Firms in court for hiring expatriates

@ genesis (& bleu),speaking of prejudice,if you guys had actually bothered to understand my post instead of taking the literal example of what i used,i'm safely assuming that your reply posts wouldn't have been the way it is,which may i add,like Nightshifter is a VERY DEFENSIVE attitude...so if i may rephrase...God has blessed your country with the natural resources that allows you to have the highest GDP in the world,so you guys don't need to sweep the streets & i never said you ought to,i was pointing that out as an example of REAL naturalization,those Omanis & Bahrainis have taken those jobs out of choice NOT because their Govt. is forcing them to,understand?...THAT my friend is the essential difference between you guys & them...MOST young high-school graduate local kids want a job on paper that gives them a big fat pay packet,doesn't require them to come in to work & when they do,not actually do any work,take big bank loans to finance their new land cruisers which they need to buy after wrecking the previous one(which is unlikely to be more than a year old) on the dunes in Mesaieed...

So please,by all means,give the entry level clerical jobs to locals BUT will they work for Qrs. 8000/- plus minor benefits,2 shifts a day,6 days a week???...because that is what the position offers...& there are PLENTY of expats willing to take that job on those terms,how many locals do you know who would?...& in the unlikely event they do,FIRST OF ALL,this means they actually have to show up @ work everyday & do the full 8 hour shift,SECONDLY,merely showing up,then chatting about local politics or discussing last night's game where Al-Gharaffa beat Al-Sadd over endless cups of gahwa,then surfing the net till the 8 hours are up,then going home is not much use either,they actually have to WORK,THIRDLY,having the will to work but not knowing how to go about it because they barely managed to finish high school or are high school dropouts means they technically lack even the basic knowledge to do that job,entry level as it may be...now all of the above as opposed to Asian expat with COLLEGE DEGREE,RELEVANT PRIOR EXPERIENCE,HARDWORKING & WILLING to work for the renumeration on offer,if it were your company & your bottomline & profits were in question,setting aside national pride(which anyways has NO place in this situation, a job is about competency & hiring a competent person to do it NOT about nationals vs. expats)who would you hire?...no need to answer that,you know as well as me what the answer is mate...

And you are spot on about continuing education,the issue shouldn't be about just entry level clerical jobs,the thrust should be in the direction of getting a REAL college degree & the community college is a HUGE step in the right direction,so really mate,you mentioned it yourself about local high school dropout,neck deep in debt male married to graduate local female with a better job & earning more than him,that is indeed a reality check you guys need to deal with & good on you for acknowledging that fact...so instead of encouraging these young lads to drop out or just about finish high school knowing they can get an entry level clerical job,the thrust ought to be on them furthering their education...(& i don't mean going to some college in Sussex for a year to study english,speaking with a clipped english accent DOES NOT count as technical education.)...so once again,i wish you luck & success...

Genesis and Blue,

Sorry to step in but I think that Gadarene wasn’t implying that Qataris should necessarily sweep the streets and drive taxis. What I think he meant was that Bahrain and Oman was a more conventional society where their citizens had to make efforts to climb up the social/professional lader.

Oman and Bahrain are different from Qatar, mainly because their GDP is lower.

Even though, the fact that their citizens need to make efforts to reach professional and financial objectives is caused by these nations' circumstances, I think that Qatar could and still can design this feature into its society.

Forcing (aka creating the conditions) citizens to strive for social, professional and financial achievements and objectives is the only way to educate a "spoiled" society to learn how to appreciate the value and rewards of hard work.

Genesis mentioned that there are many Qataris in debt. Sure they are because, first it’s extremely easy to borrow, and then there is this general perception that in case of trouble, the rich government will bailout these citizens.

The principle I am defending here - "to introduce certain discipline into society aiming their education to become a better society" - is exactly the same as a good parent does to educate its child.

A spoiled child has little chances to succeed in an honest manner when competing with those who grow up striving for almost everything.

Even (wise) rich parents, enforce these limits into their children, because they know it will be the best for them when they become adults.

The often pin pointed here typical behavior of a nouveau-rich (specially on the qatari roads): a combination of huge sums of new money and poor education, is how Qatari society generally comes across to the eyes of the world.

When the Qatari government finally realizes the damage the current status will do in the long run to the country, perhaps it will consider adopting a similar modelto the one already in place in Bahrain or Oman.

