Algiers Summons Qatari Ambassador Over Visa Issue

Algeria Foreign Ministry has recently summoned the Chargé d’Affaires at the Qatari Embassy in Algiers, on behalf of the Ambassador who is in vacation, to question him over difficulties Algerian applicants encounter to get visa.

Well informed sources mentioned that Algiers has officially required explanations from Doha over this issue, mostly as several Algerian applicants have seen their visa applications rejected and could not thus  join their family members living in Qatar to spend the fasting month of Ramadan with them. 

The source further added that Algerian authorities are likely to take reciprocal measures towards Qatari nationals, in case Doha insisted on applying the new “unclear” measures when it comes to Algerian visa applicants. 

Yet, the spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, Amar Belani, said in a statement, of which Echorouk got a copy, that according to initial explanations delivered by the Qatari Embassy in Algiers, it is about the implementation of new technical measures requiring enduring all the applications to assessment by competent authorities in Doha. 

To recall, as many as 2500 Algerian nationals are installed in Qatar, in addition to about 500 others working temporarily in sectors of hydrocarbons, air transport, higher education and journalism.