More specialised professions have been included in Qatarisation plans

In a news that could further cause serious concerns for expatriates working in Qatar, the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) has included more specialised professions in the Qatarisation plan at various government bodies.

Qatar Tribune, citing a report in Al Raya newspaper, said these professions will include Information and Technology, financial and accounting, translation, public relations, media and legal affairs.

It further added that all government administrative jobs that is currently held by non-Qataris will be freed within the next six months as part of the Qatarisation plan.

The report stated that MoLSA has already asked government bodies to provide administrative and office jobs to citizens who are still on the waiting-list.

Starting this month, non-Qatari employees, who will be terminated as part of the Qatarisation plans, are expected to be notified as per their contract terms.

Qatarisation plans had been going on for quite some time now. Earlier, Gulf Times had reported that more than 20% of staff at Qatar Rail were currently nationals and that number was set to go higher as it neared the operational phase.

“Building the capabilities of Qatari nationals is of utmost importance to Qatar Rail and I’m personally committed to provide them with the best career development opportunities.

“Every Qatari employee is ultimately responsible for his/her personal development. 70% of this duty falls on their shoulders. Our goal is to develop highly qualified nationals who’re ready to achieve their personal objectives and contribute towards delivering the strategic priorities of Qatar Rail,” Qatar Rail managing director Abdulla Abdulaziz Al Subaie had said.

Similarly, the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) had announced the recruitment of 290 Qataris at different positions in line with its Qatarisation plan, according to Qatar Tribune.

Qatar Gas Transportation Company Nakilat, a marine company that forms the backbone of Qatar’s LNG gas supply chain, said they had achieved a Qatarisation rate of 37.4% in 2016 as compared to 33% in 2015, according to Gulf Base.

This initiative came as part of the company’s robust Qatarisation programme that focuses not only on recruiting talented Qataris, but also developing the existing talent pool and enabling them to reach their full potential.

Sidra Hospital has also been doing its part to promote Qatarisation.

Fursati Programme Development Planning at Sidra @DrKholode @RadhikaTTE @TTE_Consulting - Making Qatarisation 2.0 a reality! Mabrouk to all! pic.twitter.com/JfsdmP3bXp

— David Barrie Jones (@DBJTTE) February 23, 2017

Georgie Saad, DuPont Sustainable Solutions’ Associate Director for the Middle East, in an article on LinkedIn, stated that his company was keen on helping Qatar realise its Qatarisation plans.

“Part of our commitment in Qatar is to advance Qatarisation by assisting organisations to turn this vision into reality through sustainable transformation, active leadership, operational excellence and capital effectiveness — all of which require significant learning and development solutions,” he wrote.

According to him, there were six tools by which Qatar’s energy and manufacturing sectors could sustainably advance Qatarisation.

They are identifying core competency needs, developing employee training programmes, practicing active leadership, creating a culture of commitment and loyalty, including the youth and remembering to measure effectiveness.

With the country increasingly focusing on Qatarisation of key jobs, expatriates have some real causes for worry.