Prostitution is illegal in Qatar[1] and carries severe punishment of several years in prison.[2][3] Prostitution normally takes place in bars, nightclubs and hotels. There are occasional clamp-downs and the prostitutes are arrested and deported.[4]
Like other Persian Gulf countries, prostitution and related activities are illegal. Chapter 6 of the Penal Code deals with Instigation of Debauchery, Dissipation and Fornication:[5]
Qatar is listed by the US Department of State as a Tier 2 country for trafficking.[6] It is a destination for men and women trafficked for the purposes of involuntary servitude and, to a lesser extent, commercial sexual exploitation.[6] The country is a destination for women from China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Morocco, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, India, Africa, and Eastern Europe trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation.[6]
The State of Qatar, however, made substantial efforts to eliminate trafficking by increasing the overall anti-trafficking law enforcement efforts. The 2011 anti-trafficking law forbade sex and labor trafficking and suggested penalties of up to seven years imprisonment for the criminal. The government regulated a fine of up to 250,000 Qatari riyal ($68,680) and up to 15 years imprisonment, if the crimes involved adult male victims, and up to 300,000 Qatari riyal ($82,420) in case of an adult female or a child victim.[7]