Indians in Qatar

Qatar Visa Centres in India will open their doors on December 3, 2020 | MoI

A long wait for Indian expats has come to an end as Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (MoI) has confirmed the reopening of Qatar Visa Centres (QVCs) in India.

MoI tweeted on its official handle, “Visa Centre in the Republic of #India will reopen on Thursday, 3 December 2020.“.

MoI Qatar has opened Qatar Visa Centres in India to facilitate all kinds of visa procedures in India itself to expats traveling to Qatar for work. QVCs provide Biometric Enrollment and also Medical Screening Services.

Individuals can make appointments to visit QVCs through the website: https://www.qatarvisacenter.com/ – There are 7 QVCs which are operational in India | New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kochi.

Qatar Visa Centers in India – Find below Address, Hours of Operation and Contact Info:

1. Mumbai (Bandra East): 201/2, Hallmark Business Plaza, Sant Dyaneshwar Marg, Near Gurunanak Hospital, Bandra East, Mumbai – 400051
2. Chennai (Saligrammam): Shyamala Towers,1st Floor, East wing, 136 Arcot Road, Saligrammam, Chennai – 600 093
3. Delhi (Akshardham): Unit no 2, Lower ground floor, Parsvnath Mall, Akshardham Metro Station, Akshardham, New Delhi. 110092
4. Hyderabad (Telangana): Ground Floor, South Wing (Krishe Block), Krishe Sapphire Building, Hitech City Road, Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500081.
5. Cochin (Edappally): Door No 38/4111/D, Ground Floor, National Pearl Star building, Near Changampuzha Park Metro Station, Edappally Cochin-682024, Kerala
6. Kolkata: Bengal Intelligent Park, Building Gamma, 1st Floor, Block-EP & GP, Sector-V, Salt Lake Electronics Complex, Kolkata – 700 091
7. Lucknow (Gomti Nagar): BBD Viraj Towers, 2nd Floor, TC G/1A – V/3 Vibhuti Khand, Shaheed Path, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow Pincode – 226010, Uttar Pradesh.

Hours of Operation:

• Biometric Enrollment: 08:30 HRS – 16:30 HRS
• Medical Screening: 09:00 HRS – 17:00 HRS
• Email: [email protected]

Telephone:

• +91 44 6133 1333 (Phone assistance is available from Monday to Friday between 08:30 HRS – 17:00 HRS)

#Qatar Visa Centre in the Republic of #India will reopen on Thursday, 3 December 2020.

Appointment to visit the Centre in India can be made through the #QVC website. #MoIQatar pic.twitter.com/wDYe18gbzO

— Ministry of Interior (@MOI_QatarEn) November 26, 2020

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• The first batch of an approved Covid-19 vaccine is expected to arrive in Qatar by the end of this year
• Film buffs to experience first drive-in cinema experience at this year’s Ajyal Film Festival
• The Tasty Street festival organised at Katara has over 300 mouth-watering food kiosks at the Katara Cultural Village

Repatriation flights updated schedule (as on 13 Sep 2020) | Qatar to India

Ministry of External Affairs, India has published updated (as on 13 Sep 2020) list of repatriation flights schedule for the month of September under the Vande Bharat Mission (VBM).

(scroll the table horizontally to find complete details of a flight schedule)

Note from MEA states that, “This is a dynamic list and is bound to undergo changes based on operational, technical and other considerations. The list should not be considered as final and is only for the purpose of information. This list cannot be quoted for any legal claims.”

Source: MEA | Image Credit: IndiGo flight (File Photo | PTI)

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Also Read:

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• Swab test for passengers on sixth day after arrival | The Ministry of Public Health
• Law removing NOC to change jobs in Qatar has come in force | Published in Qatar’s Official Gazette
• Find Laboratories approved by Qatar Airways in India to do COVID-19 RT-PCR test
• Exceptional Entry Permit is a temporary service which helps residents of Qatar who wish to return back can apply to enter Qatar

Repatriation flights to India from Qatar | September 2020 Schedule

Ministry of External Affairs, India has published the list of repatriation flights schedule for the month of September  under the Vande Bharat Mission (VBM). This is an updated list as on 29th Aug 2020 and it is noted that this is a dynamic list and is bound to undergo changes.

