There has been a considerable increase in the number of people working in Qatar as an expat.
In recent years, there has been a nearly threefold increase in the urban population, which has led to a similar rise in the number of international employees.
Due to the fact that the gas and petroleum industry is Qatar’s principal source of income, a considerable number of the expats who find work in Doha typically find employment in one of the industries connected to this sector.
The city of Doha is home to the majority of Qatar’s most successful businesses, which may be found throughout the country.
In spite of this, the number of people working in Doha’s construction and real estate industries has been steadily growing over the past several years.
It is predicted that Qatar’s successful bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2022 will lead to considerable developments in the country’s infrastructure, which will, in turn, generate employment possibilities for a significant number of people.
The establishment of brand-new stadiums and the unceasing growth of the public transportation network are both necessities at this point in time.
Qatar has an unusually low unemployment rate, which is among the lowest of any country in the world.
This is in spite of the fact that the country’s economy has not seen any recent developments.
In addition to the petrochemical industry, the government of Doha is working to improve economic diversification in order to increase the number of employment possibilities available in a wider variety of Doha-based industries.
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The Job Market in Qatar
Qatar now has a very low unemployment rate of 1%, according to the latest figures.
This phenomenon can be ascribed to the number of work prospects, which in turn has increased the possibility that persons looking for employment in the country will be successful in finding a job.
The economy is expanding at a quick pace, with the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country reaching a sizable figure of roughly $9 billion in the year 2018; this represents a significant increase from previous years.
The oil and gas business is by far the most important industry within the country. For this reason, it is recommended to give some thought to pursuing a career in this particular field if one is interested in finding employment prospects in Qatar.
Despite this, the manufacturing sector is one of the significant industries, along with banking, insurance, and real estate.
It is well acknowledged in Qatar that the fields of building and construction make a substantial contribution to the country’s labour force.
This remark is especially significant in light of the fact that it will be held in that area during the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2022.
Despite this, it is expected that this particular industry would see a slowdown as a result of the big event that just took place.
Qatar is home to a large number of international firms that conduct extensive business on a global scale. Shell, ExxonMobil, BNP Paribas, HSBC, and Standard Chartered are all companies that fall under the aforementioned categories.
Having said that, it is important to highlight the existence of a great number of significant homegrown businesses as well.
Qatar Petroleum, Woqod, Qatar Steel, and Msheired are the four companies that make up the above-stated corporations.
How to Find a Job in Qatar for Expats
Job Opportunities in Qatar for Expats
At the moment, the construction sector in Qatar is seeing substantial expansion as a direct result of the country’s preparations to host the World Cup in 2022.
Many different projects are currently in progress to ensure that Qatar’s 2030 vision is carried out within the allotted timeframes.
As a direct result of this, there is a significant demand for labourers throughout the country.
Both the hospitality industry and the tourism industry are characterized by strong expansion opportunities.
Therefore, if one is interested in finding employment prospects in Qatar, one should strongly consider working in one of these two fields.
In an effort to wean the nation off of its unhealthy reliance on oil, the government is actively pursuing the development of these as a viable alternative source of additional revenue.
As a direct consequence of this, a sizeable sum of money, totalling $17 billion, was committed in the year 2008 to the creation of innovative infrastructure initiatives that were designed to strengthen this attempt.
In Qatar, the hospitality and food service industries are constantly on the lookout for new employees, which has resulted in an increase in the number of job openings available in these fields.
Recruitment Agencies in Qatar
Engaging the services of a recruiting business may make it easier for those looking for work in Qatar who have accumulated a significant amount of professional experience over the course of several years to find employment in the country.
There is a diverse range of businesses and organizations present in the country, from humble neighbourhood shops to massive international conglomerates.
These businesses and organizations span the gamut from small to large. When operating in foreign contexts, it is best practice to look for job possibilities with well-known companies such as Adecco, Robert Half, Michael Page, or Hays.
