Can I get job easily in Qatar? Tips to Successfully Find a Job in Qatar – A good number of foreign workers view finding employment in Qatar as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If you do it right, you could be in for an amazing international experience and a great salary, and you wouldn’t even have to pay taxes on it. The informative guide will explain everything that is necessary for you to know.
There are a few things you ought to be aware of in the event that you are considering looking for work in Qatar. This guide will walk you through the steps of the job search process in Qatar and explain what you can expect along the way.
How to get job easily in Qatar
To be successful in your job search in Qatar, you will need to have a fundamental comprehension of the labor market in that country as well as the work culture in Qatar. Before you start your search, there are a few things that you need to be aware of first.
The job market in Qatar
Qatar has an unemployment rate of 0.1% at the present time. This is because there are a large number of jobs that need to be filled, so anyone in the country who is looking for work has a good chance of finding employment. The national gross product in 2018 was very close to $9 billion US dollars, and the economy is expanding at a rapid rate.
The production of oil and natural gas is the most important industry in the country. As a consequence of this, the best sector to be working in if you are looking for a job in Qatar is the construction sector. However, manufacturing is also a significant sector of the economy, as are the financial and insurance sectors, as well as the real estate market.
In a similar vein, the building and construction industries are two of the most important employment generators in Qatar. This will be especially true in the years leading up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the nation of Qatar. On the other hand, after this significant event, it is anticipated that particular industry will go through a period of slower growth.
Qatar is home to numerous regional and international headquarters of major corporations. Shell, ExxonMobil, BNP Paribas, HSBC, and Standard Charted are some examples of these companies. On the other hand, there are a lot of significant local businesses. Some examples of these companies are Qatar Petroleum, Woqod, Qatar Steel, and Msheired.
Job vacancies in Qatar
The construction industry in Qatar is currently going through a period of unprecedented growth as the country prepares to host the World Cup in 2022. Additionally, there are a great number of projects revolving around the deadlines for Qatar’s vision for 2030. This is directly responsible for the extremely high demand for laborers that can be found all over the country. Both the tourism and hospitality industries have enormous room for expansion in the coming years.
Therefore, if you are looking for work in Qatar, the two industries mentioned above are excellent choices for you to consider. In an effort to lessen the nation’s reliance on oil as a primary source of revenue, the government is attempting to promote these as potential alternate revenue streams. In light of this, it invested $17 billion in 2008 to create new infrastructure projects that would support this endeavor. If you are interested in working in Qatar, your best bet is to look for employment in hotels and restaurants.
Salaries in Qatar
Qatar’s current minimum wage is QAR 750 per month. However, the government declared in late 2019 that new minimum wage laws would soon be implemented.
Despite this, the country has high salaries, which is the main draw for foreigners looking for work. In Qatar, the monthly average salary is about QAR13,000. These, however, can vary greatly. Depending on the position, salaries can range from QAR 1,200 to QAR 90,000. You can see some examples of typical expat salaries for various jobs below:
CEO of a multinational company: QAR121,322–QAR156,635/month
Human Resources Manager: QAR34,752–QAR45,868/month
IT Manager: QAR43,436–QAR57,287/month
Event Manager: QAR18,377–QAR29,130/month
Lawyer: QAR34,245–QAR44,172/month
GP Doctor: QAR33,972–QAR42,966/month
Bank Branch Manager: QAR29,468–QAR47,867/month
PR Manager: QAR27,164–QAR36,547/month
Work culture in Qatar
Due to the high number of foreign residents in Qatar, a diverse range of cultural styles and attitudes are present in the workplace. This global setting can, in some ways, be very exciting and tolerant. But because Qatar is a Muslim nation, you can anticipate a more traditional working environment. Being aware of the highly patriarchal and hierarchical workplace culture is another aspect of this.
There are local idiosyncrasies that you should be aware of, too. For example, personal relationships are the key to business in Qatar. Because of this, you will need to build a rapport with your colleagues and business associates. In addition, while English is the main business language, knowing a little Arabic goes a long way. Something to note is that punctuality is not considered that important in Qatar, and you should expect a relaxed attitude toward timekeeping.
Labor laws and labor rights in Qatar
Several labor laws in Qatar are intended to safeguard workers. Before you start your job search in Qatar, you should be knowledgeable of these. Some employee rights you should be aware of are listed below:
- The maximum number of days or hours that an employee should work is six per week. After eight hours, you should also be compensated for overtime;
- An End of Service Benefit must be paid if an employer fires an employee before the end of the contract. This only holds true if the termination was made without cause, though;
- Companies are required to offer foreign employees private health insurance;
- Upon contract expiration, employees are paid their indemnity. Over the first three years, this is typically equivalent to 15 to 20 days’ pay, or one month’s pay for each year after that;
- The majority of workers are eligible for three to four weeks of annual leave;
Additionally, employees are entitled to up to two weeks of paid sick time.
In addition to everything mentioned above, many foreigners also get additional benefits. These differ based on the contract. They may, however, consist of the following:
- Return flights to visit home;
- Housing allowance;
- Education for children;
- Company car.
Requirements to work in Qatar
There are several hurdles you must first clear if you want to work in Qatar. However, in general, these aren’t too challenging, so you shouldn’t encounter too many difficulties.
Work visas in Qatar
A residency permit is required for all foreigners looking for employment in Qatar. You can only receive this, though, if an employer sponsors you. Typically, the company will obtain a temporary visa for you to enter the nation, and once you are there, formalities will be completed.
Once you have a sponsoring employer, they will need to take care of all the paperwork to obtain a residency permit for you. Your employer must issue a residence permit within two to four weeks if you received the job offer before entering the country.
