Jobs in Qatar for Expats
Jobs in Qatar are mostly found in the capital city where there are hundreds of offices and business centers that provide jobs for expats. Qatar is an extremely rich country and is an Arab emirate. It is also known to be the world’s third largest nation that has gas reserves and highest per capital of GDP today in the world. Doha is the capital of Qatar and this is the place where all things happen.
Types of job sectors
The nation’s thriving economy has played a major part in attracting expats in the country. The major sector that employs the largest number of expats in Qatar is oil and gas industry. Other sectors where jobs in Qatar are available for expats include education, entertainment, technology, research, sports and science.
Salaries and Benefits
With growing economy in the country, employees are getting better paychecks. According to a reputed website, salaries earned by top managers in respective sectors in 2012 were $12,680 ( HR), $12,451 (Sales/ Marketing), 11,985 ( Construction), $11584 (Banking), $11,413 (IT), $10,504 (Real Estate), $10,428 Public Relations. $9,968 (Advertising), $9282 (Hospitality). Expats do not get benefits like the natives from the government, but their employers will provide for healthcare costs and insurance. However, private organization can offer perks depending upon the job and position. The taxes here are minimal, which gives scope to spend or save it for the future.
Cost of living
Although you can expect all modern amenities to have a great lifestyle, you will have to pay its price as the cost of living in Qatar is higher than other countries. A two-bedroom furnished apartment can cost you QAR 9,000 to QAR 18,000 per month in a decent locality. As for transportation costs, taxi rate are around QAR 2.26/km and bus fare in the city center is QAR 10. Renting a small car can cost around QAR 3000 per month, but petrol is cheap.
Education
Although standard of education is good in Qatar, expats are not allowed to use free public education facility that is only for locals. Expats can send their children to private and international schools. While nursery and primary education can cost around 20,000 QAR/year, middle and higher school education can cost around 50,000 QAR/year.
In addition, extra expenses for things like registration fee, uniform, books, extracurricular activities etc.
Entertainment and Nightlife
This is what makes it attractive to work here. An Entertainment City has been established for expats as well as locals. Nightlife is picking up in Doha as there are a few exciting nightclubs and bars. There is a good selection of restaurants also serving local and international cuisine. There is the Doha Sports City that helps to develop sports in various fields of sports. The way of living there is different from other countries, so one has to be well prepared and knowledge about the culture as well.
Work and residence permit in Qatar
To take up an employment in Qatar, you essentially require a work permit that is called a work Residence permit. However, you must have a valid employment contract in Qatar and a local employer for sponsoring the visa for the expat. In addition, during the time when an entry visa converts into work residency visa, the expat is required to stay in Qatar.
Working hours in Qatar
In Qatar, weekly hours in private organizations are between 40-48 hours and in government organizations, it is around 35-40 hours. While government offices work between 7.30am to 3.30pm, private offices are open from 8.30am to 5.30pm. Shops are open 8am to 1pm, and 4pm to 7pm. During Ramadan days, the work hours are, though, relaxed and reduced to 6 hours a day.
Sources to find jobs
You can search for jobs in Qatar from various sources like online job portals, local newspaper classifieds, and recruiting agent. In addition, you can apply directly at the company’s portal.