This is because these companies have a proven track record of success. In the context of the neighbourhood, there are numerous possibilities that can be taken into consideration, some of which are QHR, Al Noof, Bayt, Work Circle, and Gulfaar.
Job Postings in Newspapers
Newspapers, surprisingly, maybe a useful resource for people looking for work in Qatar, and this is something that should not be underestimated.
It is recommended, for instance, that you look in the classified adverts section of well-known newspapers like the Gulf Times and the Qatar Tribune.
Job Fairs in Qatar
In Qatar, like in other parts of the world, finding a job is made easier by having strong professional networks.
This is also true in other parts of the world. As a result, putting together a solid network is an absolute must.
Participating actively in job fairs and other events that facilitate networking inside the local country is one of the numerous approaches that may be taken to attain this goal.
In Qatar, a large number of recruitment companies and institutions routinely conduct events of this kind. It is in your best interest to keep an eye on their individual platforms in order to choose an event that is a good fit for your preferences and needs.
Online Job Portals
In the 21st century, the process of getting a job in Qatar commonly concentrates upon the utilization of online platforms, just like it does in other countries.
As a result, it is essential to build up a solid professional profile on LinkedIn and keep a close eye on the various job openings that are highlighted on the platform.
Additionally, one may want to think about examining online job databases such as Monster Gulf and Gulf Talent.
If a person has a particular preference for the kinds of companies that they would like to work for in the future, they can also immediately access the job pages of the organizations that are of interest to them.
It is normal practice for well-known oil firms, banking institutions, and hotel organizations to publicize job openings on their official websites.
As a result, it is recommended to keep an eye on these online resources on a regular basis for the possibility of finding work there.
How to Apply for a Job in Qatar as an Expat
Finding work in Qatar could take a significant amount of time if you want to do it well. When jobs that are a good fit have been discovered, the next step is to begin the application process. In a general sense, this is comparable to what one may see in other areas of the world.
This is true across the board. It is assumed that you will send in a curriculum vitae (CV) in addition to a cover letter when applying for this position.
After that, there is a chance that you will participate in a telephone interview, which will then be followed by a face-to-face meeting with the hiring manager.
After reaching your goal, it is possible that you will be given a job offer, which will require talks to begin over the particulars of the agreement that will govern your employment.
If this occurs, you will need to start making preparations. There is a possibility that the total process could take up to a maximum of two months, despite the fact that its typical duration is around four weeks on average.
It is essential to get your curriculum vitae (CV) in order before beginning the process of looking for work in Qatar, so make sure to get started on that right away.
The curriculum vitae that is being presented in this setting will not stray too far from the usual format that is seen in other settings.
It is of the utmost importance to guarantee that your contact information, which should include your e-mail address and telephone number, is prominently placed at the top of the document.
After that, give a detailed explanation of your work background as well as your educational qualifications.
Because Qatar is home to such a diverse population of people from all over the world, being fluent in various languages is essential.
As a result, it is essential to highlight and demonstrate the linguistic abilities that one possesses. In addition, expressing one’s originality through the incorporation of personal interests could prove to be beneficial.
First and foremost, it is absolutely necessary that the structure of your curriculum vitae (CV) is understandable and condensed.
In addition to this, it is essential to provide a cover letter with your application. Utilizing the services of an online resume-building platform, such as Resume.io, is one approach that could be utilized as a viable method to simplify the process.
Please refer to our extensive tutorial on how to write a curriculum vitae (CV) and how to prepare for an interview, which has been designed exclusively for people looking for work prospects in Qatar.
When preparing for an interview, it is absolutely necessary to keep in mind that adequate preparation is required.
It is absolutely necessary to demonstrate cultural sensitivity by behaving and dressing in a manner that is suitable for the situation that is being discussed. In addition, completing research into the company and the things it does in Qatar can be beneficial in the long run.
Working in Qatar as an Expat
Salary in Qatar
The current minimum salary in Qatar is QAR750 per month. This was just recently increased. Nevertheless, near the close of the year 2019, the government made a statement indicating the impending adoption of new legislation dealing with minimum wage restrictions.
