committee of the Red Cross( Red Crescent). The five most relevant countries in Qatar’s foreign relations are the United States, Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom, each playing strategic roles in diplomacy, security, and economic cooperation.
Development cooperation	Qatar has strongly supported the United Nations by pledging USD 60 million at the LDC5 conference to fund the Doha Programme of Action and resilience initiatives in least developed countries. Qatar collaborates closely with the United States on international aid, including joint humanitarian efforts. Its overall development assistance reached USD 704.7 million in 2023. However, specific bilateral contributions to U.S.-led programs are not always publicly itemized. In 2024, Qatar and the United Kingdom launched a joint USD 50 million initiative to support humanitarian and development responses in vulnerable regions, including Gaza. Qatar has actively collaborated with the European Union, contributing to development programs, including a multi-million-dollar pledge to support global humanitarian efforts and sustainable development goals. Qatar has strengthened its partnership with Germany by supporting various development initiatives, including funding for humanitarian crises and sustainable projects. However, specific financial contributions are often part of broader multilateral efforts. UN:60 million USA: 704.7 million UK: 50 million EU: Not specified Germany: Not specified
4. Migration Figures & Trends (without Palestinian refugees)
Non-national population	– 88.9% Non-national population – 11.6% Qatari citizen.
Signatory of the 1951 Refugee Convention	□ yes ●no The State of Qatar has not ratified either the 1951 Convention or its 1967 Protocol on the Status of Refugees (collectively referred to as the 1951 Convention). Qatar is not a signatory to either the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness or the 1954 Convention on the Status of Stateless Persons.
Registered refugees (latest UNHCR data)	According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Qatar’s registered refugee population stands at 197 individuals as of 2023. 197 persons
Arrivals of refugees	As of the latest available data, Qatar’s registered refugee population remains at 197 individuals, unchanged since 2022. Specific data on the number of refugees arriving in Qatar in 2024 is not publicly available. Qatar’s role in refugee support primarily involves humanitarian aid and development assistance abroad rather than large-scale resettlement.
Returns of refugees	As of the latest available data from the UNHCR, Qatar does not report a significant number of returned refugees. This is because Qatar primarily serves as a host country for a few refugees and provides humanitarian assistance rather than being a destination for large-scale refugee return programs. The government has a limited refugee population and does not have significant figures on refugees returning to their countries of origin.
Main role in Displacement	[check max. two items] X Host country X Transit country □ Country of origin
How does the country relate to regional displacement dynamics? (2-3 sentences)	Qatar plays a significant role in regional displacement by providing humanitarian aid, diplomatic support, and development cooperation. While it hosts a small number of refugees, Qatar primarily aids displaced populations in neighbouring countries like Syria, Yemen, and Palestine through funding UNHCR programs and emergency relief efforts. The government also serves as a mediator in regional conflicts and contributes to security and humanitarian initiatives, helping to address the root causes of displacement.
Internally displaced persons (IDPs)	NA
Reasons for internal displacement	NA
Distribution of refugees/IDPs in the country	NA
5. Legal Status & Living Conditions of Refugees in General (without Palestinian refugees)
Asylum system and legal framework	Qatar does not have a formal asylum system or a specific legal framework for refugees, as it is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol. Instead, Qatar addresses humanitarian needs through bilateral agreements, temporary residency permits, and support for international organizations, while offering limited protection and assistance to refugees on a case-by-case basis.
Access to education	In Qatar, refugees have limited access to formal education, as the country does not have a specific legal framework for refugees, and the majority of displaced individuals are not granted long-term residency. However, some refugee children may have access to education through humanitarian programs or international organizations operating within the country, though these opportunities are not widespread.
Access to the labor market for refugees	Qatar does not have a formal asylum or refugee system and does not typically grant work permits to refugees. Most displaced individuals in Qatar work in low-wage sectors through temporary labor agreements or sponsorships, but do not have the same rights or protections as regular employees.
Access to health care for refugees	Refugees in Qatar receive healthcare services through humanitarian aid programs or international organizations operating in Qatar, though access is often restricted and may not cover all health needs.
Housing of refugees: camps vs. urban settlements	Most displaced individuals live in urban areas or labour camps under temporary work sponsorships. Housing for refugees is generally provided through accommodations arranged by employers or humanitarian organizations, but these arrangements often lack long-term stability or legal protection.
