Has anyone worked in Qatar?

[Ladymuck]

I’ve been approached and asked to take a 3 year post in Qatar. The role and job would interest me, but the location is not on the dream list. But I would be working full time. Anyone been in that position and can give any insight?

Are you female? And would you be working for a UK company or a Qatari one?

My XH works out there at the moment and hates it! Of course the money is great, but he is at the mercy of the Qatari government and they are able to withhold his passport and any money he’s earned if they choose to. Women’s rights, although better than some other Middle Eastern countries, are still an issue out there too. If you’d be working with other UK employees with the support of management etc out there it may not be so bad, but on your own wouldn’t be advisable.

Do you remember the news of women visitors being internally/intimately searched at the airport last year to try and ascertain the mother of an abandoned baby?

There is a lot of racism out there too - white UK citizens are fairly high up in the hierarchy (behind Qataris of course) but black and Indian people are treated appallingly. The conditions for migrant workers there are well documented.

If you’re able to put aside the discomfort of working in a country like that you can make some good money, but apparently it does feel a bit like selling your soul to the devil!

And you still have to find a way to get the money back here when you return without paying loads of tax on it, so get some good financial advice.

I worked there for about a year and a half a few years ago and still have female friends there.
It wasn't my favourite place in the Gulf but was certainly liveable. Had some good trips out into the desert, nightlife was good...though expensive.
It's changed a lot since I was there....less of a cultural wilderness and better transport (metro).

It's a great place to be based if you like travelling as loads of countries are easily accessible.

I'd take the job...as long as the package is OK... check whether housing is provided or you get an allowance. If the job is in education you'll have to get your certificates attested which can be expensive.

Thanks. Yes, white British female working for a Qatari state owned company. Team is 80% expat, with a reasonable number of Brits, but I would be the only female. I know of one other white female in a related team.

Dh would need to find work, but that might be possible.

There is a housing and car allowance, but I need to price everything up everything (pension, healthcare etc) to see what the numbers would look like. I’m not sure what premium I would look for over my UK net cash package. And I haven’t yet settled on whether we would rent out our home here or not - I have a son due to graduate next year who is hoping to live at home (but that could all change with a job etc)

Have always wanted an expat role, and yes the opportunity to travel appeals. Understand that the heat can be exotreme - is it dry or humid?

A few things.... your husband would need to have his own job with sponsorship as unless it's changed you won't be able to sponsor him.
Health insurance will be part of your package (standard) and healthcare is pretty good.

It does get pretty hot....temperatures unofficially can get to 50+ but everything has a/c. It can get quite humid at times. October-April are the best months.

You will notice a big difference in the way different nationalities are treated by the Qataris... as mentioned by a pp racism is a big problem as it is in most of the Gulf.

Can't recommend any particular sites but have a look at the cost of renting and your allowance.
There used to be a forum called expatwoman ... dont know if it's still going but might be worth a look.

Thanks. That’s useful.
it has been educational for the younger members of my team here in London to see how we are each treated!