Qatar Country Summary

FATF Status

Qatar is not on the FATF List of Countries that have been identified as having strategic AML deficiencies

Compliance with FATF Recommendations

The last Mutual Evaluation Evaluation relating to the implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards in Qatar was undertaken in 2023. According to that Evaluation, Qatar was deemed Compliant for 32 and Largely Compliant for 8 of the FATF 40 Recommendations. It was deemed Highly Effective for 0 and Substantially Effective for 4 of the Effectiveness & Technical Compliance ratings.

Qatar exhibits a complex landscape regarding crime and corruption, with significant measures in place to combat these issues. While the government actively enforces laws against corruption and has established various anti-corruption bodies, challenges persist, particularly concerning human trafficking and exploitation of migrant workers, exacerbated by the Kafala system.

The country also faces issues related to organized crime, including arms trafficking, counterfeit goods, and drug transit, with criminal activities often linked to loosely connected networks involving foreign actors. Despite these challenges, Qatar's leadership demonstrates a commitment to governance and resilience against crime, bolstered by a generally impartial judicial system and significant investments in law enforcement and cybersecurity.

Qatar's economy is characterized by its status as one of the world's largest exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and boasts one of the highest per capita incomes globally, with a GDP of $236 billion in 2022. The government plays a dominant role in the economy while actively promoting foreign direct investment (FDI) through legislative reforms that allow up to 100% foreign ownership in various sectors, particularly in energy, infrastructure, and technology. Despite facing challenges such as labor rights issues and bureaucratic hurdles, Qatar's investment climate is bolstered by significant government spending on major projects and a strategic focus on diversifying the economy in line with its National Vision 2030.