Main challenges for refugees (e.g. poverty, discrimination, legal insecurity)	The main challenges facing refugees in Qatar include limited legal recognition, which restricts their access to permanent residency, employment rights, and social services. Additionally, refugees face difficulties securing stable housing and long-term economic opportunities, as they often depend on temporary work permits and sponsorships.
6. Legal Status & Living Conditions of Refugees
History of Palestinian refugees in the host country	Palestinian refugees began arriving in Qatar after the 1948 Nakba and subsequent Arab-Israeli conflicts, seeking safety and employment opportunities amid regional instability. Over the decades, many have integrated into Qatari society, contributing significantly to sectors like education and public service, though they remain without formal refugee status or a path to citizenship.
Palestinian population (disregarding nationality)	215000 Palestinian 1
Palestinian population with nationality of host country	NA
Legal status (national protection, UNHCR protection, UNRWA protection)	Palestinian refugees in Qatar generally do not hold formal refugee status under international frameworks. Qatar is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, and UNHCR operates in the country with a limited mandate. Additionally, UNRWA does not operate in Qatar, as its services are confined to its five designated areas (Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria). Instead, Palestinians in Qatar typically reside under temporary residency or employment-based sponsorships, and their legal status is governed by Qatar’s general immigration and labor laws rather than refugee-specific protections. While they may benefit from general humanitarian policies and informal protections, they are not officially recognized as refugees, and their rights and status can be subject to change depending on employment or residency conditions.
Access to education	Palestinian refugees in Qatar generally have access to education, particularly through public and private schools, and many have benefited from Qatar’s investments in education. However, their residency status and financial capabilities may influence access to higher education, as they are not classified under formal refugee frameworks that would guarantee exceptional educational support.
Access to the labor market for refugees	Palestinian refugees in Qatar have relatively better access to the labor market than other refugee groups. They often work in education, healthcare, engineering, and public services under standard employment sponsorships. However, their work status is tied to residency permits and employer sponsorship, limiting long-term job security and mobility.
Access to health care for refugees	Palestinian refugees in Qatar generally have access to the national healthcare system, particularly if they are employed and hold valid residency permits. However, their access may vary depending on their employment status and insurance coverage, as no specific healthcare provisions are designated for refugees.
Housing of refugees: camps vs. urban settlements	Palestinian refugees in Qatar reside in urban settings, as the country does not operate refugee camps. They typically live in residential areas alongside other expatriates, with housing conditions varying based on employment status and income level.
National strategy towards hosted Palestinian refugees	Qatar’s national approach toward hosted Palestinian refugees is not defined by a formal refugee policy but through general labour, residency, and humanitarian frameworks. While Palestinians benefit from employment, education, and healthcare access, their status remains that of expatriates without specific legal protections or a long-term integration strategy.
Main challenges for Palestinian refugees (e.g. poverty, discrimination, legal insecurity)	Palestinian refugees in Qatar face several challenges, including legal insecurity, as they lack formal refugee status and citizenship, making their residency and employment dependent on sponsorship systems. While many are professionally employed, some experience limited upward mobility, lack of long-term integration prospects, and restricted access to permanent residency or political representation, contributing to instability and marginalization.
Studies on the vision of return or compensation of the Palestinian refugees in the host country	The studies1
Additional relevant information on Palestinian refugees	The initiative, led by Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, aims to sponsor 3,000 orphans and provide medical care for 1,500 injured Palestinians from Gaza, named „Guest of Qatar.„ Since its launch on December 3, 2023, Qatar has evacuated more than 500 wounded people, along with over 800 of their companions and 700 others with exceptional cases. Most of these evacuated persons live in an accommodation complex: Thumama complex. Those Gazian people are fully charged by the government ( Relief, accommodation, education, health care…)
7. References & Further Reading
UNHCR country profile	https://www.unhcr.org/countries/qatar
UNRWA country profile	NA
Relevant reports of international and national governmental and non-governmental organisations	The reports 1
Relevant scientific articles, book chapters, books	Additional references1

