Doha – Business Class
In response to the Reuters news story headlined “Qatar expats say leave canceled, travel restricted after Arab rift”, Qatar Petroleum would like to state the following:
Qatar Petroleum denies what has been described in the Reuters report as canceling staff holidays as well as their exit permits.
No expatriate or national employees in Qatar Petroleum or its subsidiaries have been denied leave or exit permits.
However, due to the current embargo imposed by some neighboring countries, a few selected critical employees may have been asked to postpone their leave for operational reasons. This is a very limited measure that could take place in any oil and gas operating company should an operational need arise to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies to all our customers across the world. It is also important to stress that no employee, under any circumstances, have been asked to remain against their consent.
There are many staff members who have applied for and granted leave by following the standard processes and procedures with no limitations except in the mentioned cases.
It is unfortunate that such rumors have surfaced and we hope the above statement provides the necessary clarity.