What does a 'Mekaines/Mukaynis Quarantine Permit Holder' mean?

Qatar workers

If your Exceptional Entry Permit shows: ‘Type of Quarantine : Mukaynis or Mekaines, it means, you should only book for packages intended for groups of employees, or by individuals, domestic staff, company sponsored and other workers.

Discover Qatar has classiffied the packages for those who book in Mekaines Motel as 'Mekaines/Mukaynis Quarantine Permit Holders.' 

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has partnered with Mekaines Motel to prepare and furnish a quarantine facility to enable domestic staff, company sponsored and other workers to return to Qatar, and complete a mandatory 14 night quarantine period. The sleeping arrangements are in male or female segregated accommodation. Terms and Conditions apply. 

From 1 August those with a sponsored Work Permit/Employment Visa may also return to Qatar. If you are an employer who wants to make a Group booking (for 10 or more individuals), once you have approval for your staff to return please contact us to arrange your booking.

If you wish to make an individual booking in dormitory accommodation, you will need to obtain approval for your staff to enter Qatar by applying through the Qatar Portal. Applications for a QID return visa can only be made from 1 August. Once approved, you can proceed to book 14 nights’ quarantine in this shared motel accommodation.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and answers if you are a Mekaines/Mukaynis Quarantine Permit Holder:

Why is the Domestic staff, company sponsored and other workers quarantine 14 nights and the self-funded quarantine only 7 nights?

The Domestic staff, company sponsored and other workers quarantine is suitable for those who normally live in shared accommodation, either in a company provided shared facility, or in a private home where there are other residents, who are not in quarantine, and therefore will be unable to self-isolate in their own home for 7 nights, after completing the 7 nights self-funded quarantine.

I am an employer, how do I make a group booking for employees?

You are able to make a group booking on behalf of employees. If you need to make a booking for 10 people or more, you will need to email us at DQMekainesGroups@qatarairways.com.qa

To make a group booking, you will need to provide the following details for each individual on the booking:

Company Name

• Lead person booking, with email address and phone number

• Lead person travelling, with email address and phone number

• Number of individuals, and full names as per their passport

• Flight details for all individuals including flight number and arrival time

• Gender, nationality, religion and any dietary requirements for all individuals

• An additional insurance premium will be required in case of any extension to the quarantine period. This amount will be calculated at QAR 700 per person in shared accommodation, QAR 1400 for single accommodation, paid for 20% of the individuals on the booking (at the higher rate if there is a mix of shared and single rooms). If this is not used, it will be repaid in full. The insurance premium can also be retained to cover any damages to the room.

• Full payment for the whole booking must be made in advance.

I am an employee, how do I make a booking for myself?

Once you have approval to return to Qatar from the Qatar Portal, you can make a booking using this website. You should only book Mekaines Motel Quarantine Packages if your stated ‘Type of Quarantine’ on your Exceptional Entry Permit is ‘Mukaynis’ or ‘Mekaines’.

What accommodation is available?

Mekaines Motel is a budget motel providing comfortable rooms and is located in Alsheehaniya, Mekaines area on Salwa Road. Rooms feature a shower with hot and cold water, amenities and a kettle.

Accommodation is available in the following categories:

• Male only single rooms

• Male only shared accommodation

• Female only single rooms

• Female only shared accommodation

• Rooms must be booked at least 48 hours before arrival.

• Maximum 3 people per booking.

• All people on the same booking must be on the same arrival flight, and must book the same room type.

How much will the accommodation cost and what is included?

Cost of accommodation starts from QAR 105 per day. This includes 3 meals a day, breakfast, lunch and evening meal, plus one-way coach transport from Hamad International Airport to the accommodation. The coach will operate throughout the day, and may involve a wait at the airport.

For individual bookings, an additional QAR 700 per person shared room/QAR 1400 per person single room insurance premium will also be taken at the time of booking. This will only be used if the quarantine period is extended for more than 14 nights, for example in case of a positive Covid-19 test. If an extension is not required, the deposit will be refunded in full. The insurance premium can also be retained to cover any damages to the room. For group bookings, the amount of deposit will vary dependant on the number of individuals on the booking. The cost will be advised to you at the time of making the booking.

