Originally Posted by
cauchy
The OP's case might well turn on the specific wording of Qatar's COVID rules. IF the rule was phrased as "no entry for non-Qatari nationals/residents...but this does not affect passengers who remain airside / don't leave the airport" then the OP could have a case.Equally, if the rules were set out as "customers in transit to a third country are allowed airside" then the OP is screwed as there are only 2 countries involved in his trip. Perhaps the OP can contact the Qatari embassy and see if they have a copy of the rules?
While wording varies, the essence is "Entry into Qatar is now permitted for Qatari nationals, their families, permanent residency holders and Qatar ID (QID) holders."
https://www.visitqatar.qa/en/plan-your-trip/travel-tips
Originally Posted by
cauchy
You might think the OP has a weak case, but he has acted in good faith and the outcome here could be quite harsh. He deserves some sympathy
Not only OP has no case at all, but OP in fact acted in bad faith. Specifically, OP has said:
Originally Posted by
Howard Long
Despite the fact that I had no intention of entering Qatar (I also presented a paper copy of my airside transit hotel booking), I was denied boarding, as I was told I would still need to be granted immigration status for travel despite remaining in the transit area.
Viewing this in light most favorable to OP, just because OP claims no intention entering Qatar, it does not exempt OP from meeting the transit requirement. The fact that Qatar does not allow transit currently, and yet, OP chose to do this is a sufficient proof that OP disregarded the rules, regardless he was aware of this or not.
If OP deserves sympathy, QR would have let OP to board and complete the trip as-is. This is the sympathy OP should get and yet OP did not have it.
Originally Posted by
Tobias-UK
Greetings (from the USA) my dear friend. Get your EC261 claim in, you were IDBd - and QR’s own reply confirms it. Spend that €1200 wisely - Felice Navidad (or is Mele Kalikimaka more appropriate?
).
My friend - do you mind educating me how EC261 applies here? At the minimum, OP was IDBed because of OP's failure to comply necessary immigration rules.