There are two categories of Christian communities in Qatar—expatriates and converts from Islam. They are separate from each other and must be careful when interacting.

Most Christians are expatriate believers. They tend to be migrant workers and enjoy a degree of religious freedom. Large worship events have been allowed in the past, but a major issue remains a shortage of space for churches, with only a select number allowed to establish buildings at the official Religious Complex outside the capital, Doha. However, foreign Christians must be very careful when sharing their faith, as evangelizing Muslims is strictly forbidden and can lead to prosecution and deportation. Many migrant workers have to live and work in poor conditions, while their Christian faith can add to their vulnerability.

Converts from both Qatari and migrant backgrounds can face intense pressure from their families and communities for choosing to follow Jesus, although the latter can avoid this by living within an international community rather than their own ethnic one. For Qataris, conversion from Islam to another religion is forbidden, and those known to be Muslims aren’t even allowed to enter a church. 

There are hardly ever reports of Christians being killed, imprisoned or harmed for their faith, because the number of converts is low and they keep their faith secret.