2022 FIFA Football World Cup, Qatar
Articles & Reports
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Legal experts launch new App for emergency help at World Cup
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Noof Al-Maadeed Focus on Qatar human rights after girl goes missing
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72 year old British / Australian detained in Dubai at “death’s door”
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Australian government slammed for buckling to Qatar royals who “consider us infidels”
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Expats shocked Qatar & UAE banks are getting away with using INTERPOL as debt collection agency
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BBC Scotland interviews Radha Stirling and Kenny MacAskill MP on the arrest of Conor Howard in Corfu
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Will Greece bail Scottish man detained over Qatar Interpol notice?
General Information and advice
General Advice:
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(Safe and allowed areas in the cities)?
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The law
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Local customs
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General caveats, dress code, women, modesty etc
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Alcohol and drugs
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Travel
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(Safe and allowed areas in the cities)?
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Travelling with medication
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Human rights advice
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Women's rights and advice
Travelling with medications:
Prescription Medications and Medicines:
“.....if you need to take regular drugs, keep them in their original packaging, together with any accompanying information and the doctor’s prescription. To be certain, request a note from your doctor verifying that you require these medications. Authorities often allow travelers to bring in 30 days’ worth of drugs, with any additional medication having to be obtained locally.” - Middle East 24/7
Carrying Medicines to Qatar: Important Things To Know (2022) “The general rule of thumb is that if you are under medication and if you are carrying certain prescribed medicines you must have a doctor’s prescription in original and the medicines should be carried along with their original packing and literature so that customs authorities can easily identify them.
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Some medicines, which are over-the-counter in other countries, are also considered controlled items in Qatar as they produce effects that contravene local laws.
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Many common cold and cough remedies, which you might assume to be harmless, must be accompanied by a prescription.
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Some sleeping tablets, painkillers, anti-depressants and hormone replacement therapy drugs are banned here.
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Some controlled drugs include alfentanil, amphetamine, codeine, fentanyl, ketamine, methadone, methylphenidate and morphine.
Women
Within the Gulf, Qatar is among the best nations for women’s rights. Within the global ranking of gender inequality, however, Qatar is 44th. Expatica
FCDO/Official Advice:
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Local Laws and Customs (Drugs, Alcohol, Offensive Behaviour, Photography/Media, Importation of Goods, Dress Code, Relationships Outside of Marriage, Financial Crimes, Deportation).
News & Media - General Press:
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2022 World Cup: Ex-media officer loses Qatar corruption appeal - BBC
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Israelis at Qatar World Cup a ‘headache’ for security establishment - Ynet News
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Thinking About Going to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar? Here’s What to Know. - New York Times
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Qatar World Cup organizers admit workers were exploited - ESPN
News & Media - Human Rights:
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Qaṭar: Woman human rights defender Noof Al-Maadeed reportedly murdered - The Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR)
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Indentured Servitude in the Persian Gulf - New York Times
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‘We all stand together’: Why Denmark are championing human rights at the 2022 Qatar World Cup - Sports Pro Media
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Concerns raised over possible risk for LGBTQ+ people at Qatar World Cup - The Guardian
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FIFA and Qatar criticised over LGBTQ rights and worker safety before World Cup draw - Euro News
Migrant Workers:
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Low-wage workers have paid dearly for Qatar’s glittering World Cup - The Guardian
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Qatar World Cup 2022: Criticism 'ill-informed', says tournament chief Hassan Al-Thawadi - BBC
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Revealed: migrant workers in Qatar forced to pay billions in recruitment fees - The Guardian
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10 Questions Journalists Should Ask FIFA and Qatari Authorities About Rights Abuses - Human Rights Watch
LGBT issues:
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Qatar’s anti-gay laws and misogyny will be hidden at World Cup 2022 – that’s how sportswashing works - iNews
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Qatari official says rainbow flags may be confiscated to "protect" World Cup fans - The Mirror
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Qatar says LGBTQ fans welcome to World Cup despite homosexuality ban - The Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR)
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‘Demonstrate LGBTQ views in a society where it is accepted’: Qatar official ahead of FIFA World Cup - The Indian Express
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Qatar: Country profile - Human Dignity Trust
More information and advice
LGBT Rights and advice:
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"Qatar criminalises same-sex sexual activity between men and between women. Sentences include a maximum penalty of death by stoning. There is limited evidence of the law being enforced in recent years, and the extent of discrimination and violence against LGBT people is not clear." - Human Dignity Trust
Alcohol and Drugs
Drugs
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“Qatar has harsh penalties for illegal drug possession, usage, and trafficking. Offenders may face long-term imprisonment and hefty penalties, followed by deportation. Fines of up to 200,000 QAR may be imposed; however, drug trafficking may result in the death penalty. When it comes to drug prohibitions in Qatar, authorities make no exceptions, and foreign embassies are often helpless to intervene on behalf of their residents.” Middle East 24/7
Alcohol
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“...for the 2022 FIFA World Cup [...] alcohol regulations would be lifted during the tournament. During the tournament, beer, wine, and spirits will be available, but only in designated drinking places, not in public or on the streets.” - Middle East 24/7