Immigration update: Qatar | Measures and restrictions due to COVID-19
Disruptions due to Coronavirus: measures and restrictions due to COVID-19
Considering the spread of COVID -19, a meeting chaired by the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has directed, all inbound traffic to be stopped as of March 18 for two weeks.
Who will be affected?
As per the directives, all inbound flights to Qatar will be stopped as of March 18 for two weeks, except transit flights, cargo flights and flights carrying Qatar nationals from other countries.
Qatar during the last week had already barred travellers from 14 different foreign nations as the coronavirus infection tally surged globally. The ban covered travellers from China, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria and Thailand.
Qatar will review the situation at the end of two weeks and appropriate decisions will be taken depending on the prevailing situation.
Impact
Authorities has advised all airlines to implement a temporary flying restriction on all nationalities excluding Qatari nationals from flying into the State of Qatar.
The temporary travel restriction includes those who are in the possession of the valid residence in the State of Qatar.
Santa Fe Analysis
As authorities have not stipulated any timeline for the measures implemented on travellers, affected travellers should refrain from making travel plans to Qatar as much as possible until further advice is received from the relevant government bodies.
For employers, it is advised to keep assignment start dates flexible for affected travellers and also to keep business travels to Qatar to a minimum.
Should you have any questions, please contact the following:
Ayaz Sheriff
Senior Immigration Consultant – UAE
Santa Fe Relocation
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
D: +97 143 321 595
M: +97 155 367 9870
E: Ayaz.sheriff@santaferelo.com
Paolo Longo
Regional Immigration Director – Middle East & Africa
Santa Fe Relocation
Johannesburg, South Africa
D: +27 (0) 10 595 2337
M: +27 (0) 83 677 7949
E: Paolo.longo@santaferelo.com
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