Qatar bans entry of Pakistanis amid Coronavirus outbreak

• The State of Qatar is temporarily suspended for all those intending to travel from certain countries, as of 9 March 2020.
• The outbreak has now killed more than 3,500 people and infected over 105,000 across 95 countries and territories.

The Government of Qatar has announced to temporarily suspend the entry of Pakistanis among a host of other countries to enter into the country as a preventive measure due to the spread of Coronavirus outbreak.

“In addition to Qatar Airways announcement regarding flights to and from Italy, entry to the State of Qatar is temporarily suspended for all those intending to travel from certain countries, as of 9 March 2020,” said a statement released by Qatar’s Government Communications Office.

This decision comes as a preventive measure due to the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) worldwide.

The decision includes the following countries: Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria, and Thailand.

The decision affects all individuals intending to enter from these countries, including visas upon arrival, those with a residence or work permit, and temporary visitors.

The State of Qatar further urged its citizens and residents to avoid all but essential travel at this time.

“These precautionary measures may be subject to further updates based on the latest guidance of the national health authorities and international organisations on the spread of Coronavirus, in order to ensure the safety of all residents of the State of Qatar,” the statement added.

48 passengers from Islamabad to Doha flight and 48 passengers from Karachi to Doha flights have also been offloaded, informed sources.

The outbreak has now killed more than 3,500 people and infected over 105,000 across 95 countries and territories.