Do Your Homework Before Moving to Qatar

If you are considering a job opportunity in Qatar please read this informative article about the dangers of working in Qatar.  I have seen this happen to too many of my friends.  There is a definite risk one takes when coming here and working for the Qatari government or a Qatari based company.  Do your homework and contact former employees to find out what their experience was like.  There are many who have good working experiences here, but the few who don't have a TERRIBLE situation that is not easily resolved.  We are blessed because Brett works for VCU in Virginia and they pay his salary.  They are the ones who will give him a release to leave the country when the time comes for us to move on.

Unfortunately, there are so many stories like the ones in this article and it paints a very bleak picture of employee's rights in Qatar.  I had a friend who had to escape the country when her exit visa was revoked because she complained about the government owing her thousands of dollars.  When the situation was finally over she just felt lucky to be out of the country.  The $6000 or so that she lost became secondary, especially since she had a job waiting for her in London.  I think some people jump into a job here because they are enticed by the idea of not having to pay taxes (which is most often a myth because we DEFINITELY pay U.S. taxes) and the high salaries they can earn.  It is a gamble that sometimes goes wrong.  It is always good to know what cards the other players hold if you are going to gamble so make sure everything is spelled out.  Sadly, many divisions of the Qatari government as well as Qatari individuals are creating a tarnished worldwide reputation of unethical business dealings and it will eventually have an impact on this small country.  If it continues I don't know how they are going to get all the projects finished for the World Cup 2022.  Remember - eyes wide open.