Will this happen in this generation?

Personally, I don’t think that the current establishment has acquired this type of sensitivity to be able to detect in advance the negative consequences of the current status in a very near future. Perhaps the next generation, hopefully better educated and qualified will start reflecting on its society survival needs.

All the best for you guys!

genesis, I was about to comment on the "road sweepers and cab drivers" idea ... LOL!

High time to revise that legislative ruling giving private companies more prerogatives like hiring expats who are even more qualified. Give those admin jobs to wives of expats for example will help private entities for spending much, unlike giving it to locals who are uneducated, unskilled and unmotivated yet expecting much with less pay. Encourage locals even more to gain the three. I believe its very difficult to do these as education, skills and motivation (taking them to higher level) should be instill to young minds by giving emphasis on moral issues and the like (values of hard work especially).

gadarene said fine,surely you've been to Oman & Bahrain,the municipality road sweepers in Oman are poor Omanis,the cab drivers in Bahrain are poor Bahrainis,THAT my friend is REAL naturalization

---Qatar has the highest GDP per capita in the world. Qataris don't need to take on those jobs.

What you’ve written is just pure indication of your prejudice.

Yes , there is some mistakes in applying Qatarization. Yet the sought solution is not as your expressed it.

In the other hand, What benefit will the Qatari government get from hiring more entry level expatriates? I for one, prefer the cut back of clerical jobs, outsourcing and the use of enterprise electronic solutions.

I have read all the comments so far and the overwhelming issue seems to be a poor educational uptake. Not surprising given that Education was only made compulsory a few years ago.

I would also add that in any country that undergoes rapid change( education, progress, infrastructure etc ) society is the last to change ( look at the "oil curse countries" )so I can see that it can be a bit overwhelming to see your country change and feel left out.

I might add there is the issue of merit here which is not being addressed on a local level whereby certain jobs, rights, business etc is awarded to specific families and not to the person best suited ( with the ability ) to the job regardless of their gender, family name.

If you see that happening, then it’s not surprising that there is a lack of motivation.

Nic has made a valid point (and objective criticism) of the culture being eradicated. Qatari society does have to change / adapt and they will be better and stronger for it. Their culture and identity will be preserved by doing so. The change has to be done before oil and gas reserves diminish, that is sooner rather than later. I saw a report earlier this year by one of the big consultancies done for foreign investors and given to Govt. Qatar has to move away from the hydrocarbon economy by five years or else be stuck on a diminishing returns / higher O+G cost path that will become harder to get off. Moving over to finance on a majority scale won’t help either (look what has happened to others). Qatar needs to find its own unique niche that will help the economy thrive, at least until the next generation can move on to next economy driver. Hence the need for strong education and a willingness to adapt.

Genesis said

---It happens everywhere. Take any international private Firm working in Qatar for example (To be specific the French & US companies) , you’ll notice That the managerial posts are given to 20 something newly graduated Whites while the highly qualified , less fortunate & poorly paid Asians are the subordinates ;)

Genesis this happens in every company (including locally owned or run- substitute local for Whites ) whereby they prefer to work with their own nationals due to culture, language and work ethics. The pay is a reflective issue of the country you come from ( right or wrong ). My wife has the same issue with a western company( one of the largest law firms in the world ) that pay her less than her counterparts despite her being vastly more experienced and their only worldwide expert in her field whilst many other Asians who claimed be highly qualified in this expertise are not!

fubar said The Qataris don't need education, they need incentives.Who would bother slugging it out to finish school and then uni for a job in the private sector when for almost zero effort they can get a reasonably well paying job as a clerk?

--you have somehow summarized the mentality of many Qataris youth in the past decade. Now the situation is relatively different for Qatari women. As many have chosen to continue their education & take on unique career path. This have created the sense of resentment among those who accepted entry level jobs. That’s why they stair issues like gender mixing in universities & government offices. The miserable , drawn on debts high school drop out who’s married to a successful graduate is just a reality check we face now here.

the solution can never be the cutoff incentives. But to stop the flood of qatarizing the Clerical jobs & encourage Qataris to continue their education.

Under QF umbrella, A community college will operate next fall to attract those who passed high school with low grades. I think this is a great initiative & I hope many take this chance. not only to enhance their careers . But also to continue their education

and not accepting challenges as what skilled expats do, where is the nation-building lead them to? If all expats are gone and the locals take place, will they be contented to work only as clerks then? Shouldn't they aspire for a higher pay but however requires expertise? How would they attain that if they have no education or even training?

