MANILA, Philippines — About 250,000 Filipinos living in Qatar continue to enjoy a strong reputation among employers and maintain one of the lowest rates of conflict with authorities, Philippine Ambassador to Qatar Mardomel Melicor said Monday in Doha, highlighting their status under the Gulf state’s continuing labor reforms.
Melicor said Qatari nationals and local employers consistently commend Filipino workers for their professionalism and discipline, noting that they rarely encounter problems with law enforcement. The Filipino community is the sixth-largest expatriate group in Qatar.
According to Melicor, roughly half of Filipinos in the country work in high-paying professional and skilled roles, including many who occupy middle-management positions across industries while keeping a low profile in their workplaces. The other half serve as household service workers.
Melicor noted that Indians form Qatar’s largest expatriate community, with around 800,000 people — nearly three times the estimated 300,000 Qatari nationals. Qataris account for only about 10 percent of the country’s population, with expatriates — including Filipinos, Bangladeshis, Pakistanis, Nepalese, Egyptians and others — making up the remaining 90 percent.
He said Qatar continues implementing labor reforms aimed at improving conditions for migrant workers and aligning policies with International Labor Organization standards.
The Philippine Embassy in Doha, Melicor said, regularly works with Qatari authorities and employers to monitor the welfare of Filipino workers, address labor concerns and ensure adherence to local laws and international agreements.
Embassy officials also coordinate with Filipino community organizations in Qatar to gather feedback, provide assistance, and respond to emerging issues involving overseas Filipino workers.
Melicor said the Philippine government maintains an active dialogue with Qatari officials to safeguard the rights and welfare of Filipinos who make up a vital part of the country’s foreign workforce.