Philippines Bans Workers to Qatar

• Proeksa Meas
• 27 July 2017
• Construction Focus
• 1947 Views

The Philippines has banned workers from travelling to Qatar after four neighbouring Gulf States imposed a blockade on the tiny emirate in protest at alleged links to terrorist funding at the start of June.

There are over 140,000 documented Filipino workers reside in Qatar, with many working on huge construction and infrastructure projects related to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The government of the Philippines has imposed the ban out of fears for the safety and well-being of its citizens. Qatar produces none of its own food and there are fears that the blockade could lead to food shortages and unrest.

“If anything happens, overseas Filipino workers will be the first victims,” Filipino Labour Secretary Silvestre Bello told a press conference in Manila.