Monday, November 21, 2011

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  I had a friend who had to escape the country when her exit visa was revoked because she complained about the government owing her thousands of dollars.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.

14 comments:

KMurray said...

Good post! So true. There is an article on yahoo about "slave labor" in Qatar for the World Cup 2022. Talking about labor camp condition and non-paid workers etc.

Travis Wilson said...

You pay taxes? At the very least, you're not paying taxes on all of the wages, right?

Tasneem said...

Its true, and if you want to work there, so you can find many agencies that provide Qatar Jobs and gurantee your security and rights.

Tasneem said...
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Carrie said...

Hi there, I found your blog (like I am sure others have) after searching for LDS families in Doha. Your blog has been very insightful. My husband has worked in Doha for about 6 months, three years ago so he is familiar with the country and really enjoyed his experience there. He now is being interviewed by the Regency Group Holdings for a job. He was wondering if you heard anything about them as employers or if any other members work for them? Our family of 5 kids would be moving from Arizona to Doha for it. Any info would be helpful.. thanks so much. Carrie

Dianna said...

Hi Carrie! I'm glad my blog has been helpful in some small way. Neither my husband nor I have any knowledge of Regency Group Holdings. I have emailed your comments out to some ward members though and I will let you know if I get any info back for you. I hope it all works out for you and we will get to meet soon. Please leave your email address on the comments section here so we can talk more directly. Dianna

Carrie said...

Great thank you so much! It is cblakebrady@gmail.com

craniac said...

Hi, I'm interviewing for a teaching position and was told that Sunday was a work day. Was that an issue when you were over there? Thank you.

Dianna said...

Hi Mark!
The Sabbath in Qatar is on Friday, so the work week is Sunday through Thursday. I hope that makes sense. Most churches there hold their services on Friday or Saturday. Good luck with your interview and let me know if you have any other questions.

Unknown said...
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ShawnG said...

Hi Dianna,
Good job on the blog, its very helpful.
I had a question about a particular employer in Qatar and was wondering if you've heard of them.
If you can email me, I can discuss if further detail.
Thank you kindly. Shawn
shawn.grazio@gmail.com

asiyah said...

Hi Dianna,
Very informative blog, extremely helpful. My family and I are planning to move to qatar. We plan to find jobs and housing once we arrived. Is there inexpensive housing
available until we secure sound employment.
Thank you kindly. Asiyah
asiyahali@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Hi Diana,

I have a job offer in Qatar. Need your advise. Pls can you connect me at afiazuh@yahoo.com

Thanks,
Huzaifa

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.