Who is going to live in Qatar?

I realise there are knock on effects from making such changes that I with tunnel vision cannot see. And I am assuming that such consequences are the reason nothing is changing yet. But I live in hope that one day they will figure out a way of making things fairer for expats, and keep employers happy at the same time.

I hope the policy/law will change after sometime.. but now it is little un-fair.

I totally agree with you, and often i say it about Qatar, wealth can also be a curse!

No matter how much you try to educate people, when your political system survives by creating a massive welfare state it doesn't promote much of a desire to work hard. I personally think the massive wealth has hampered the intellectual development of the country, although I would admit it has also made a positive difference for those who were raised with the values of hard work and intelligent contribution to society. I just don't honestly feel that those people are in the majority at this point. :(

When I look at my own country, I would say the same thing. The increase in welfare has made us less productive and less likely to contribute positively to our communities.

painther,

1. Overdevelopment in deserts as if it was rain forest is in no views a sustainable solution; Overdevelopment in deserts is not more than creating an illusion of evolution. Soon or later nature will take over. It’s a reality artificially maintained by the influx of temporary income.

2. How can you compare Rome (the ancient or the new) with Doha? The key my friend is the weather. Doha unfortunately does not have Rome’s pleasant weather. No matter how much circus and bread (that too will have an end) you'll give to its citizens, the weather will always be there.

3. Some educational, socio-economic and political systems do not incite hard work, individual & critical thinking and individual achievements.

4. Refer to 3 above.

Nic,

1. We discussed it earlier too, in other posts. Let me summarize again, they (ok GCC not ME) got the wealth (not their fault but God’s gift for centuries of hardship) and they have possibly two options. One, to keep it in Swiss banks and in return ‘only a few’ enjoys its fruits. Two, they use it wisely for betterment of all and invest in basic infrastructure including (highly essential) human development. I agree that initially they lacked in investing in human development which gave critic’s opportunity to term it ‘know-how deficient’, agreed, but let’s see what’s happening now. They are NOW hugely investing in education, innovation, Sc & Tech etc. Just refer to efforts & huge outlays of QF and if cynicism is kept apart, in my opinion, they are on very right track for turning into a knowledge society. We are in agreement, fully, that third wave of development is based on knowledge/innovation.

2. On Ghost towns, I would put it this way. Rome was built HUGE (in your terms normally uselessly), appreciated for a period and got vanished with the time. (That’s cycle of development, nothing is permanent, new & big replaces older and smaller…), so if new Rome is being built (keeping the subject happy), I’m with the people who praise it, appreciate it.

3. Innovations (generateing brains) , yes in recent history, there isn’t much value addition from this part of the world. They do have their substantial value addition share in ancient times. Medieval period inventions are predominantly from Europe. Let’s agree on two postulates, (1) inventions are based on need and (2) potential of human mind is equal, intelligence depends on application of it. So they too have got intelligence equal to rest of the world and when ‘need’ arises there will be many ‘brainy’ outputs. (I do not, in general, agree of any brain deficiency)

4. On People’s say, we can not say if any particular form of govt is ‘the best’, different periods have different style of governing and fundamentals to all is – 'benefit to all’. Raising voices and revolution are normal human nature and based on needs, wherever there is need (like Tunisia) they will rise to it. Here, until they put tax on normal citizen or people in general have their ends meet, nothing will happen and there is no need to happen.

In nutshell, at least in 2030, this place will be shinier, I can’t say for 2050 though.

somebody don't want his post be deleted! My my my, I will be almost 70 by that time. But I can still rememebr what we studied and argued (and debated) 34 years ago in HS's Social Studies subject! Those are the realities of todays!

You are an asset to qatarliving and I always enjoy your posts.