(scroll the table horizontally to find complete details of a flight schedule)

Note from MEA states that, “This is a dynamic list and is bound to undergo changes based on operational, technical and other considerations. The list should not be considered as final and is only for the purpose of information. This list cannot be quoted for any legal claims.”

Source: MEA | Image Credit: IndiGo flight (File Photo | PTI)

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Also Read:

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• Phase 4 of lifting COVID-19 restrictions in Qatar split into 2 phases – Know more
• Find Laboratories approved by Qatar Airways in India to do COVID-19 RT-PCR test
• Exceptional Entry Permit is a temporary service which helps residents of Qatar who wish to return back can apply to enter Qatar.
• All you need to know about the changes in the Indian education system – National Education Policy 2020

Qatar Airways has opened bookings on flights to 13 destinations in India from August 18 to August 31 2020

India has recently announced an “Air Bubble” with Qatar to facilitate travel between the two countries. As a part of the “Air Bubble”, Qatar Airways has opened bookings on flights to 13 destinations in India from August 18 to August 31, 2020.

Qatar Airways will operate flights to and from the following destinations in India, According to Qatar Airways.

1. Ahmedabad
2. Amritsar
3. Bengaluru
4. Chennai
5. Delhi
6. Goa
7. Hyderabad
8. Kochi
9. Kolkata
10. Kozhikode
11. Mumbai
12. Nagpur (Yet to start booking)
13. Thiruvananthapuram

Please check Qatar Airways website for latest updates / booking.

“On our flights. we will only be able to accommodate the passengers who qualify for one of the mentioned categories“, Qatar Airways stated on its website. Also it further stated that, “respective government’s entry regulations will apply to all passengers and urged everyone to check their website for information about COVID-19 RT-PCR medical test“.

This arrangement of Air Bubble between India and Qatar is valid from 18^th August to 31 August 2020.

A. From India to Qatar 

1. Qatari Nationals
2. Any Indian national holding any type of valid Qatar visa and destined for Qatar only. It would be for the concerned airlines to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian nationals to enter Qatar with the particular visa category before the issue of ticket/ boarding pass to the Indian passenger.

B. From Qatar to India

1. Indian nationals stranded in Qatar.
2. All Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders holding Qatari passports, and
3. Qatari nationals (including diplomats) holding a valid visa issued by an Indian mission in any category covered under Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines dated 30 June 2020.

Before making any reservations in the flights being operated under the above arrangements, the passenger must confirm that they would be allowed entry into the destination country.

Air bubble between India & Qatar@MEAIndia @MOS_MEA @DrSJaishankar
@MoCA_GoI @CAAQATAR @MofaQatar_EN pic.twitter.com/6aqJCyod2Z

— India in Qatar (@IndEmbDoha) August 14, 2020

Source: Qatar Airways

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Also Read:

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• Hamad International Airport implements newly modified procedures to enter Qatar based on the categorization of arriving passengers
• Find Laboratories approved by Qatar Airways in India to do COVID-19 RT-PCR test
• Exceptional Entry Permit is a temporary service which helps residents of Qatar who wish to return back can apply to enter Qatar

Air bubble between India and Qatar | Flights from 18 August to 31 August 2020

The Embassy of India, Doha in a recent announcement stated that, India has created an “Air Bubble” with Qatar to facilitate travel between the two countries.

This arrangement of Air Bubble between India and Qatar is valid from 18^th August to 31 August 2020.

A. From India to Qatar 

1. Qatari Nationals
2. Any Indian national holding any type of valid Qatar visa and destined for Qatar only. It would be for the concerned airlines to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian nationals to enter Qatar with the particular visa category before the issue of ticket/ boarding pass to the Indian passenger.

B. From Qatar to India

1. Indian nationals stranded in Qatar.
2. All Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders holding Qatari passports, and
3. Qatari nationals (including diplomats) holding a valid visa issued by an Indian mission in any category covered under Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines dated 30 June 2020.

The designated airlines of both the sides will be permitted to sell tickets between India and Qatar in each direction through their websites, sales agents, and global distribution systems (GDS).

Before making any reservations in the flights being operated under the above arrangements, the passenger must confirm that they would be allowed entry into the destination country.

