'Grab bag' ready for Filipino expats in Qatar

Always prepare for the worst, goes the famous saying, and it seems Filipino expats living in Qatar are doing just that.

The Philippine Ambassador to Qatar has advised citizens to prepare an emergency "grab bag" with items including their passport, medical records and a small amount of cash in euros or US dollars, that would allow them to leave the Gulf state on a moment's notice, if need be.

Wilfredo C. Santos made the remarks last week during the General Assembly of the United Filipino Organisations in Qatar.

"Although there is no imminent danger for now in Qatar and the rest of the region, it is better to be prepared in the event that such a scenario suddenly occurs," Santos said.

The Philippines embassy has previously warned its nationals to "be extra vigilant" in response to threats in the region. But security experts say there is a comparatively low risk of extremist groups launching an attack in Qatar.

Although there is no imminent danger for now in Qatar and the rest of the region, it is better to be prepared in the event that such a scenario suddenly occurs - Philippine Ambassador to Qatar

Qatar is the third-largest destination of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW's) in the Middle East after the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

Around 200,000 Filipinos live in Qatar and frequently work as construction workers, domestic helpers, or in the travel industry.