For many Filipinos, countries in the Middle East are the top choices for employment abroad. Our skilled workers are usually deployed in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait. But this time, it will seem these countries of option will be decreased following the current issue amongst themselves in the Gulf region.
Middle East countries led by Saudi Arabia has recently cut its ties with the Qatari government due to its call for “protection of national security”. According to their announcement made through the state-run Saudi Press Agency on June 5, 2017, Qatar is being accused of “harboring a multitude of terrorist and sectarian groups that aim to create instability in the region.” Qatar government, however, stays firm that this act of severing ties with them is baseless and is backed by mere allegations. They are hoping the issue will be resolved in the near future.
Because of this, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Bahrain mandated Qatar nationals who are residing in or visiting their land to leave within two weeks. They even warned their citizens to avoid travelling to and even crossing Qatar. Qatari diplomats were also commanded to leave these countries within 48 hours after the announcement has been made.
Because of this, the Department of Labor and Employment also suspends the deployment of new OFWs in Qatar as a precautionary measure. The department however advised OFWs who are currently living and working in Qatar to keep calm despite the situation. There were initial reports that some Filipinos have participated in panic buying along supermarkets in Qatar. They are assured though that the situation is being “closely monitored” and that their welfare will be a priority if in case this issue will get escalated. Further, these OFWs are advised to coordinate with their travel and employment agencies whenever necessary for immediate assistance.
International flights were immediately affected by this move as Etihad Airways, Emirates Airlines, and other regional carriers also suspended their flights routing to Qatar. On the other hand, Qatar Airways also announced that it has suspended flights going to Saudi Arabia. There has no word yet if the Qatar flagship airline will also suspend flights going to the UAE and Egypt.
SOURCE: ABS-CBN