@ Nightshifter,& yet again,you have valid points but with a VERY defensive mindset my friend...the facts as they are,you & your compatriots who run your "place" are a MINORITY...with a local population that is already a minority & with educated,skilled,motivated(please note i've used ALL THREE adjectives,meaning educated but not skilled or motivated or motivated but not educated DOES NOT qualify) nationals being an even smaller minority within that minority,we're talking about a handful of people,not exactly enough to run a country no matter how small now is it mate?...

You spoke about laws in Europe & but left out one BIG difference,Europe (whichever country it may be) does have qualified,educated,skilled & motivated locals who are unemployed & will be able to do that particular job...i believe it would be fair to say the same CANNOT be said about nationals here & no i'm not talking about the handfull like yourself mate,i'm referring to the average "this is MY country,i DESERVE a job that pays me Qrs. 20,000 with no college degree,no skills,no motivation & that doesn't actually require me to show up @ work everyday" joe,now you're an educated person who's seen the world mate,you tell me,what would you rather have,a local like this being given that job just to show the company "following the law" & contributing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to the organization or an expat who has the educational qualifications,the skills & the motivation(that being a tax-free salary SIGNIFICANTLY less than Qrs. 20,000 pm.)?...so i ask you,as the owner of this company or even as a Govt. official,which of the above would you rather have?...

NOBODY is hiding behind any excuses mate,how many QUALIFIED,SKILLED & MOTIVATED nationals do you know that are willing to take up a job that offers them about Qrs. 8000/- plus a little more in benefits for a full-time 8hr. job? i wish you luck in finding them because according to Mr. Al Kuwari,the executive director of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce,there aren't any,THAT my friend is the reality we live in & THAT is something your fellow nationals SHOULDN'T be hiding behind...

Want to talk about naturalization? fine,surely you've been to Oman & Bahrain,the municipality road sweepers in Oman are poor Omanis,the cab drivers in Bahrain are poor Bahrainis,THAT my friend is REAL naturalization,NOT IMPOSING a quota of locals to be hired in the Govt. & private sector when there aren't enough qualified locals to do the job...& quite frankly,i don't see many private firms having trouble proving that there are NO LOCALS to take their Qrs. 8000/pm plus benefits package for a mid-level TWO-SHIFT admin. job...you claim nationals are hard working yet get the raw end of the stick???...well the rest of us living here must be blind because we don't see it...don't get me wrong here mate,there are educated,skilled & motivated locals like yourself,doing jobs to the best of their ability for the betterment of their country,unfortunately,that number is a VERY SMALL handfull amongst an already SMALL local populace,honestly,there is only so much that such a small number of people can do,i mean,we're talking about running a whole country here,one that is growing by leaps & bounds & where A LOT of systems are slowly being put into place,surely you will agree that needs A LOT more competent people to ensure things are done right?...There are a good number of unemployed locals mate,i will agree with you on that but how many of them are worthy to be employed is question no:1 & if yes,how many are willing to work for private company pay scales is question no:2,between these two questions,the sad reality is that the answer is ALMOST NONE...unless that changes,merely forcing the private sector to employ 20% locals is actually going to worsen the situation,the complacent becoming even more complacent...catch my drift mate?...i'll leave here & go back home sooner or later like most expats mate,however,this is YOUR HOME so i wish you luck & hope nationals like yourself will be able to motivate others to emulate you in getting a REAL education,acquiring REAL skills & being REALLY motivated,NOT just by the pay packet but with a genuine desire to work towards building their country THEMSELVES...Good luck,may the force be with you!...

The Qataris don't need education, they need incentives.

Offering nationals well paying, low responsibility jobs in the public service that require little in the way of formal, advanced education means that what QG offers is largely irrelevant.

The heart of the problem, as pointed out by Genesis, is Qatarization quotas and a bloated, generous public service.

Who would bother slugging it out to finish school and then uni for a job in the private sector when for almost zero effort they can get a reasonably well paying job as a clerk?

Cut the welfare and incentivise meaningful work and educational outcomes and you would solve a lot of these problems.

Qatar has been trying to invest in the educationfo their youths, take the QF for example; having such institution is not a joke.