If you are travelling from Istanbul Airport (IST), or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) Istanbul:

Effective 18 August, all passengers arriving in Qatar from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) Istanbul, must present a negative result of a COVID-19 medical test taken within 48 hours of arrival to Doha at one of the following accredited medical centres in Turkey.

• Ankara Sehir hospital.

• Yesilkoy Murat Dilmener Emergency Hospital.

• Basaksehir Cam ve Sakura Sehir hospital.

• Kartal Dr. Litfi Kirdar hospital.

• Sakarya Üniversitesi Egitim Ve Arastirma Hastanesi.

Can I book accommodation direct?

No, only bookings made through this website, on the phone number or email address provided will be accepted.

If I have already had a positive test for Covid-19, can I travel?

Once you have recovered and tested negative you can travel, by adhering to the entry and quarantine requirements already outlined.

Can I amend or cancel the booking?

Amendments to quarantine hotel bookings cannot be made. Once you have made your booking it is non-refundable and the dates cannot be amended*. Please therefore do not book your quarantine package until you are sure that the details are correct**.

* The only exception to this condition is if your airline cancels your flight, in which case you will be eligible to amend the dates of your booking once only. Any new quarantine package booked will be subject to availability and the daily arrival limit. Any differential on the package prices will be payable.

**For Corporate Groups only, name changes are allowed up to 72 hours before arrival

Can I choose the location of the accommodation?

No, you cannot choose the location. If you think this type of shared accommodation is not suitable for you, 3, 4 or 5 star hotel quarantine packages are also available  – see here for details

Your safety and comfort are the highest priority – upon arrival and at your accommodation

What will happen on arrival at the airport?

Upon arrival at HIA you will be directed to a transfer to take you to your accommodation.

What happens at the end of the 14 nights quarantine period?

After completion of the 14 nights quarantine, if you have not tested positive for Covid-19 the quarantine period ends and you will be able to travel to your intended destination

What if I test positive for Covid-19 during the quarantine period?

You will be required to follow instructions of the Ministry of Public Health. If you are required to stay longer than 14 nights, your deposit will be used to pay for this at QAR 100 per additional night.

Is there any limit to how much luggage I can bring in the transfer which is provided?

Luggage space is limited to one piece of checked in luggage and one piece of hand luggage per passenger. Additional charges will apply if you have excess luggage that cannot be accommodated into the transfer vehicle provided.

What steps are in place to ensure safety in the accommodation?

Your accommodation will be inspected and monitored by the Ministry of Public Health

What precautions are in place for staff at the accommodation?

Staff will also be under quarantine and will follow MOPH guidelines.

Have the staff been tested / are they routinely tested for Covid-19?

Yes.

What will happen if there is an outbreak in the accommodation?

You will be required to follow instructions of Ministry of Health staff in the accommodation.

What medical services are available?

Medical teams will be at the accommodation 24/7

Will testing for Covid-19 be available at any stage?

Yes.

What happens if somebody in my travelling party tests positive for Covid-19 at any time of quarantine?

You will be directed to follow the instructions provided by MOPH staff at the accommodation. This may mean that you are required to extend your period of quarantine. Should this happen, you will be charged for any additional nights you are required to stay in the accommodation.

How many meals will be served?

All reservations will be on full board basis. This will consist of breakfast, lunch and evening meal as a minimum.

Will I be sharing a room?

Unless you book a single room, all accommodation is shared. Each room does have a private bathroom.

Is there wi-fi at the accommodation?

Unfortunately there is no wi-fi or internet access point available at the accommodation.

Will there be an accessible prayer room?

No, leaving the room is prohibited.

Can personal items or food be delivered to the accommodation?

No

Is there provision for outdoor exercise?

No.

Will I be able to have contact with family members or friends who are based in Qatar, at any time during quarantine?

No. Physical contact is not allowed.

Will I be able to have contact with family members or friends at any time during quarantine (where they are also in quarantine)?

No, unless you are sharing a room.

If anyone on my travelling party has special needs, how do we communicate this?

Please make Discover Qatar aware of any special requirements at the time of making your quarantine package booking