How Filipinos in Qatar Can Register to Vote in 2028 PH Elections

Filipinos living and working in Qatar can now apply for overseas voter registration for the 2028 Philippine national elections.

The Philippine Embassy in Doha resumed registration on December 1, 2025.

The service is intended for eligible Filipino citizens who wish to register as overseas voters or update their existing voter records.

Registration will continue until September 30, 2027, under the rules issued by the Commission on Elections.

Who Can Register as an Overseas Voter?

Eligible applicants include Filipino citizens living in Qatar who will be at least 18 years old by May 8, 2028.

They must not be disqualified from voting under Philippine law.

First-time voters may register, while Filipinos who previously registered in the Philippines can apply to have their records certified for overseas voting.

Existing overseas voters may also request reactivation, correction of personal information, or transfer of registration records.

Where to Register in Qatar

Applicants may visit the Philippine Embassy in Doha.

The Embassy’s published consular hours cover Sundays through Thursdays.

Applicants should check for holiday closures, registration-specific instructions, or changes to Embassy operations before traveling to the Chancery.

What Documents Should Applicants Bring?

Applicants should prepare the completed Overseas Voting Form 1 and the identification document that applies to their circumstances.

These include:

• Valid Philippine passport

• Seafarer’s Record Book, for seafarers

• Original or certified true copy of the applicable citizenship approval or identification certificate, for dual citizens

Those requesting changes to their personal records should prepare the relevant supporting documents.

How to Register for Overseas Voting in Qatar

Filipinos can follow these steps:

1. Prepare the required application form.

2. Check the Philippine Embassy’s registration schedule.

3. Visit the Embassy or another officially announced registration venue.

4. Present the required identification documents.

5. Submit the application and complete verification.

6. Have biometrics captured, as required.

7. Keep the acknowledgment receipt.

The application will be subject to review and approval.

Can Filipinos in Qatar Register Online?

Filipinos may use COMELEC’s iRehistro portal to prepare their registration forms.

The online system allows applicants to accomplish the form using a phone or computer.

Once completed, applicants can generate and print the form before visiting the Embassy.

However, iRehistro does not replace the personal appearance requirement.

Applicants must still complete the necessary verification and biometrics procedures at an authorized registration site.

What If an OFW Is Already Registered?

Filipinos who previously registered in another country or in the Philippines should not assume that they need to register again from the beginning.

Depending on their existing records, they may need certification, reactivation, transfer, or correction of entries.

The Embassy can help applicants identify the appropriate transaction.

What Filipinos in Qatar Should Do Next

Filipinos who plan to participate in the 2028 overseas elections should check their registration status and prepare the required documents.

Applications should be completed before September 30, 2027.