As far as I know, those requirements still stand.
You definitely need an ATPL, or Frozen ATPL.
If your friend got an interview without, they will catch up with that during the interview and he will have waisted precious time.
The CAA can not give you a Qatari licence without ATPL or Frozen ATPL on the original licence.
Tip for the interview: It is QATAR AIRWAYS, not airlines!