The only thing they need is to motivate their youths to study, take the opportunity the government has offering them. Aren't they fortunate to have such foundation?

In my country where people are struggling for their day to day survival, getting a good education is still a priority for every family there.

nicaq25,

It’s a similar situation here in Qatar. Youth prefer government jobs because contrary to most of the world's countries, here in GCC they are rewarded more for less work.

The problem Qatar has is many don't complete their education and therefore are not qualified to take many leading jobs. Others who complete their education prefer government jobs (for the reasons explained above).

Due to this critical situation, many are put in leading position without having either the adequate education, skills or experience or all of the above.

Saying this does not mean that Qatar does not have excellent examples of good professionals, they are just not enough for the development the country is at the moment and ambitions to pursue.

Emiratis view related issue differently:

Youth preference for gov't jobs 'is a disaster' - official

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/583366-youth-preference-for-government-jobs-is-a-disaster---official

Cryogenic,

Thank you for your too kind words.

Its not about me, it’s about being here and observing how this nation is loosing control over its development.

When I criticize openly, it’s to promote awareness but generally people here dislike it and often take it as personal attacks.

Its not, criticism aims improvement and it comes from who genuinely cares.

The problem is real and no one wants to face it. Expats don’t dare or don’t care. Locals don’t know the consequences or are powerless to take any action.

It’s a sad path, disguised by the apparent development!

At the moment, nobody sees it, but what we are witnessing is the extinction of a culture, being over flooded with extremely rapid development and external influences.

As you said, I wish one day that the authorities will think carefully and more in depth about Qatar's future, and mainly on the development impact on Qataris Nationals.

Thanks again for your participation too!

Nightshifter,

I am glad you work in such environment but you should not reject the real fact that your case unfortunately does not represent Qatar.

The only way to treat a problem is to acknowledge it. Pretending that all is OK will only make things worse.

Nic you are brilliant. Very rarely do we see such sensible threads. Your assesment and your suggestions are very valid and perfect to the T.

Im happy to see this thread attract very poised and sane comments and good to see Qataris also participating in this healthy debate.

Im mostly on "read only" mode and rarely post comments on QL but i HAD to appreciate the brilliant analysis of Gadarene and Nic.

I sincerely do wish Sheikha Mozah and her team do get to read this thread and understand the genuine concern everyone shares for the betterment of Qatar and Qataris.

There are so many things good about this fledgling nation hope the Education, Training and the overall mindset of Qataris improves as well, for the better.

I am one of the minority , Qatareeees. I did try to make outside qatar, mainly Europe , in the most strangest places " I will not name the country" I applied for work in three different places, and in a couple of multinational companies, in addition to international organisations, My main area of expertise is "consulting", I spoke the language, better than the locals I might add. I had twelve years experience. I was turned down.

The law said in the country I applied for jobs in , Unless a company is able to show that there is no local who can fill the job I applied for , then they are allowed to hire me. needless to say, it was a small job , not the money I was making in Qatar, and no where near what I am making now.

But the law was clear. And I accpeted it .

Accept the law.

The government realised that there is a wheel of development that is turning , and the private sector should take part " a big part " in the turning of this wheel , by hiring more Qatareez. And stop hiding behind the never ending excuse of Qatarees this , Qatarees that.

It is an established fact that the government is the leader in almost all life changing decisions in QATAR. Whilst the private sector which should assume its social responsibilities have chosen to sit on the side lines, complaining that they are not getting enough governement contracts, and when asked for the minimal response of hiring a small number of 20% of Qatarees in work force, it becomes a debate of the incompetence of the Qatari workforce. Who are hard working , and are getting the raw end of the stick . YES THEY ARE.

I am a person of responsibility. I run a place . IT has no less than 90% qatarees and if it was not for our loyalty and appreciation of the time and experience that our expat " uber expats " colleagues " have put in our DEPT. then it would be 100% qatarees.

Finally ,,,, and this will not be the last finally

LOVE YOU ALLL............

UBER and non-UBER expats..... " especially the french "

HAve a nice afternooon.

Qatari,

I absolutely agree with you, it’s all about education.

By self-sufficient society, I didn’t mean Qatari-only society. I meant a Qatari society where Qataris are actively involved in the decisions and management of their own nation.

The exponential development without the proportional increase of educated, competent and experienced Qataris to drive the nation, it will certainly damage further your already weakened society.

