QP Grade 16 expat package
Dear all,
I would like to ask your advice on a QP package for grade 16, senior architectural engineer. Basic salary range between 23-27.000 QR plus 14,200 QR housing, 2,000 transport, & bonus scheme. Also school fees and 1 return flight per annum for each family member.
Any thoughts? We were wondering if 2 return flights per annum might be negotiable and what range the bonuses at QP are for grade 16. (My husband is a registered architect with 13 years professional experience in international firms)
I would also like to know if anyone has experience in finding a job once we are in Qatar. I am considering to go back to work since our kids attend school / KG respectively. I have a B.Sc. in Architecture and a M.A. in Architectural History from reputable UK schools...but little working experience...oh and how safe do you consider a position with ASTAD? Contract would be permanent...we are comfortable now and wouldn't want to move for less than three years...is it possible to negotiate a minimum duration clause for a permanent contract? Many questions...and many thanks in advance for your time :-)
The only caveat I would add about the housing allowance is that it be included in the contract that the allowance be subject to increases in the cost of living - remember 3 years ago when housing was tight and rents were sky high? You don't want to be caught out - however, again QP is a reputable employer and would almost certainly be reasonable should housing prices (and your rent) start to rise.
We will not suffer the same bubble as Dubai, remember, Dubai has little natural resources and the bubble burst there due to the fact they had to rely on tourism and finance. As Qatar has a wealth of LNG this should not be a problem, coupled with building for 2022.
14,000 is fine for a villa, should be ample for a nice one
@ marycatherine, housing is defenitely an allowance. In the region of 14,000 QR...I researched a little and figured that would get us a small villa, no? How much was rent inflation over the last months?
The building boom is probably at its lowest now (not that I would invest in property in this part of the world anyways given that the rules on ownership can change literally overnight).
If the package matches or exceeds your current gross salary (before taxes and deductions given that your home country deducts these) AND provides private medical, transport for all family member once a year to your home country and school fees and housing (all housing, not an allowance). It is probably worth considering.
QP is considered a good employer, but everything is relative. I don't know anything about ASTAD.
Ok, understood.Unless I get lucky it will be rather difficult to find a decent paying job (from western viewpoint);-). How about QP as employer. My husband would be working for ASTAD. Has someone information on workplace, people, projects...is it considered a good place to work (as in stable, well payed). And how do you perceive the overall package? Is it appropriate? The thing is, he's quite keen to go. We lived in Dubai in 2008 and had a good time on a similar package (UK company)...until the crash...therefore I have mixed feelings about this as I know how quick things can change. How is the building boom perceived locally? Does it seem like a sustained development or more like a bubble? It's hard to tell from afar as the worldcup obviously justifies major investments in infrastructure... P.S. sorry for degressing from the topic. Should I move this to a different post?
jjj75 I agree with you, but employers can hire similarly qualified people from the subcontinent at a fraction of what the OP might expect as a Westerner - especially if they too are "local hires". But the OP might get lucky too, it depends on the day and the employer.
If he is offered 25-40% more net, then take it. I am not sure how much luck you will have getting a job here as your recent work experience is limited, you might get something but be prepared to earn a lot less than you hope, as there are a lot of experienced people in your profession wanting to come here. On the plus side you will be cheap for an employer as you will not be eligible for all other benefits as you already receive them from your husband, and you can save money from your housing allowance. You can get a comfortable villa for 10-12k QAR a month
Also bear in mind that your contract is based on your relationship with your employer. If there is any perceived conflict or if business takes a downturn, the contract may be cancelled on what might be considered iffy grounds in the West, but you'd have to be here to pursue a court action, and you have to leave within 10 days of your visa being cancelled.
It's good work if you have a reasonable and stable employer, it can be hell otherwise.
QP is one of the better employers so you would probably not face the above scenario. Two flights annually is not on anywhere in the GCC except for Saudi and then only for very senior people.
YOu mention the contract is permanent? Most are for 3 years at most but I'm not familiar with QP
Super low! I had an American friend with an RN and a master's degree offered $2.12/hr.
Mandi
Take into account the high CoL here- a night out for two in restuarant (hotels have alcohol licence) with a mid range wine will set you back in the region of QR1000 (approx £175 at current exchange rates).Beer around £5-8 pint, glass of house wine similar. Shopping for Food is a little more than UK but can be restrictive in what is available. Salads can be v exp. Petrol is cheap- fill your car for less than a tenner!
I see...well thank you for your reply. When you say very low do you mean low as in just basic western salary (which would be acceptable) or super low as in no use to work at all? And do you consider the QP package acceptable for his experience? It's slightly higher than what we have here but as accomodation and school fees are covered the disposable income would be about doubled...
Constance
I see...well thank you for your reply. When you say very low do you mean low as in just basic western salary (which would be acceptable) or super low as in no use to work at all? And do you consider the QP package acceptable for his experience? It's slightly higher than what we have here but as accomodation and school fees are covered the disposable income would be about doubled...
Constance
if your having good peaceful life living there , don't waste it.... just to think ... go else where,not here.
investigate my opinion and take good decision
Sorry, the answers are no and no! The flights are standard and a minimum duration is not possible. As a local hire/trailing spouse with little experience you would probably be offered a very low salary. If the package is significantly more than your husband is making now i's worth considering a move.
Mandi