Oh , and the answer to your question as per Qatar national vision 2030 is that Qatar will sustain its development through the locals and "targeted" size and quality expatriate labor force.

http://www.gsdp.gov.qa/portal/page/portal/GSDP_Vision_Root/GSDP_EN/What%20We%20Do/QNV_2030

One part of me believes that for this country to flourish & sustain its recent development , the citizenship law must loosen up. On the other hand, I understand why the government is reluctant to proceed with its plan of becoming multicultural to a far extent only to appease the locals.

You must know that this country have not always depended on expatriates. In fact, only in the late 1960s guest workers were brought in the country. Before that, oil companies like shell depended entirely on local workers until the riots of 1963 ( where local workers & students signed a petition and went on strikes demanding the governor back then for rights and social reforms). After that , many local workers were swapped with foreign workers with justification that the production stage requires skilled labors.

In 1972, in what is known locally as reform movement , Qataris become a welfare society. Benefiting from the "rentier system"

Now with globalization & free trade welcomed Into the country , many Qataris cling to their national identity and treat the increased foreign inhabitants as a demographic imbalance fearing they'll lose their welfare privileges

You lived here more than 30 years and pray to die here, but then Qatar has a policy of not extending visas beyond the age of 60 or 65 and you will have to go back to your "home". :(

I have been thinking the same thing for the last 30 years ever since I stepped in Qatar way back in 1979.. For me, Qatar is my home and I just hope and pray to God that I die here one day and I don't have to ever go back home. I love Qatar..

Painther,

Thank you, allow me to counterargument your comments:

1. You can’t confuse the Middle East with the New GCC countries.

I have not mentioned anything about what you call “Middle East Cultures”, my comments above refer to the New GCC countries and in particular to the overdeveloped desert cities as if they were being developed in rain forest climates.

2. As I wrote above:

Ok, there will always be cheap labor, but what if there will no longer be money available to pay it.

Who is going to maintain the over developed Doha's infrastructure, once oil and gas will no longer play the role they currently do?

4. Go and see what many countries in Europe, Asia, South and North America are already doing for alternative clean energies. By the time the GCC wakes up, it will be obsolete. There is no known-how here, all is imported… until there is money to buy it! The GCC countries are not doing enough to generate their own “brains”.

If you are implying that what I imagine, suits me, you are totally wrong. Why on earth would I benefit to see GCC new cities becoming ghost towns? I would just like to see more intelligence and sustainability on display, on the way there are being governed.

What is missing here, is people that stop being afraid of challenging and stop thinking that the only way to survive is to blindly agree with those in power.

People need to realize that they could have a say on their future, but that (the way things are conveniently set up here) will take generations and by then, it will be too late as too many empty buildings will be left to toast under the harsh summer Gulf.

PS. Thank you for your appreciation, I guess my comments triggers and provokes thinking ;)

britexpat,

Ok, there will always be cheap labor, but what if there will no linger be money available to pay it.

Who is going to maintain the over developed Doha's infrastructure, once oil and gas will no longer play the role they currently do?

s_isale,

yes, here is a picture of today's Timbuku:

Note: none of the buildings currently being constructed in Doha will survive a few summers without human maintenance. The heat kills the joint sealers and that's the star of the degradation of the entire structure. These “XXI century-new GCC cities” will probably be massive ghost towns before the end of XXI century... unless something intelligent is done in their strategic planning!

Nic, Nicely put but let me disagree with you -

1. The opulence in ME is very recent phenomena and they have survived (I must say bravely) keeping their culture, heritage intact, for ages amidst harshest of natural conditions. To say they’ll diminish, is little too much to ‘dream’.

2. Poverty & wealth will always exist but in cycles. Wealth moved in cycles, Asia to Europe and now to America and, it seems, cycle is turning again upside down. Who knows, if Asia is supplier of cheap labor today, tomorrow it may be Europe or America.

3. You’ve rightly put it, new continents are going to be growth engines of future, mainly Africa, Asia & South America.

4. even if O&G diminishes in ME , imagine positive possibilities like solar power revolution and imagine advantages ME has with the brightest SUN.