Despite this, the compensation packages in the country are rather profitable, and as a result, they serve as the primary motivation for expats seeking employment possibilities within the country.
Approximately 13,000 Qatari riyals (QAR) is the mean monthly salary in Qatar. However, the differences between them might be rather significant.
There is a wide variety of salary options available in Qatar, with the lowest starting point being QAR 1,200 per month and the most being QAR 90,000 per month.
Qualifications to Work in Qatar
When applying for a job in Qatar, the majority of companies require applicants to have a degree from an accredited college or university.
Nevertheless, people who work in occupations that require a high level of expertise could discover that they need to have certain professional certifications.
It is necessary to be able to demonstrate that one possesses the necessary specialized qualifications in order to practice certain professions, such as that of a lawyer, surgeon, or educator.
It is required for individuals’ credentials to go through the procedure of being notarized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to guarantee their genuineness and the continued applicability of their credentials.
In addition, it is essential that the Embassy of Qatar in the country where you now reside conducts a thorough examination of your academic credentials and provides its official stamp of approval.
In addition, you are required to provide a complete letter of confirmation from your relevant academic institution or governing body, attesting to your qualifications. This letter must come from an official company letterhead.
Labour Laws in Qatar
The protection of the rights and welfare of Qatar’s labour force was the fundamental motivation for the development of the country’s extensive labour rules, which can be found in the country.
Before beginning a search for work in Qatar, it is essential to be well-versed in the topics that are presented in the following paragraphs.
Below are certain employee rights that one ought to be aware of.
It is strongly advised that workers stick to a maximum work schedule of six days a week or ten hours per day, whichever comes first.
In addition, it is of the utmost importance that workers have the opportunity to get additional remuneration for working more than eight hours every day.
Furthermore, in the case that an employer prematurely terminates an employee prior to the completion of their contractual agreement, it is obligatory for the employer to provide an End of Service Benefit as provided by the terms of the contract.
The employee is entitled to receive this benefit in accordance with the terms of the contract. Having said that, this stipulation will only come into play in circumstances in which the termination was carried out for no good reason.
It is absolutely necessary for businesses to provide their staff working abroad with coverage under a private health insurance plan. In addition to this, workers have the right to get indemnity compensation if they have fulfilled all of the requirements stipulated in their contracts.
In most cases, the compensation amounts to 15-20 days’ worth of salary during the initial three-year period, and after that, it equals one month’s salary per year.
During the initial three-year period, however, the compensation amounts to one month’s salary per year.
The majority of workers are entitled to get between three and four weeks of paid time off during the course of their annual leave.
In addition, employees are given the ability to take up to two weeks of paid sick leave per year without having to worry about losing their jobs.
Requirements to Work in Qatar as an Expat
It is necessary to complete a number of necessary procedures and formalities in order to get started on a professional journey in Qatar.
This must be done before beginning the journey. On the whole, though, these tasks are not particularly difficult, and as a result, you should have little difficulty completing them.
Work Permit for Expats in Qatar
It is absolutely necessary to have secured a job offer before entering the nation in question in order to be eligible for employment opportunities there.
Therefore, it is the obligation of the employing organization, which also acts as the sponsoring body, to manage the necessary papers.
This includes the initial visa application. Following your arrival, your company will get started on the procedure of getting a work residency permit for you. It is absolutely necessary to be in possession of essential papers in order to advance.
This includes a current passport as well as any appropriate qualification certificates. However, the best course of action would be to get explicit direction on this topic from the company in which you are employed.
A blood test to detect the presence of HIV and tuberculosis as well as a chest x-ray are both required as part of the required series of medical examinations and evaluations.
Other tests may also be necessary. In addition to that, we will take a print of your fingerprints.
During the entire course of the process, which can last up to a maximum of six weeks, persons are not permitted to go outside the boundaries of the country.
