Americans held in Qatar

We are asking everyone to take notice of a dire situation happening abroad with 3 American citizens in Doha, Qatar who are facing detainment and are being prevented from leaving the country.  These individuals were contracted by Hamad Medical Corporation to work as paramedics over a three year contract.  They became victims of massive government layoffs on January 25, 2016 due to the oil prices plummeting.  In the beginning of their contract they were forced to obtain a loan from the bank after not being paid for 3 months and this loan was guaranteed over the life of their contract and backed by Hamad Medical Corporation (the sponsor). Five days after the layoffs Hamad Medical Corporations contacted the bank and informed that they were no longer employed and now the Qatar National placed a Travel Ban and  is  demanding  them to pay the remainder of their loans immediately if not they will face incarceration. The state run Hamad Medical Corporation breached their contract and is not upholding their end of the contract by not paying them out of their last year or even a portion of it. This is also happening to people across the board with other nationalities.  Their accounts have been frozen, salaries have been retained, credit cards have been shut off and have no access to money to fulfill any means of paying their loans; they lack money for basic necessities.  They have sold everything they have there but it does not put a dent in the grand total. Because they have not been able to pay, they will be forced to commit a crime of “bounced check” which is a serious offense there in Qatar which can hold up anywhere from 6 months to 7 years or whatever the courts see fit. They are unable to accept any job offers in the US as they are not allowed to leave the country, therefore, making their situations worse. Moreover, the only way the government bank will forgive the debt is if the person dies.  This has caused an increase in suicide deaths in the past 20 days here there in Qatar for those in similar circumstances and no means of correcting this; and no one ever hears of that or this situation as Qatar censors everything internally. 

This is absolutely absurd and is infringing on their basic human rights, especially when the government is effectively making them commit a crime.  We are asking anyone who has at least $1.00 to spare to contribute to this cause. We know times are tough for many people, but any amount will be beneficial to relieve them of this and have them return home safely.  We have estimated this amount to be sufficient for all of them combined (as they will most likely incur more costs as a result of this set by the courts).  Any amount left over will be donated to a charitable organization of Toys for Tots who gives underprivileged children toys during Christmas time.  Please think about this situation and let’s help them return home from a country the US protects, but in return, does not equally give the Americans the same treatment.   The US government agencies have been informed and the US Embassy there but it appears that there is little to be done.

Mr. Tim Reeber, from Honolulu, Hawaii,  a Critical Care Paramedic and a paramedic of 16 years who has worked across the US and Internationally.  He was also the paramedic instructor for the US Army MEDEVAC and 80th Civil Affairs Division. He is married and has one child with another on the way. He has one year remaining on his contract.

 Mr. Kenneth Paton, from Omaha, Nebraska, also a military veteran, SSgt with US AF, with two deployments in Kuwait and Qatar.  He was working as a Critical Care Paramedic and has one year remaining on his contract.  He has three young children of his own.