References

A- The Studies 1. Albadawi, S. (2021). Haq al awda: Palestinian refugees’ views on the Right of Return (Master’s thesis). [figshare.com](https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/Haq_al_awda_Palestinian_refugees_views_on_the_Right_of_return/19441733).

2. Al-Salem, R. E. (2020). The right of return of Palestinian refugees under international law (Master’s thesis). The American University in Cairo. Retrieved from [fount.aucegypt.edu](https://fount.aucegypt.edu/retro_etds/2609/?utm_

3. Richter-Devroe, S. (2015). „Like something sacred“: Palestinian refugees‘ narratives on the right of return. Refugee Studies Centre Working Paper Series, 16. Retrieved from [researchportal.hbku.edu.qa](https://researchportal.hbku.edu.qa/en/publications/like-something-sacred-palestinian-refugees-narratives-on-the-righ).

4. 4. Sayej, L. (2019). Palestinian refugees and the right of return in international law. Oxford Human Rights Hub Blog. Retrieved from [ohrh.law.ox.ac.uk](https://ohrh.law.ox.ac.uk/palestinian-refugees-and-the-right-of-return-in-international-law/).

B- The reports

1. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). (2021). UNHCR country operations profile – Qatar. Retrieved from [https://www.unhcr.org/qatar.html](https://www.unhcr.org/qatar.html)

2. United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). (2020). Annual Report 2020. Retrieved from [https://www.unrwa.org/where-we-work/qatar](https://www.unrwa.org/where-we-work/qatar)

3. Human Rights Watch. (2020). World Report 2020: Qatar. Retrieved from [https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2020/country-chapters/qatar](https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2020/country-chapters/qatar)

4. International Organization for Migration (IOM). (2021). Migrant protection and assistance in Qatar. Retrieved from [https://www.iom.int/countries/qatar](https://www.iom.int/countries/qatar)

Al-Muhanna, S. (2020). The status of Palestinian refugees in the Gulf States: A case study on Qatar. Qatar University. Retrieved from [https://www.qu.edu.qa](https://www.qu.edu.qa)

6. Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS). (2020). Humanitarian programs for refugees in Qatar and the region. Retrieved from [https://www.qrcs.org.qa/en/](https://www.qrcs.org.qa/en/)

7. The Palestine News Agency (WAFA). (2021). Palestinian refugees in the Gulf: Challenges and support. Retrieved from [https://english.wafa.ps](https://english.wafa.ps)

C- Additional reference

Birzeit University, Ibrahim Abu Lughod Institute of International Studies. (2012). Palestinian refugees: Different generations, but one identity. https://fada.birzeit.edu/handle/20.500.11889/124

Dorai, M. K. (2008). Itineraries of Palestinian refugees. In S. Hanafi (Ed.), Crossing Borders, Shifting Boundaries: Palestinian Dilemmas (pp. 85–104). Cairo: American University in Cairo Press.
This book explores how Syrian and Palestinian refugees in Jordan conceptualize territory and belonging, challenging traditional notions of state-centric territoriality.

Irfan, A. (2017). Educating Palestinian refugees: The origins of UNRWA’s unique schooling system. Refugee Studies Centre, Uni… [Link](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00717706)
This paper provides both quantitative data and qualitative insights into the Palestinian refugee population, discussing their distribution and the socio-political challenges they face.

Khamis, V. (2017). A community-based qualitative study of intergenerational resilience with Palestinian refugee families facing structural violence and historical trauma. Transcultural Psychiatry, 54(3), 357–383. [Link](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28517968/)
This study explores how Palestinian refugee families cultivate resilience across generations in the face of ongoing structural violence and historical trauma.

Mansour, R., & Almulla, D. (2025). The living reality of Palestinians in refugee camps in Lebanon. Migration Letters, 22(1), 60–75. https://migrationletters.com/index.php/ml/article/view/11798

Samy, S. (2009). Reparations to Palestinian Refugees: A Comparative Perspective. London: Routledge. Link](https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9780203857038/reparations-palestinian-refugees-shahira-samy)
This book analyses the challenges and prospects of reparations for Palestinian refugees, comparing their situation to other historical cases like German-Jewish reparations and the Cyprus conflict.

Yassin, L. (2013). Forgotten in the diaspora: The Palestinian refugees in Egypt, 1948–2011 (Master’s thesis). The American University in Cairo. [Link](https://fount.aucegypt.edu/etds/1034/) This thesis investigates how political tensions in Egypt have affected the rights and status of Palestinian refugees from 1948 to 2011.