It is essential to keep in mind that the duration of the process may be stretched out over a longer period of time during the month of Ramadan.
The work permit comes with its own set of restrictions to follow. Because of the terms of their employment contract, individuals in Qatar are only permitted to perform work for their current employer for the duration of their stay in the nation.
It is possible to switch careers after a predetermined amount of time has passed; nevertheless, it is required by law for an employer to provide a “no objection certificate” in these kinds of situations.
In addition, people are given the authority to sponsor the immigration and permanent residency of members of their immediate families who wish to join them in the country.
This includes individuals who are recognized by the law as being your spouse, biological or adopted children, and stepchildren (although further administrative procedures may be required for the latter group in some cases).
Additionally, parents who are financially dependent on their children are eligible for consideration. It is important to remember that in the jurisdiction of the country, according to its severe Islamic legal framework, it is illegal for unmarried couples to cohabit, and same-sex couples are not allowed recognition, regardless of whether or not they are married in their country of origin.
This is something that should be taken into consideration. It is essential to emphasize that engaging in homosexual behaviour in this setting can result in severe consequences because of the severity of the offence.
It is essential to recognize that, in the position of the primary holder of a residence permit, there are some restrictions on leaving the country, which require the purchase of a no-objection certificate. This is something that must be done before leaving the nation.
On the other hand, similar regulations do not apply to a person’s immediate family members whom they have brought into the country through the sponsorship process.
Language Requirement to Work in Qatar
It is necessary to demonstrate fluency in the English language in order to be considered for employment prospects in Qatar.
The commercial sector of the country uses the language in question far more frequently than any other language as a medium of communication.
However, having a certain level of fluency in the Arabic language can prove to be useful in a variety of contexts.
Social Security Numbers and Taxation
Personal income is not subject to taxation in Qatar. Therefore, having a tax identification number is not a need to work at such a business if you are applying for a job there.
In a similar vein, people who are not citizens of the United States are unable to participate in the pension plans that are offered within the country, which results in them not having a social security identification number.
Additional Requirements
In addition, it is essential to take into consideration the numerous other requirements that must be satisfied in order to participate in the labour market of the state of Qatar.
To give you an example, going to the doctor for a checkup is going to be obligatory. A check of one’s criminal history could be required in some circumstances, depending on the circumstances.
This issue is particularly noticeable in the context of employment in the public sector or in professions that require a license.
Work Culture in Qatar
It is normal practice to observe the typical workweek from Sunday through Thursday each week. The majority of workplaces in the Middle East, if not all of them, often provide separate places of prayer for male and female workers.
As a consequence of this, it is not uncommon for coworkers to briefly step away from their workstations a number of times throughout the course of the day in order to engage in acts of worship.
As a result of the fact that Friday is revered as a holy day in Islam, it is the most important day for Muslims to gather together in prayer in their local mosques.
This is true even for those Muslims who generally pray alone or at their places of employment.
It is possible that finding parking on Fridays will be difficult, but it is interesting to note that new residents have a tendency to quickly adjust to the new parking situation.
There is a sizeable proportion of working women in Qatar’s employment, and these women are actively engaged in a wide variety of positions within both commercial and governmental organizations.
When working with people from Qatar, it is important to follow the protocols and customs that are outlined in our section on business etiquette, which can provide you with a more in-depth understanding of these aspects.
Employment opportunities for women from other nations are particularly prevalent in the fields of education, healthcare, and professional services.
Observance of Ramadan
In order to properly observe the holy month of Ramadan, those who are employed by the government will see a reduction in the number of hours they are required to put in each week.
During the holy month of Ramadan, which is observed by Muslims around the world, people refrain from eating and drinking anything during the daytime hours.
Ramadan is a period of fasting. It is critical to keep in mind that this prohibition applies to all forms of indulgence, including smoking and gum chewing.
The month of Ramadan does not begin on the same day every year. In almost every part of the country, restaurants are only open for business in the evening, with the notable exception of those that are housed within international hotels and serve exclusively the patrons of those businesses for their eating requirements.
