Qatar 'bans' Syrians abroad from entering Doha

Qatari authorities are banning foreigners of Syrian descent from entering the capital Doha, French newspaper Le Figaro has reported. The newspaper claims that more than 10 Frenchmen with Syrian origins were refused entry to Doha. One of the individuals, a 64-year-old businessman had obtained French citizenship 40 years ago. He was reportedly held up at the airport before authorities told him to leave Qatari territory. The French newspaper cites an anonymous official from Qatar Airways who admits that foreigners of Syrian descent are no longer allowed to enter Qatar. Three Americans and a British citizen were banned from the country on Tuesday for the same reason.