7 January 2016 - The Philippine Embassy in Doha reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that clemency was extended to 10 incarcerated overseas Filipinos (nine males, one female) as issued by the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in light of the occasion of the Qatar National Day celebrated every 18th of December. The Emir usually issues pardons twice a year, the other during the holy month of Ramadan.

Those granted clemency are often those who have already served a substantial portion of their sentences.

The Embassy is now in the process of facilitating their repatriation in coordination with the Search and Follow-Up Department under the Ministry of Interior. END