KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Transport Mike Henry is exploring the possibility of an easier visa regime between Jamaica and 2022 Football World Cup host Qatar.

According to a release from the ministry, Henry and the non-resident ambassador of Qatar, Rashid Mairza Mahmoud Al-Mulla discussed the possibility during a courtesy call made on the transport minister by Al-Mulla recently.

The discussion was allied with an Air Services Agreement, which the Government intends to enter with Qatar. Last year, a draft air services agreement was negotiated between the two countries. However, Qatar is still in the process of examining aspects of the agreement. In the interim, Jamaica’s Air Services Policy Committee says a MOU signed with Qatar in 2011 will be applied administratively, pending the formal signing of the agreement. 

Meanwhile, Henry said he welcomes the opportunity to discuss various projects within his ministry with the Qatari Ambassador. 

Chief among these is the development of Vernamfield Aerotropolis, which is a pivotal plank in the multi-modal transport system that is being developed.

Jamaica and the State of Qatar established diplomatic relations in 2003, however, Jamaica’s affairs in the Middle East are executed from the Embassy in Kuwait. Ambassador Mahmoud Al-Mulla has been assigned to Jamaica since 2015.