Trust me; it’s a very sad situation, no matter who is looking at it. A society / culture being eradicated by two fronts: the wealth and progress out of control on one side and the laziness and lack of education on the other side.

In one simple expression: Qatar is biting more than it can digest and that may be fatal in the long run.

Suggestion: let society grow and get educated naturally.

Avoid injecting wealth with no effort or work required into that society, as this will only generate laziness and its sad already visible consequences!

and I guess Qatar will continue to tap their youths to give education a serious thought.

Nic said The Qatari society, due to the easy access to wealth, is almost deprived of human basic sensations and emotions, such hard work aiming achievements and rewards.

------Not entirely true , not all Qataris are rich. As much as 70% are on debts. The only income to many, is their governmental job wages Which is considered very low when compared to the private sector.

Many Qataris complain in public forums, local newspapers & radio/TV talk shows about being jobless, inflation, inability to pay debts & being married and yet living in their parents’ homes as they don’t have enough money to built the land granted by the government.

The real problem is education. As long as Qatari youth continue to drop collage & take on the clerk jobs offered by the government offices for the sake of raising the qatarization quota, the situation will persist.

But who said we want to become a Qatari-only nation.

It’s a flat world, my friend…

Just look around you, for whom are we building the enormous residential compounds, churches , the 5 star hotels with bars & lounges , the man made islands, the gigantic education city with its world class facilities.

There is no doubt the fabric of society is changing. Only with good education, will the Qataris be able to hold good grip of what’s coming. And according to all financial analysts , Qatar is yet to become more richer in the upcoming years.

Nic I have many examples.... French companies do tend in my opinion to be more biased towards French Nationals than other companies from different countries. I'm not saying that is bad, but the French do believe in protectionism!

Robertothebrave,

Come on, what that one example has to do with the other 62000000 French nationals?

the way people express themselves also vary from culture to culture even if they are using the same language... anyway, I think you know all this but just want to vent against that French friend of yours who probably was no less ignorant as French people do travel a lot, although they do have a very beautiful country!

I asked a Frenchman once while you see very few French people on holiday overseas and his reply was, 'when you live in the best country on Earth why would you want to visit anywhere else?'

I have many Qatari friends who work hard and are motivated. But this is because they are in the government (or affiliated) organisations where some are earning 17,000 basic with no university degree, fresh from school. I know a number wouldn't get out of bed for less than 12,000 basic, and none of them have done anything other than a couple of computer courses at New Horizons.

I'm all for having more Qataris and fewer expatriates in the local workforce. When Qatari friends curse at the bad drivers on the roads, I politely remind them that there is a reason there are so many bad drivers ('rubbish people', he calls them) in this country. If more Qataris were willing to work for realistic salaries 'they' (the Qataris) would feel less like they are losing their own country to unskilled migrants.

robertothebrave,

You're probably being sarcastic but in case others take you serious, that is not true or fare ;)

Genesis,

Thank you for your participation.

The debate here serves no purpose besides the exchange of point of views and maybe sometimes to be picked by the censors of this country who may act upon (who knows, positively!)

What is happening in Qatar (the lack of education, skills, relevant experience, and motivation) is a very serious problem for Qatar in the long run.

The government is trying to solve the problem by imposing quotas (qatarization) but this is not working. Companies are filling the requirements just to comply, however you know very well that the actual work is not being done by Qataris.

Nobody has any doubt of how unprofessional and lazy, the majority of Qataris are at the work place. I am so sorry for the minority who might be exceptional hard workers, but this isn't just obvious.

I could describe here some sad and pathetic real life cases, but it’s not needed.

The same problem causes the significant lack of involvement and achievements of Qataris in sports. It also removes from the youth a purpose for life, a reason to live or strive for. Leaving them to vent their energies at wheel of good cars risking their and others lives in the Qatari roads.

The government should study its society and understand behaviors and what are the root causes of these behaviors. Don’t they know that nobody will make any efforts if not needed if not motivated and if they cant appreciate the value of a genuine reward?

The Qatari society, due to the easy access to wealth, is almost deprived of human basic sensations and emotions, such hard work aiming achievements and rewards.

As you can see the punishment and high price of easy wealth on a society is as bad or perhaps even worse as the punishment of deprivation.

Both extremes will affect negatively any society and the Qatari society is clearly a victim of their over wealth.

Neglecting the root cause of this so obvious problem, will destroy you ability to ever become a self-sufficient nation.