Air bubble between India & Qatar@MEAIndia @MOS_MEA @DrSJaishankar
@MoCA_GoI @CAAQATAR @MofaQatar_EN pic.twitter.com/6aqJCyod2Z

— India in Qatar (@IndEmbDoha) August 14, 2020

Source: @IndEmbDoha

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Also Read:

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• Hamad International Airport implements newly modified procedures to enter Qatar based on the categorization of arriving passengers
• Find Laboratories approved by Qatar Airways in India to do COVID-19 RT-PCR test
• Exceptional Entry Permit is a temporary service which helps residents of Qatar who wish to return back can apply to enter Qatar.
• QatarIndians.com welcomes our new Ambassador of India to Qatar HE Dr. Deepak Mittal
• All you need to know about the changes in the Indian education system – National Education Policy 2020

QatarIndians.com team wishing you a Happy Independence Day 2020!

Let us honour the struggles of many brave-hearts who fought for the country’s freedom. Freedom is hard to get, but we were blessed to have it. Let’s appreciate everything we have and celebrate the great miracle of freedom. Happy Independence Day.

Indian Embassy Qatar has tweeted invitation to attend 74th Independence Day of India celebrations at Embassy of India Qatar to be held virtually only (in view of COVID restrictions) from 7 am onwards and can be seen at links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndianEmbassyQatar/

Twitter: @IndEmbDoha

YouTube Link: http://youtube.com/QatarStories

Happy Independence Day!

Invitation to attend 74th Independence Day of India celebrations at Embassy of India Qatar to be held virtually only (in view of COVID restrictions) from 7 am onwards and can be seen at links :
FACEBOOK : INDIA IN QATAR,
TWITTER : @IndEmbDoha
YouTube Link: https://t.co/AlVORAdwbM pic.twitter.com/DfyNtyvOe1

— India in Qatar (@IndEmbDoha) August 14, 2020

Updated list of repatriation flights to India from Qatar | Aug 2020 (as on 12 Aug 2020)

MEA India has published the updated list of repatriation flights schedule for the month of August under the Vande Bharat Mission (VBM). This is an updated list as on 12 Aug 2020 and it is noted that this is a dynamic list and is bound to undergo changes.

(scroll the table horizontally to find complete details of a flight schedule)

Note from MEA states that, “This is a dynamic list and is bound to undergo changes based on operational, technical and other considerations. The list should not be considered as final and is only for the purpose of information. This list cannot be quoted for any legal claims.”

Source: MEA | Image Credit: IndiGo flight (File Photo | PTI)

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Also Read:

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• Find Laboratories approved by Qatar Airways in India to do COVID-19 RT-PCR test
• Exceptional Entry Permit is a temporary service which helps residents of Qatar who wish to return back can apply to enter Qatar.
• QatarIndians.com welcomes our new Ambassador of India to Qatar HE Dr. Deepak Mittal
• All you need to know about the changes in the Indian education system – National Education Policy 2020

Qatar Airways passengers from these countries are required to present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result during Check-in process | Find Laboratories approved by Qatar Airways in India to do COVID-19 RT-PCR test

Qatar Airways passengers traveling via Bangladesh, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Philippines and Srilanka will be required to present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result during Check-in process, the airline stated on its website.

Also, it has stated that once it resumes services to India, Nepal, Nigeria and Russia passengers from these countries are also required to present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result during Check-in process.

The airline added that, “Those that do not have a copy of their medical test certificate alongside a consent form will not be permitted to travel on Qatar Airways flights,”

• Test from Qatar Airways approved laboratories must be issue within 72 hours before departure
• Testing charges should be borne by the passengers
• Test does not apply to Children below 12 years if their family members are accompanied and they have presented negative test result

Laboratories approved by Qatar Airways in India to do COVID-19 RT-PCR test:

India:

Ahmedabad (AMD)

• Unipath Specialty Lab
• Supratech Labs
• Sterling Accuris

Amritsar (ATQ)

• Gurunanakdev Hospital
• Civil Hospital
• Sri Guru Ram Dass University of Health and Science
• Jalandhar Civil Hospital
• Christian Medical College
• Gurdaspur Civil Hospital
• Barnala Civil Hospital
• Rajindra Hospital Govt Medical College
• Mata Kaushalya Hospital
• Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital
• District Hospital Hoshiarpur
• District Hospital Barnala
• District Hospital Kapurthala
• District Hospital Muktsar Sahib
• District Hospital Moga
• District Hospital Rupnagar
• District Hospital Sangrur
• Civil Hospital Sbs Nagar
• Civil Hospital Mansa
• Civil Hospital Bathinda
• Civil Hospital Pathankot

