In an advisory released by the Philippine Embassy in Doha, the operations of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) have temporarily stopped their operations from June 29 until July 12, 2020. This is in compliance with Qatar’s health regulations, to prevent the spread of the virus to the employees and clientele.
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Some of the workers staying in the POLO-managed shelter tested positive of the virus. Thus, all POLO officials and staff had swab testing and will undergo home quarantine for two weeks.
Temporary Suspension of POLO Services
After the migrant workers staying at the Migrant Workers and Other Filipinos Resource Center (MWOFRC)/ POLO Shelter tested positive for the virus, the POLO Office has suspended its operations for two weeks. POLO personnel underwent swab testing and have undergone home quarantine from June 29 until July 12. This is in compliance with a directive from the Ministry of Public Health aimed to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
While on home quarantine, POLO personnel will also work from home to be able to assist with over-the-phone emergency requests from Filipino workers. They will also process applications for the DOLE AKAP Cash Assistance Program.
However, since the employees are on home quarantine, physical transactions are also temporarily suspended. This means that there will be no pay-outs for the DOLE AKAP Program for two weeks. Appointments for verification of Employment Documents, OEC Issuance, OWWA Membership Renewal, SSS and Pag-Ibig services are likewise suspended during the prescribed quarantine period.
These are the mobile numbers to ask about the POLO’s services:
Requests for rescheduling of appointments for the Verification of Employment Documents, OEC issuance, OWWA Membership Renewal +974 7704 7356
Verification of Documents for Vacationing OFWs +974 5530 4772
DOLE AKAP Cash Assistance Program for OFWs +974 7735 1829
SSS Services +974 5591 5961 or via SSS Doha FB Page Inbox
Pag Ibig Fund Services +974 5021 1555 or email popdoha@pagibigfund.govph
Requests for Assistance for HSWs +974 3003 2245
+974 3164 6444
MWOFRC +974 5054 0707
Requests for Assistance for Company Workers +974 3030 4778
+974 3160 4400
No one will be available to answer inquiries over the landline telephone. Clients are instead advised to get in touch through email at polo_qatar@dole.gov.ph or qatar@owwa.gov.ph. Other information can also be accessed on the website: www.polodoha.com.ph.
The POLO Office provides training programs to improve the technical skills, entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy, and personality development of migrant workers. They also provide post-arrival orientation to further help the expat to cope up with their new environment.
Filipino workers are also advised that while the POLO Office is temporarily closed, the Philippine Embassy continues to be operational. All transactions with the embassy will be honoured, provided that the worker has an appointment, and can present their Ehteraz app with a green status.
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