Well Genesis you can never trust the French..... they hate all foreigners!

gadarene said as it would in any job market anywhere in the world,where one puts incompetent people in positions they are unable to do ANY justice to merely to show on paper that X% of locals are employed

---It happens everywhere. Take any international private Firm working in Qatar for example (To be specific the French & US companies) , you’ll notice That the managerial posts are given to 20 something newly graduated Whites while the highly qualified , less fortunate & poorly paid Asians are the subordinates ;)

Well said 'uber-expat' Gadarene! =)

There is no point in debating as it always turn into ethnic bashing. Whether on Qataris or expats

Qatar is Aiming for globalization & Multiculturalism. Many Qataris have problems in accepting that , as all of a sudden they felt they are left out.

Now they realize this & want to be part of the labor force.

Productivity is not limited to a certain nationality you know…

Gadarene,

Well said, as usual.

It won’t happen but I would love to see a Qatari here debating rationally this issue!

@ nightshifter,who said anything about liking or not liking mate?...it's just the bitter truth,locals just aren't competent enough to fill these jobs,they lack the education,skill sets & motivation,plain & simple,yes this is your country but that doesn't change the fact that for the country to function & to function well,you need people who're educated,skillesd,qualified & motivated to do the job,bad enough you have a small population but even from that there aren't enough citizens to fill these jobs...so if as you say,"the law is the law",so be it then,let the law be implemented & watch as things descend into complete chaos,as it would in any job market anywhere in the world,where one puts incompetent people in positions they are unable to do ANY justice to merely to show on paper that X% of locals are employed,it's your own people & your own country that is going to lose out in the long run because of it mate,the "uber-expats" as you labelled them,will finish their contracts & go home,your people will be left holding the baby mate...think about that before getting all defensive...the issue here IS NOT expats being given jobs when there are ELIGIBLE locals to fill those postions,there are unemployed locals yes,but like with any country anywhere in the world,to be employed,one must have the education,skills,qualification & motivation to do the job they're given & a majority of these unemployed locals don't,that is the fact of the matter as stated by the QCCI executive director himself,once again,hats off to Mr.Kuwari for stating the facts as they are...so instead of getting defensive, get your act together mate,not a lot of people have the opportunity that your Govt. graciously gives you,make use of it by getting a REAL education,acquiring REAL skills & being motivated,NOT by the money but by the desire to do something for your country...

Nightshifter,

If you read better all the above posts, you will realize that nobody is saying that they don’t like Qataris.

Instead, most of the people here are telling us true facts, examples of how bad prepared for work, Qataris are.

Everybody that has Qatari colleagues (and even worse Qatari bosses) knows in first hand of this Qatari National disaster.

It’s a fact and Qatar should face it and start implementing actions to treat this problem, otherwise Qatar will never survive as a self-sufficient nation.

Once you run out of resources or the world ceases to need your resources, if you continue in the lazy path as most of you, you will be a condemned country of emigrants.

Good thing this country is oil-rich...

Locals just need to work to have fun.. just my opinion...

to be honest i have a 'local' friend... he got some lung problem and had operation, he filed for sick leave and did not work for 6 to 8 months... but of course he continue receiving his salary... duh... we keep on telling him.. how we wish we are like him...lolz

when he told us he'll gonna start working.. we told him 'MABROOK' hehehe

In private sectors, i dont think they could bear it coz professionalism and work ethics is a big deal... for which they are not used to it... just my two cents... :)

*************************************

People's criticism and sarcasm can show the other side of you.. it tests your true attitude and character.

Thank you all for letting us know how much , Qataris , are liked by you " The uber-Expatriates ".

The law is the law.

Qataris are a minority and Yes ARE " Entitled " for a law like this to protect their interest in their own Country.

But it is ok ,,,, time will tell,,,,

I work in a government hospital and worked with a local who is 4 times lower than my grade but also 4 times higher than my salary. She comes in duty 3 times a week with a reason of sick leave, vacation, or i dont know what else reason is there but she managed to constantly come in duty 3 to 4 times a week (most of the time late and there are times going home early) she cant just seems to finish the week and always telling she is tired. Our department head is also an expat, needless to say cant do a thing about that. The sad thing about this is that, during her absence we have to do her job along with our own work and if she goes early, we have to finish her unfinish bussiness...And inspite of this working attitude, yearly i get the shock of my life because they get the highest or near perfect score in work evaluation from the supervisor. Not to mention, not only her are there with those kind of unbelievable working ethics.

