
Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan to discuss long-term development plans with professionals
Pinarayi Vijayan
will hold an interaction with professionals from diverse sectors on Saturday. The session, titled '
Professional Connect 2025
,' is scheduled from 9:30am to 1pm at the Sankaranarayanan Thampi Hall in the state legislative assembly complex.Organised under the leadership of Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE), the event aims to facilitate meaningful dialogue with experts in healthcare, education, life sciences, agriculture, IT, industry, finance, infrastructure development and green energy. The key objective is to generate actionable ideas that will contribute to the 'Vision 2030' roadmap for Kerala.Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan will personally engage with the participants, listen to their suggestions and respond to emerging ideas and policy proposals during the session.V K Ramachandran, vice chairperson of the Kerala State Planning Board, will deliver the keynote address, setting the tone for discussions.
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The Hindu
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Time of India
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A legal entity like an LLC or sole proprietorship can be established through MoCI or within a free-zone entity like Qatar Financial Centre (QFC). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo b) Home-Based Business License Designed for small ventures, this license enables cooking, sewing, crafting, software repair, perfume creation, photography, and similar activities, with minimal costs and no need for external staff. c) Free Zone and Creative Quotas Media City Qatar, as a free zone, offers full foreign ownership and tax exemptions—attractive for creative professionals, PR consultants, media freelancers, and content producers. d) Informal Freelance Work Many expats operate quietly without formal permits, especially for online freelancing or tutoring. 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Online work fosters digital literacy, portfolio development, and global client exposure, helping individuals transition to full-scale ventures or traditional roles. Entrepreneurial Culture Qatar's side hustles create grassroots entrepreneurship. Co-working spaces, networking events, and government incubators (including within Media City and QFC) support small business development. This may seed future founders and expand the SME ecosystem . Barriers and Grey Zones Legal Uncertainty Freelance operations from abroad are tolerated, but side dealings with local firms carry legal risk. Contract violation may lead to fines or deportation. Informal tutoring or digital work is common, but enforcement is inconsistent. Sponsor and Employer Restrictions Most full-time visas restrict external income. Public-sector and government employees often need approval or a no-objection certificate to take on outside work . Licensing and Costs Business setup whether through QFC or MoCI can be costly and bureaucratic. Home-based licenses have restrictions, and free-zone setups may require minimum capital and annual fees. Market Competition As gig work grows, so does competition. Freelancers must stand out through quality work, strong networks, and legal credibility. What the Future Holds Evolving Regulation Qatar is building more flexible arrangements. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry and QFC are improving freelancer registration processes and lowering financial barriers. A sponsored freelance permit could emerge, aligning legislation with economic goals. E xpanded Infrastructure Media City Qatar, QFC, and co-working spaces are pushing in-house startups and freelancers forward with tailored services and supportive networks. Private Sector & Institutional Support Incubators and mentorship programs, including QDB-backed initiatives and university accelerators, are paving structured paths for side hustles to scale into startups. Cultural Shift toward Consultancy Side hustles are normalising private-sector consulting. Entities are open to part-time experts for niche services, softening policy barriers and tightening legal frameworks and IP rights protections . Verdict: Side hustle culture in Qatar is a sign of economic and social progress. From tutoring to creative freelancing, individuals are leveraging entrepreneurial passion while navigating legal constraints. The trend supports Vision 2030's ambition to build a diversified, knowledge-based economy. With ongoing regulatory adjustments and ecosystem development, Qatar's side hustle movement offers an opportunity to reshape how work, skill, and innovation converge in the Gulf.