Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) previously deported from countries member of the Gulf Cooperation Council or GCC will no longer be allowed to enter again.

Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (MOI) has issued a circular stating that workers, including OFWs, who have been deported from any of the GCC countries in any of the reasons below will be denied entry by other GCC countries.

• Running away from sponsors or employers
• Court ruling for violation of labor laws
• Involvement in criminal offenses

The circular was released in compliance with the resolutions of the Secretary-General of the GCC and the activation of the security link among GCC countries that a violation of any labor laws in one GCC countries is deemed as violation in other GCC countries as well. This aims to reduce cases of runaways and ensure labor market stability in the Gulf area.

Gulf Cooperation Council include 7 Middle East countries - Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.