Bangalore (BLR)

• Test can be done at all ICMR-approved labs

Chennai ((MAA)

• Test can be done at all ICMR-approved labs

Cochin (COK)

• Medivision Scan & Diagnostic Research Centre

Goa (GOI)

• Goa Medical College

Hyderabad (HYD)

• Vijaya Diagnostic

Kolkata (CCU)

• Apollo Hospital
• Medica Super Specialty Lab
• Suraksha Labs
• Dr. Lal Path Labs

Kozhikode (CCJ)

• Aza Diagnostics Center

Nagpur (NAG)

• Dhruv Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics
• Su-Vishwas Diagnostic Lab

New Delhi (DEL)

• Dr. Lal Path Labs

Mumbai (BOM)

• Suburban Diagnostics
• Metropolis
• SRL
• Nanavati Hospital

Trivandrum (TRV)

• DDRC Test Lab

Source: qatarairways.com

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Also Read:

• New National Education Policy 2020 – Here’s are the highlights of India’s New National Education Policy 2020
• The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) has announced that an additional 200 mosques in Qatar will be reopened from 7th Aug 2020 for Friday Prayers
• Exceptional Entry Permit is a temporary service which helps residents of Qatar who wish to return back can apply to enter Qatar

QatarIndians.com welcomes our new Ambassador of India to Qatar HE Dr. Deepak Mittal

The Indian embassy in a recent tweet announced the arrival of HE Dr Deepak Mittal. QatarIndians.com team on behalf of all the Indians living in Qatar wish to extend a very warm welcome to our new Ambassador of India to Qatar HE Dr. Deepak Mittal.

HE Dr. Deepak Mittal has replaced HE P Kumaran, who has been in Qatar since 2016.

The Embassy of India announces the arrival of H.E. Dr. Deepak Mittal, Ambassador of India to the State of Qatar. pic.twitter.com/Al4hdVhrC3

— India in Qatar (@IndEmbDoha) August 6, 2020

Image Credit: IndEmbDoha

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Also Read:

• New National Education Policy 2020 – Here’s are the highlights of India’s New National Education Policy 2020
• The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) has announced that an additional 200 mosques in Qatar will be reopened from 7th Aug 2020 for Friday Prayers
• Exceptional Entry Permit is a temporary service which helps residents of Qatar who wish to return back can apply to enter Qatar

Exceptional Entry Permit application is open on Qatar Portal

Due to COVID-19 restrictions and temporary ban on international flights many Qatar Residents who are currently struck outside Qatar couldn’t return back to Qatar. Exceptional Entry Permit is a temporary service which helps residents of Qatar who wish to return back can apply to enter Qatar.

Exceptional Entry Permit to Qatar has gone live on the Qatar Portal Website, The Peninsula Qatar recently posted. 

Since yesterday (1st of Aug 2020) application has gone live on https://portal.www.gov.qa/wps/portal/qsports/home It is a welcoming news for many residents who are waiting to return to Qatar to meet their family and / or to get back their work.

Exceptional Entry Permit service allows applications to be submitted under two types.

• For Qatar Residents and Citizens (You need to enter your Qatar ID number and your personal mobile number)
• For Visitors and Business Representatives (Have to provide the email and number before proceeding to add personal details)

Steps to Request Exceptional Entry Permit:

• Create a new account on Qatar Portal or Log in to your existing account (if available).
• Click on “Apply for Exceptional Entry Permit”.
• Read terms and conditions and prepare all required attachments before starting the application.
• Enter the application page and fill in the required information correctly and completely as shown in the passport.
• Enter your email correctly to receive approval on your application.
• Print permit after approval and keep a copy of it and a copy of the quarantine undertaking to be presented to airport officials.

Source: The Peninsula Qatar | Image Credit:Qatar Portal

16000 will also continue to provide a 24/7 call centre service for all enquiries in relation to the COVID-19. 

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Also Read:

• New National Education Policy 2020 has major reforms in higher education with an increased focus on non-academic skills. Here’s are the highlights of India’s New National Education Policy 2020
• The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) has announced that an additional 200 mosques in Qatar will be reopened from tomorrow (Aug 7) for Friday Prayers
• Exceptional Entry Permit is a temporary service which helps residents of Qatar who wish to return back can apply to enter Qatar