Possibly moving to Doha. Need advice on what it's like to live and work there
My boyfriend has just got offered a huge promotion in Doha and we are now contemplating moving there. All of our expenses will be paid, i.e. housing, utilities, car, ect however the concern we have is whether or not I will be able to find work there. I am a communications manager, most recently with Barclays Bank however I have worked in a variety of sectors over the past 10 years. i am really concerned that I am going to give up my career here in London (I am originally from Canada) to move there and not be able to work.
I'd really love some advice on how hard/easy it would be for me to find work and also what it's like living there. Until he came home with the job offer, I had never even considered moving to the Middle East. It all seems to strange to me. This is a really difficult decision we have to make, and unfortunately in a very short period of time. I just don't want to become resentful having given up all that I've worked for and built up over the past years.
There are LOADS of great PR jobs. I know for a fact that HSBC is looking for PR here. And your job can sponsor you, you don't need your boyfriend too. You don't need to get sponsored to come here.
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Dubai Doha are the same in this regard..
Well the husband thing certainly puts a whole different perspective on things! We had an inkling that may be the case but good to find out before we make our decision. Of course that sort of makes it for us! Do you know however if the same is true for Dubai?
As for working there, I was worried what it might do to my career. It seems though from speaking to people that working in PR in Dubai is a whole lot different and that there are many more jobs available. Don't know if this is actually true or not. Anyway, my boyfriend is now going to go back to his company and see what other options are available. Thanks for your comments. Will keep you posted on what we decide to do!
Tinabina, Alicat is right about the sponsorship situation.
Concerning work, I’m not in your same field but personally I don’t think coming to work in Qatar is a good career’s move in general, of course there may be exceptions. If you really like what you do in London, your job, your career’s prospective etc than be careful ... you won’t need just a job here but rather something that can give you good, “resell-able” experience, if you know what I mean.
Tinabina, your boyfriend will not be able to sponsor you here in Qatar as you say he is your boyfriend not husband. Every expat needs to have a sponsor.
You could either get married before you arrive here or you will have to look for a job in your own right before you arrive which will offer its own package.
It is against the law here for non married partners to be living together. However I know many couples who do this but it only takes one person who does not like the situation and report you to the authorities. The consequences of this can be lashings and deportation.
My advice if you are seriously considering this move - get married then your husband can sponsor you.
Look for previous threads - much has been written about this very subject.