You are also permitted to bring your family to Qatar with these residency permits. But your employer needs to renew them every year.
Language requirements to work in Qatar
In order to get a job in Qatar, you must speak English. The primary business language in the nation is this one. However, having a basic understanding of Arabic language is also helpful.
Qualifications to work in Qatar
The majority of businesses in Qatar will typically require you to hold a university degree. However, you might need formal training if you work in a specialized field. For instance, those who work in the fields of law, medicine, and education must all demonstrate their specific qualifications.
The Ministry of External Affairs must notarize each qualification. Additionally, the Qatari Embassy in your nation needs to certify your academic credentials. You must also present a thorough letter from your school or governing body attesting to your qualifications.
Tax and social security numbers in Qatar
In Qatar, there is no personal income tax. Consequently, you won’t need a tax ID to work there. Similarly, you cannot access the regional pension plans as a foreigner, so you lack a social security number.
Other requirements in work in Qatar
A few additional items might be necessary for you to work in Qatar in addition to everything listed above. For instance, you will need to have a medical examination. In some circumstances, you might also require a criminal history check. This is especially true for jobs in the government or in licensed professions.
How to find jobs in Qatar
Now that you are aware of the requirements for working in Qatar, you should start your job search. Finding a job in Qatar is very similar to finding one elsewhere. Make sure to use the online resources available to you because they will be crucial to your job search.
Recruitment agencies in Qatar
If you use a recruitment agency and have a few years of work experience, it might be simpler for you to find a job in Qatar. There are many in the nation, ranging from modest domestic businesses to sizable international organizations. Working for organizations like Adecco, Robert Half, Michael Page, or Hays will be your best bet if you are from abroad. Try QHR, Al Noof, Bayt, Work Circle, and Gulfaar in your area.
Job fairs and networking in Qatar
Finding a job in Qatar is easier if you are well-connected, just like it is everywhere else in the world. Because of this, creating a strong network is crucial. Attending job fairs and networking events across the nation will help you achieve this. Keep an eye on their pages to find one that works for you because there are many universities and recruitment agencies in Qatar that host these.
Jobs in Qatari newspapers
Surprisingly, if you’re looking for work in Qatar, newspapers can be a useful resource. Look at the classified ads in the Gulf Times and Qatar Tribune, for instance.
Looking for work online
In the twenty-first century, finding a job in Qatar is frequently centered around the internet, just like in any other nation. As a result, it’s crucial to create a strong LinkedIn profile and check out the jobs that are posted there. The same is true for online job banks like Monster Gulf and Gulf Talent.
Additionally, if you have a general idea of the companies you might like to work for, you can visit their career pages directly. Keep an eye out for these on the websites of the major banks, hotels, and oil companies.
Self-employment and freelancing in Qatar
Despite growing in popularity across the globe, freelancing is not common in Qatar. For expats in particular, this is true. This is so that anyone who wants to work in Qatar must first obtain a residency visa, which you cannot do without an employer’s sponsorship.
Traineeships, internships, and volunteering in Qatar
If full-time employment is not appealing, think about volunteering or doing an internship in Qatar. In Qatar, many large businesses offer internship opportunities. The Qatar-America Institute, Shell, Qatar Airways, Woqod, DHL, HSBC, and KPMG are a few of these. However, you should be aware that many of these businesses only provide internships to citizens of Qatar.
Volunteering frequently takes a back seat because many foreigners move to Qatar to find employment. But if you want to look for them, there are opportunities out there. Consider the following groups when volunteering:
- Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy
- Qatar Animal Welfare Society
- Al Shaqab
- Qatar Diabetes Association
- Reach Out to Asia (ROTA)
- Qatar Charity
- Ajyal Youth Film Festival
- Qatar Voluntary Center
Applying for a job in Qatar
In Qatar, getting a job can take some time. However, you can start the application process as soon as you’ve found a few opportunities you like. This is generally consistent with what you would encounter elsewhere in the world. You’ll submit your resume and cover letter.
You might then have a phone interview before the in-person interview. In the event that you are hired, you will have to haggle over the specifics of your employment agreement. The entire procedure typically lasts four weeks, but it can take up to two months.
You must prepare your CV before you start looking for work in Qatar. This won’t look significantly different from a CV elsewhere. Don’t forget to include your phone number and email address when including your contact information at the top. Describe your professional background and education next.
Language proficiency is essential in Qatar because of the country’s multicultural environment, so make sure to emphasize it. By mentioning your interests, you can also help to add a little personality to your writing.
Your resume should, above all, be clear and concise. A cover letter must be submitted with your application as well. Using an online resume-building service like Resume.io can simplify the process.
You should keep in mind that you must adequately prepare for an interview. Be sensitive to cultural differences and dress and behave appropriately. Additionally, learning more about the business and its operations in Qatar can be beneficial.
Support while looking for a job in Qatar
There are no unemployment benefits available to expats. You should be ready to support yourself while looking for a job in Qatar as a result.
Naturally, that doesn’t mean you can’t work while you’re out looking. By enrolling in an English or Arabic class, you can develop your language abilities. It might be beneficial to develop any skills that are pertinent to your job. For instance, you might pursue training in leadership, the Adobe creative suite, or SEO marketing. Online courses are widely available, and the best resources for this are Udemy and Skillshare.
Starting a job in Qatar
When you have finally found your dream job in Qatar, you will need to prepare for your new role. Make sure you and your employer are on the same page about your work visa, and don’t forget to get any criminal checks or health screenings you may need. Within your first few days, you should make sure you sign all the necessary paperwork, and that your company sets up your private health insurance.