Sorry for the confusion but in Europe (EASA) airlines are switching to ATQP (Alternative Training & Qualification Program).
Before ATQP, over a 12-month period, you would carry out the following on the sim:
LPC/OPC - OPC - LPC/OPC.
(IR signed every 6 months for 12 month period)
Under full ATQP the 12-month period will be more like this:
LPC/OPC - LOE/TRAINING - LPC/OPC
(IR signed every 12 months for 12 month period)
In other words, the Instrument Rating will only get signed every 12 months - making it much more difficult to meet the Qatari requirement of 6 months plus on the IR at joining date.
A cost will be involved in getting the IR signed (away from current employer) to meet Qatar requirements in the event of the start date offer being poorly timed.