Qatar’s new law regulating the entry, exit and residency of expatriates comes into effect today. It has received mixed response from foreign workers in the country.

Some expatriates fear that the new law still gives employers too much power over employees. But others believe it gives foreign workers a new way out by giving the state a broader role to play, especially in case of a dispute with the employer.

Overall, there seems to be sense of jaded skepticism, with even those less critical of the new laws not expecting a sea change in how migrants are treated in the country.