Many a times, we tend to imagine what suits to us. I’m neither an admirer nor a critic of ME/Qatar but trying to put a different perspective to Nic’s imagination of 2030. I assume it’ll still be shining , brighter perhaps, in 2030.

PS: Nic, I really enjoy your comments, always thoughtful :)-

Sadly, that is still a long way off...

Whilst there is poverty, there will always be cheap labour.

Is Timbuktu an inhabitable place now?

Who lives in Timbuktu now?

Learn from history...

Oh yeah s_isale...but what its connection with this topic???

Ever heard of Timbuktu?

I predict that Qatar and other GCC new countries will start to decline when:

- Asia starts providing better conditions to their poorest citizens - supply of cheap labor will no longer be available and therefore limited people to maintain the overdevelopment will be available, causing the abandon of many of the unnecessary infrastructures, easily deteriorate by the harsh summer heat;

- The need for oil and gas will substantially diminish - no longer will the easy extravagant income be available to pay expats nor will the government survive without taxes;

- Africa and South America starts to attract expats and labor due to its sustainable development- two continents to develop with much more attractive and human friendly weather, colorful cultures and historical heritage, providing a much more attractive environment and life style for locals and expats alike;

Qatar without cheap labor and limited income will see massive exodus of expats and locals leaving the country back to Mother Nature.

This is a scenario that has high chances of happening, as the country, even today with its enormous wealth, cannot survive without expats.

Expats only come here because of the money, not because of the nature, weather or social atmosphere.

The moment expats and laborers stop coming, it will be the beginning of the end!

PS. Don’t delete this, come and read it in 2030 and you will see what I meant!

unfortunately you're right timebandit... i'm losing my closest, best, fam friends becoz of this type of law :( i hope it changes very soon. and i'm not living THAT HAPPY, but i mean my life aint so bad here, i live with ma family.

I've really liked the way OP has posted this touchy thought..

I second most of the comments as said above..

Qatar is a temporary makeshift for me as well..I don't see myself in a long run in doha..May be that LONG RUN will turn into a SHORT soon..who knows it BTW?? :)

dont worry about who is goin to live in qatar.

man of qatar is working on it, they are allowed to marry up to 4 wives and have alot children as much as they want....no limitations in number of kids (not same law in china where the couple can have only one kid)so dont worry, the country will not b empty without us here ...........:)

Very well said.

Well said qwertyness

Well I agree that we are guests here and know the deal when we sign up:

It can't be good for the country to cycle thru so quickly. It takes time to 'learn' Qatar, to figure it out, get accustomed to it, and do our best work. There is value in knowing how to get things done and having contacts- something that takes time to build up.

And that is lost as soon as you want to switch jobs. For example, my own situation. I came over for a job, worked hard, advanced. But I reached the end of where I could go with the company, and was unhappy how they treated myself and other workers (namely being promoted but never given a raise to what the person I replaced had made- why would they? They had me under contract at a certain rate). BUT, becaue I'd signed up for a set-term, I finished it. I found, hired, and trained my replacement. I gave four months notice I wouldnt' be renewing. For my trouble, I was given a glowing letter of reference. . . but no NOC.

My point: go ahead and keep the sponsorship system, even though it it flawed- it's your country, do what you please. however, why not put in place a law that says IF an employee is satisfactory, IF the employee fulfills their contract and gives proper notice, they MUST be given that NOC? I ended up missing out on a dream job because I can't have an RP in Qatar for two years; I now work int he UAE and come back and forth- I found a way to use my experience and stay in Qatar, in a fashion, but many can't. Wouldn't it be better to KEEP the people who know the country? Wouldn't it be for the benefit of the country?

My way of thinking, the NOC and sponsorship system just does nothing but create a load of expats who leave with a bad taste in their mouth. It gives no incentive for the employer to reward hard work or retain employees- and without having to work to retain good employees, abuses happen. I get wanting control over visiting workers, but leaving all the humanity and compassion at the 'discretion' of employers is bringing out the WORST in a country that is not actually that bad.

