The Embassy of the Philippines in Qatar has issued an Embassy Advisory No. ALT-42-2020: Temporary Suspension of Operations of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Doha from 29 June to 12 July 2020, in which it has stated that:

"The Philippine Embassy in Qatar wishes to inform the public that the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Doha is temporarily suspending its operations from 29 June to 12 July 2020 in compliance with health regulations (Decree Law No. 17 of 1990 in the Prevention of Infectious Diseases) as a matter of precaution and for the safety of our clientele, especially our OFWs."

This statement was released after all POLO officers and staff had to undergo swab testing on 28 June 2020 and were told by the Ministry of Public Health that they had to undergo home quarantine for 14 days. The reason all POLO officers had to undergo testing is because some of the workers staying at the Migrant Workers and Other Filipinos Resource Center (MWOFRC) / POLO Shelter recently tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). That is why, for the time being, POLO will not be allowed to accommodate more workers to the MWOFRC/Polo Shelter until further notice.

All POLO officers and staff will be working from home and will attend to emergency requests related to labour and employment assistance and other necessary services, via telephone.

There will be NO online appointments for the Verification of Employment Documents, OEC Issuance, OWWA Membership Renewal, SSS and Pag-Ibig Services from 29 June to 12 June. However, POLO will continue receiving and evaluating applications for the DOLE AKAP Cash Assistance Program for OFWs, but pay-outs are suspended for the time period mentioned above.

POLO's office landline telephone numbers (+974 4488 3858 / 4486 8001) will be temporarily unattended even during regular office hours throughout the duration of the suspension of operations.

For any enquiries about POLO's services, please call the following mobile numbers:

1. Requests for rescheduling of appointments for the verification of Employment Documents, OEC Issuance, OWWA Membership renewal: +974 7704 7356
2. Verification of Documents for vacationing OFWs: +974 5530 4772
3. DOLE AKAP Cash Assistance Program for OFWs: +974 7735 1829
4. SSS Services: +974 5591 5961 or via SSS Doha FB Page Inbox
5. Pag-Ibig Fund Services: +974 5021 1555 or e-mail: popdoha@pagibigfund.gov.ph
6. Requests for Assistance for Company Workers: +974 3030 4778 / 3160 4400

POLO can also be reached via e-mails: polo_qatar@dole.gov.ph and qatar@owwa.gov.ph. Information on POLO's services may also be accessed through the website: www.polodoha.com.ph