In addition, people have the option of eating their meals within the confines of their own homes, which helps maintain their sense of privacy during the process.
On the other hand, in an environment that is more professional, it is considered courteous to align one’s eating habits with those of one’s coworkers.
The violation of these observances is considered a criminal act, and the legal requirements cover people who adhere to the Islamic faith as well as people who do not adhere to the Islamic faith.
Women in Workforce
Despite the fact that the government of Qatar openly supports women’s rights, women who work in workplaces that are dominated by men may nonetheless experience more covert forms of discrimination and gender-based prejudice.
There is a prevalent expectation that female employees in business settings in Doha will comply with a standard of modest wear, which includes covering their shoulders, legs, and hair. This is the case in the majority of these settings.
There is a lack of gender integration in certain business settings, which means that women are not given the opportunity to work alongside their male colleagues.
This can be frustrating for both genders. The individuals are separated into their own offices, much to how students at a university are placed in their own separate classrooms; yet, they are still able to communicate with one another using either email or the telephone.
It would be to the advantage of an expat lady living in Doha to become aware of the unsaid conventions and expectations that are common in the local milieu.
It is anticipated that women living outside of Qatar who are looking for work will not have a difficult time doing so in Qatar.
Individuals can circumvent the problems involved with negotiating the bureaucratic procedures of the Qatar Labor Department by using this strategy, which enables them to not only acquire employment prospects before transferring abroad but also circumvent the challenges associated with relocating abroad.
If a woman enters the nation on a spouse visa and then finds work while she is here, she will need to report to the Labor Department office that is located closest to her in order to become formally registered as an employed woman.
This registration will be kept on file for as long as she is employed. Before a woman can begin working, she must first receive permission from her husband to do so under the laws of Doha.
Under Qatar’s labour law, males and females are afforded the same level of protection as one another. Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al Misnad’s unyielding determination played a vital role in the significant gains made in the field of women’s rights, and this can be primarily ascribed to her.
She was the first person to establish the “Qatar Investment Corporation for Ladies” as well as a number of other institutions that encourage and enable women to take an active role in all aspects of Qatari society.
Use of Electronic Cigarettes
Visitors visiting Qatar might be surprised to learn that the use of electronic cigarettes is illegal in the country and that any devices similar to these that are discovered will be subject to confiscation.
It is absolutely necessary to investigate several alternative methods if one wishes to successfully overcome a severe smoking addiction.
Despite the fact that smoking is not allowed in buildings where official government business is conducted, a sizeable percentage of people of Arab heritage partake in the practice of smoking.
As a result, people might be seen engaging in their smoking cessation efforts outside, despite the presence of ambient air temperatures of 45 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity levels exceeding 99%. This is despite the fact that the humidity levels can reach as high as 99%.
It is strongly recommended that you meet with one of our well-informed advisors to have an in-depth conversation about how you might improve both your physical and mental health.
People who live in other countries have a greater opportunity to improve their health if they participate in activities such as swimming, exercising, maintaining a moderate diet even when the temperature is high, and cutting back on the amount of alcohol they consume.
Have a discussion with one of our highly trained professionals who can evaluate the healthcare needs you currently have and help you consider any potential shifts in those needs in the future.
Final Thoughts
The flourishing economy, cutting-edge infrastructure, and diverse culture in the country make working in Qatar as an expat a gratifying and unusual experience.
Expats frequently discover themselves in a vibrant, multicultural environment in Qatar, where chances for both personal and professional advancement are abundant.
The possibility of job progression and good quality of living make the nation an alluring choice for people looking for a cross-cultural work experience, even though it comes with its own set of difficulties, such as negotiating cultural differences and acclimating to the environment.
The expat experience in Qatar may be both satisfying and enlightening, whether you are lured there by Qatar’s economic opportunities, its fusion of tradition and modernity, or the chance to travel to a new region of the world.
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