Keidoupe it's not about being ungratefully. I am happy here too. But sometimes those less fortunate than you get a ruff deal, and I feel their pain. However my original question still stands, "Who is going to live in Qatar" if there is no way of getting a long term RP, and you can't shift jobs easily to improve your career and lifestyle? It's an observation, and I am curious to know what the answer is. I hope you happiness continues ;)

Liberate or Perish !

LMAO, arent u a ticket away from leaving this place? common i'll help you raise its money !

Hi Keidoupe !

Nice to know that and we wait for you to learn your lessen.

I have been here for 1 year with my family, and i see no problem, its a good country. i just cant get why Qlers are so ungreatful about it.

Yes I too agree that the NOC procedure is worst and the local people take undue advantage of it, I had paid huge money to get NOC from my earlier sponsor (now this is un due advantage of the law).

But I wish to bring one more important point to notice is that because of these kind of rules most of the people working in Qatar agrees that they are not going to stay in this country and there is no bounding with this country which is directly reflected in their work so all the Expat people working in this country accept this and invest as low as possible efforts to make anything better but they only work as any passanger will work to make Airport look better before boarding a plane to His country.

Every one can witness this in workmanship in every construction road work.

Simple:

"Live Life Like There's No Tomorrow."

and in this particular case I agree that this system can be abused. I was looking at it in more general terms regarding the NOC.

I don't think the NOC benefits the country at large, but rather the individual who has trouble keeping their employees (usually through their own fault). But in a country that it essentially a dictator (albeit a beneficent one), things are weighed out as to how to best keep the citizens happy so that one can retain their position.

To stop speculation: In this case the QLer was offended against. A complaint was filed against the employer, and a court date set. The following day the employer lodged a complaint that the QLer has run away from job (even though this was not the case). QLer gets arrested and stuck in jail up until the QLers case against employer gets heard. Then QLer will be deported win or lose that case. And to be honest I have lost so much faith in the Qatari Legal System where expats are up against Qataris that I will fall over if the QLer wins the case against the employer.

This employer tried to get the QLer out of the country before the complaint that he knew was coming could get lodged. As it happens he was a day late. However his complaint of running away, somehow trumps that of the QLer (unbelievably), so the QLer has to stay in jail until their case against the employer is heard in case the QLer runs away. Why would someone who has filed a complaint and is going to take their employer to court run away? The QLer knows going home is inevitable, why be made to stay in jail. Let the QLer go home and be with friends and family, have their day in court against the employer, and then go home to their country.

ex.ex.expat when your RP is canceled and you decide to challenge it detention center welcomes you... till they decide upon the case.

we know how to appreciate good gestures and what have you been so far done to our friend (and the others TB's out there), thank you very much. And as to this thread, I could not agree more with your insights! Good morning to us although we are all upset!

In many cases there are reasons where a person working in offices is jailed. Mostly it relates to corruption and undermining their own business.

Good advice.

for no reason other than the employer wants to remove them from the country for unfair reasons. I have seen no evidence of that discussed here.

Best way to enjoy here are

1. Dont make too many friends, as when you will leave you will miss them.

2. Dont bring too memebers of your family here as you will have no one to go back too.

3. Do not attach yourself too much to this country as it is like a bubble that can burst any time.

4. Where as the law here are just, the way they are aadminstered in favour of the locals in due to lack of the Expats on the command of the Arabic languages.

5. finally remin yourself every day that you are a Guest worker and no one like to keep guest for long. If you a good guest you may stay longer but if for what ever reason you upset the host then be prepared to be asked to leave.

6. We are all here to earn more money than what we can earn back home in our countries, so make sure you have saved some money during your stay here if not then you might as well pack your bags and go home.

Sorry to bore you guys but just a few words from another Expat...