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"Maybe the happy ending is this, knowing after all the unreturned phonecalls, brokenhearts, through the blunders and misread signals, through the pain and embarrassment, you never gave up hope."

a statement by QA CEO emphasizing his concern that locals MUST be highly trained before they can get employed by QA. Not an unfounded fear indeed on its disastrous effect. It's a known fact what kind of work habits they have here.

The country has invested so much in education bringing in top calibre international universities, but who are mostly benefitting these? Onetime I saw a busload of med students getting off in HMC. Saw their uniform badges they were from Weil Cornell. Looks like there was no qatari in that group. What's the percentage of the locals proceeding to college to earn a degree? Do they have that gnawing motivation we have from third world countries that having a good education will land them a good job and a better life? But then again, who needs an education, when, your govt. can provide your basic necessities free? Who the heck indeed. It calls for a rewiring of the qatari psyche.

salary is the key thing. Job that not requiring any specific skills or training supposed to be low paid. qataris would never accept the job for 3-4K, even if they are not educated and not trained at all...For this monay they prefer to stay home.. and private companies cannot (and don't have to!) afford paying 15-18K for such jobs..

*********************

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small compared to what lies within us."

Oliver Wendell Holmes

Jobs that don't require 'specific' skills or training do still require employees to be:

Motivated

Willing to work for the salary on offer

Competent at basic tasks

Reliable

Obedient

Honest

etc

How many nationals, who couldn't even be bothered acquiring 'specific skills and training' will be motivated to work for a modest salary in the private sector?

what a sad situation in such a rich country!

Gadarene, you hit the nail on the head. I have a few Qatari staff and although sometimes they are good and interested I don't even bother rostering them for duty as its really not worth it.

Instead of this compulsary filling of roles, I feel the govt should spend more time in mandatory training and development programmes which are paid for locals to go upon. Have a financial penalty for those not attending and then you can have qualified and basic motivation put upon Qatari's entering the workforce for the first time. I have lost count of high school leavers wanting to come in as a manager or supervisor without any experience or competence just to have the title and salary. A real shame.

this kind of situation can remain for some time but not forever, eventually when the country reserves of oil and gas will come to a certain limit, this luxrirues life would be on its limits.

There is a reason why the local's without specific skills and training, lack these skills. Because as far as education is concerned, the government bears most of their cost happily. Despite this if they don't have skills and training - it's because they don't want to.

The expatriates on the other hand might be qualified for specific skills and still be ready to take general criteria jobs. Plus they are ready to work for a fraction of the cost.

You can't really blame the private firms for trying to make a profit and keep their business alive. Oh wait, they can !

If the job requires little or no experience or skills then there is an unlimited pool of qualified locals. The problem is they want big money for having little or no experience or skills. Much of the country is run by those having little or no experience or skills.

"IF suitable Qatari candidates are available" & that is a very BIG IF...yes,there are qualified locals able to fill these positions PROVIDED,they get a paycheck of no less Qrs. 20,000 a month,work a single shift,5 day week,are given their fully equipped own office & don't actually have to show up @ work everyday & on the days they do come are not expected to actually do any work which will be done by their Indian/Filipino/other expat colleagues/juniors...so really,the work will still be done by the same people that were doing it in the first place & the company has to hire this local because of "qatarisation" & pay him/her the collective salary of the 2/3 people who're actually doing the work plus all benefits just to comply with regulations eh? nice,very nice...i actually know of companies that are forced to hire locals & these locals have been told by their white expat(Asian expats feel it as well but probably wouldn't dare telling them)bosses,that actually showing up @ work is optional & would they please NOT interfere in the actual running of the establishment as they have neither the real world qualifications nor any real world experience not to mention,no real interest in the actual work being done...but hey,on paper(like with everything else in this town),the company employs the required % of Qataris,they forgot one little detail though,employed-yes,gainfully employed-absolutely not...kudos to the QCCI executive director for actually making that statement,he's spot-on about it.

I agree with the govt, if the job requires little of no experience or skills then the locals should get first priority..... however if you can get a job in the govt or the O&G sector for much more money, then why would you want to work in the private sector as a Qatari.... its a catch 22...

high time they started taking affirmative action