Tobacco products banned in Qatar

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) reminded overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) bound for Qatar to refrain from bringing tobacco products there. (Photo: Ida Myrvold/Flickr, CC BY 2.0)

MANILA — The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) reminded overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) bound for Qatar to refrain from bringing tobacco products there.

This after the host country has banned all tobacco derivatives, equipment, and other materials in relation to tobacco usage.

“OFWs are advised to be wary of these prohibitions and should never attempt to carry any of these banned products when travelling to Qatar,” the POEA said in a statement Thursday.

Included in the list of banned tobacco products are chewing tobacco in any form; electronic cigarette, electronic shisha, and any product similar to it or made in any form of tobacco; swaika (substance made from tobacco products and that can be taken by absorption, chewing or inhalation); cigarette machines; and advertising, promotion, or sponsorship materials that seek to introduce any tobacco product.

The POEA said that violators can face imprisonment and fines.

“(Those) entering the State of Qatar will be subject to legal liability if found in possession of banned tobacco derivatives, equipment, and other materials in relation to tobacco usage,” it added.

Qatar’s Law No. 10 of 2016 on the Control of Tobacco and its Derivatives provides strict measures to curb the import and use of tobacco products.

It added that those found violating the relevant articles might face imprisonment not exceeding six months and fines not exceeding 100,000 Qatari riyal (PHP1,385,000).