Qatar’s population increased by 13.2 percent in 2021, as the country recruited thousands of foreign workers ahead of the World Cup 2022, which Doha hosts in November.
According to data released by the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA) in September, Qatar’s population reached 2.94 million after 370,000 people arrived in the country last year; the majority are migrant workers.
There are an estimated 380,000 Qatari citizens, while the rest of the population comprises low to medium-income migrant workers and some high earners who have residency and working visas in the country.
Qatar expects an influx of 1.2 million visitors for the world’s biggest football event in November, which will pressure its infrastructure, hospitality, and security sectors.
Qatari authorities had signed an agreement with Turkey to send 3,000 riot police officers to help maintain security.Â
