Qatar opens first visa center in Pasay

THE Government of Qatar formally opened the newly built Qatar Visa Center (QVC) in Pasay City, which is envisioned to facilitate visa and employment applications of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) seeking employment in Qatar.

The QVC is directly supervised by Qatar Government authorities where OFWs can complete their medical test and biometric enrolment requirements within a shorter period.

Mandated by the Ministry of Interior of Qatar, the QVC was inaugurated by Qatar Ambassador to the Philippines Ali Ibrahim Al-Malki, Major Abdullah Khalifa Al Mohannadi, director of visa support service department and Ali Mohammed Al Meer, the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs and other dignitaries.

Once the initial visa approval is issued by Qatar authorities, applicants can complete the contracts digitally, enrol their biometrics, undergo mandatory medical tests all under one roof, thus saving time and making it hassle-free for applicants at the center without having to wait for the process to be completed in Qatar.

According to Qatar officials, the QVC will make it obligatory for workers to sign work contracts and undergo medical tests and make their recruitment more rewarding and systematic in a manner consistent with the best international standards.

The QVC is in sync with international standards guaranteeing greater transparency, traceability and improved measures and security screening mechanisms for visa applicants. It will operate from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

“Choosing the Philippines to be one of the first countries in which Qatar visa centers are launched, reflects the great interest of the State of Qatar to strengthen its bilateral relations with the Philippines in various fields,” said Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Philippines Ali Ibrahim Al-Malki.

The launching of QVC in Manila underscores Qatar’s growing desire for the Filipino workforce, as well as for other foreign migrants to work or live in Qatar.

It also assures the constant endeavor of the State of Qatar to provide the best decent life and appropriate work environment for the migrant workers, as their presence made significant contributions to the development of the State of Qatar.

The opening of this center is a result of Qatar’s policy that aims to enhance the labor relations with the Philippines, as well as the ties among its people, pushing them forward to a brighter future.