PANAJI
In a major diplomatic rift in the Gulf region, the five nations have accused Qatar of supporting terrorism and causing instability in the region, accusations which Qatar has vehemently rejected as baseless and unjustified.
The decision to isolate and break off relations with Qatar is expected to have a severe impact on the tiny peninsula, which is surrounded by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and UAE in the region, thereby affecting the jobs, businesses and livelihood of an estimated 10,000 Goans living in Qatar.
A prominent Goan expat working in Doha explained that a similar situation had taken place a few years ago, but admitted with anxiety that Goans would be affected in Qatar.
Such was his concern while commenting on the issue to The Goan that he preferred to converse in Konkani over phone and requested anonymity in the matter.
“This is not a new situation and a similar situation had take place in the recent past. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) which comprises the member states of Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, have been split on political and ideological issues,” said the Goan expat who has been in Qatar for several years.
“In the short-term, trade restrictions on imports and exports will severely affect Qatar and those Goans dealing in these business will be most affected. The situation right now is certainly cause for some concern among the estimated 10,000 Goans here in Qatar.”
“We hope that in the long term, the GCC member states will come together and arrive at an amicable solution to end this crisis,” he added.
Another Goan in his early forties, who is based in Qatar, also agreed that Goans with business interests would be most hit by the decision of five Gulf nations to severe relations with Qatar. “Goans with business interests will get severely affected as all their supply routes are via Saudi and the UAE. Investments in the country’s real estate and shares will also be affected. The stock exchange here already dropped sharply on Monday by 720 points or 7.27%, with all 44 listed companies down.”
Asked if Goans would be safe and secure with their jobs given the current crisis, he replied: “Before this (crisis), there were already heavy job cuts due to low oil prices and this situation will further complicate things. Businesses will suffer as 90% of goods are imported by Qatar and almost nothing is manufactured or produced here, besides oil and gas.”
Besides trade, the Goan expat, who hails from North Goa, also admitted that travel within the Gulf region would also be affected.
“With all borders closed, travel and trade will definitely by severely affected in Qatar,” he added. With news of the current crisis unfolding on Monday, several concerned families in Goa began contacting their loved ones in Qatar to enquire about their well-being, safety and job security.
