The new Qatar Visa Center (QVC) in Pasay City, Manila, just opened this 25 September 2019 to facilitate visa and employment applications of overseas Filipino workers seeking employment in Qatar, so their recruitment process can be systematic in a manner consistent with the best international standards.

The QVC is supervised by Qatar Government authorities, and represented by the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Public Health and Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs. Workers wishing to come to Qatar can complete their medical test and biometric enrolment requirements within a shorter period in the Philippines under one-roof and sign their work contract there, thus, saving time when these workers arrive in Qatar so they don't have to undergo the hassle of doing the procedure in here and can immediately start work.

But with this latest development in the employment process in Qatar, many Filipinos now have many questions regarding the new procedure and how to go about it properly. To be able to help our Filipino community here in Qatar in this matter, we have gathered some frequently asked questions about the new process and procedures at the new QVC in Manila.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is QVC?

QVS stands for Qatar Visa Center, it is a center located in your country where you need to undergo biometric data, medical examinations, signing of contacts and validation of certificates if you want to get employed in Qatar.

2. Where is the exact location of QVC in Manila?

Biomet Visa Services Lanka (Private) Limited, Unit 106, NU mall of Asia Building, Coral Way st., MOA Complex, Pasay City, Manila, Philippines. Tel: +63 25282554

3. What are the advantages of QVC?

• To ensure the easiest process of getting employed in Qatar
• Prevents human trafficking
• Prevents employers from not following the signed contracts of employees.
• To ensure that all documents are real and verified.
• No placement fees.
• No fees to pay at QVC.
• Applicants will receive emails and SMS about the status of their application.
• Applicants can immediately know if they can continue the process or not. If you have a previous case in Qatar the system can see it during the processing of the application making you ineligible to continue.
• Applicants with medical conditions can be treated before getting approval for employment.

4. What should I do if I have the following visas?

• If you have the following visas, Family Visit Visa, Tourist Visa, and Business Visa and you have found a job in Qatar, you need to go back to the Philippines to complete the employment process at the QVC. You can not go to other countries to exit for your new Working Visa.
• For Working Visa holders, if you find a new job but you don't have a No Objection Certificate (NOC) you need to go back to the Philippines and do the process again at the QVC. If in case you finish your contract, you just need to transfer your sponsorship. But for those with an unfinished contract, they are required to do all the process again in the Philippines at the QVC.
• If you're not registered as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), you need to go back to the Philippines to verify your contract and do the procedure.
• For Husband and Father Sponsorships, no need to go back to the Philippines. You just need to transfer your visa to your new sponsor after finding a job.
• In case your application for visa is under process while in Qatar, you are automatically exempted to undergo the new process as long as you have the application number of your visa. This means you don't need to go back to the Philippines.

5. Is it mandatory to schedule an appointment?

It is advisable to schedule an appointment on the website to avoid the waiting time at the QVC due to limited slots available for walk-in applicants. There are, however, no limitations for walk-in customers at the Lounge, provided the maximum capacity for the lounge is not reached.

6. Who has to submit Biometric Information?

Every individual applying for a visa for employment, settling down in Qatar has to submit their biometric information at the QVC. The Applicants who do not need to submit Biometric Information (‘exempted’) at the QVC are:

• Children below 6 years of age
• Applicants above the age of 80
• Diplomatic passport holders (Upon pre-approval from the Mission)

7. What documents do I need to bring when arriving for my appointment at the QVC?

• The passport should be valid for at least six months.
• Educational Certificates

8. What medical tests are conducted?

The Visa medical includes the following tests and services:

1. Consultation services:

• Medical history and physical examination
• Vision testing
• Recording of physical signs such as height, weight and blood pressure

2. X-ray test: Chest X-Ray, posteroanterior view

3. Lab test

• Elisa Testing for HIV, HBsAg & Anti HCV
• VDRL test for Syphilis
• Biochemistry tests such as Random blood sugar, SGOT, SGPT, Serum Creatinine
• Pregnancy tests for Women
• Hemoglobin test
• Blood thick film for Malaria and Micro filarial Parasite

Once the above testing is complete, you will be issued a medical certificate.

9. When will my visa medical exam expire?

If you have not travelled within 60 days of completion of the last visa medical test, you will need to undergo the whole process again.

10. What do I need to bring on the day of the medical exam?

For your appointment, you must bring:

• Current valid passport
• Unique ID such as National ID Card

You should also bring:

• Prescription glasses or contact lenses (if applicable)
• Any specialist’s report/s about your medical condition
• If you have previously been investigated or treated for TB, please bring prior records relating to this treatment such as x-rays
• Do not bring valuables and jewellery to the examination

11. Is there a pass or fail in the visa medical test? Do I need to visit the medical centre again?

If you do not clear some of the medical tests, you will be required to visit for retesting, follow up or referral. Please provide accurate contact information as in cases where results are pending, the QVC will be contacting you for further tests or referrals. If these medical tests and treatment processes take more than 2 months (or 60 days), you will be required to undergo the medical test again.

12. How is the contract available for signing at the QVC?

The Work contract is available in a digital format for you to read, agree and sign digitally before you proceed to enroll your biometric details and undergo medical tests.

13. My personal details mentioned on the contract are incorrect, how can I change it?

Applicants are advised to contact their employer to get their personal details corrected and rebook their appointment with the QVC.

14. There is a discrepancy in the salary and other benefits in my work contract, what should I do?

Applicants are advised to contact their employer for any amendments that are needed and rebook the appointment with the QVC

15. What if my signature on the e-contract and the passport does not match, will my visa be rejected?

Applicants are advised to sign the contract as per the signature on their passport. Any decision on the visa application is the sole prerogative of the Ministry of Interior, State of Qatar.

Philippine Embassy in Doha
Location: St. No. 860, Zone 68, Jelaiah Area, Doha, Qatar
Tel: +974 4483 1585
Website: www.dohape.dfa.gov.ph
Hours: 07:00 am - 16:00 pm

Source: Philippine Embassy, Seminar of Philippine Embassy in Qatar, Qatar Visa Center

The newly opened Qatar Visa Center in Manila will be of great help especially to those Filipinos who want to work and get documented properly in Qatar. This initiative of the Qatar government and the Philippines will bring better relationship to both countries. Did you find these FAQ's helpful? Tell us what you think and write it below in our comment section. Also, please like and share this article - it keeps us going!

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Arvin Garcia

Content Writer

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