This is really bad... wonder when they will realise.... this kind of law is Barbaric and doesn't belong to a country who is looking to become world leader.... especially a humanitarian leader...

Its really shocking to hear people working in offices are put in detention centers and jails.... as if they are some kind of thieves or robbers...

...all just because the employer wants to remove the worker?

when we resign or got fired other ppl will come here

but this is Life and life goes on,,Rotine of Life

the old expats move and make way for the new ones and the cycle continues.

The lure of Qatar for a short contract was too much :O)

What happened to Pristina?

The simple answer is because they can!

We will leave tomorow, but others will be willing to take our place.

I have already met a few Expats who would rather retire here, then back in their own countries. Even if The Pearl is not filled to capacity, life will go on - as in Dubai. Such is the culture here...

Personally, I cannot even begin to fathom staying here beyond the short duration of what I agreed in my contract--if that. There is a lot a like about Qatar, and some things I don't--just like anywhere else in the world--but a longterm stay just isn't for me. Having said, and as I have said before, I think it is in Qatar's best interest to expand citizenship to include people of a similar faith and culture of existing citizens who want to stay. At the very least children of foreign husbands and Qatari women should be citizens.

For those who view expat workers as prostitutes I say this:

1. Look at the situation from reverse. In exchange for material wealth, Qatar has allowed foreigners to build military bases on its soil, a foreign language to become the most spoken language, the infiltration of Western values and ideals, its own citizens to become a small minority, many of its children to be educated by foreigners using a foreign curriculum, and much of its national identity and culture to be diluted (at best). This is not just my opinion, but the opinion regularly expressed by those increasingly vocal Qataris who have suggested that the country is selling is soul for material gain.

2. WIth the above in mind, capitalism and materialism makes prostitutes of us all.

I think the better question is not how but WHY.

how could they accomodate 2-3 million people so easily, i do not deny they are not building any infrastructure or have not enough money for it, but the point is they cant tackle with the traffic as resistance on the peak seen during AFC, how would they be able to handle it during 2022!!

is building an infrastructure to accommodate between 2-3 million people and yet has no hope of ever comprising 20% of that population. It is as if the aspirations and (dare I say it) greed are so great that the people making decisions don't seem to think about the long term effects on Qataris and the growing resentment they have of expats.

None. TB suppose if they offer you a citizenship to live here would you?? I wont , home sweet home :)

..please, pardon me as I am still waiting to get hitched to the Qatar ride..but what's with this "NOC thing" and how may a employer use it to throw out an employee..?..from what I know a NOC is something you need to get in and not something to use to kick out anybody...

..with regards to the question at hand - life as an expat, for me, should really be seen as a temporary thing..not unless, you are a businessman who has a right to do business in a country like Qatar and which will make it more difficult for you to bail out..

..otherwise, an employee is always there to serve the business need wherever or whatever company he currently belongs to..it is a temporary thing..scratch my back and i'll scratch yours..if it ain't itchy anymore..babush.. if during scratching it hurts, expect to be thrown out without any chance to explain..

..employee = temporary...

wow class of its kind - u said it - the best i ever read

you are sooo rite man

bookmarking

Tb, I am sorry you are upset. I am sorry for your friend who had to suffer apparently (as I do not know what happened)unjust treatment.

Sadly these things happen, and the worst is that we are more often than not unable to help. This is very frustrating.

All I can say is that time heals wounds, scars...well, they will be there. And as a consequence, hearts and minds harden. :(

Who's going to ....? Who cares? I'm here to work and get paid for it. A technical prostitute. I have no ties to this country or region or it's culture. When I'm done here I'll pack up and leave. There are gazillions of options if you want quality life. This isn't one of them. This is not a place I want to start a family in, or raise kids. They deserve better.

"There are thousands of men and women languishing in UAE prisons, either without a trial, or even if they are acquitted, they remain in prison for a long time. Many are forced to sign confessions for the crimes they never committed and lastly because of the inhuman treatment in the prisons, many prisoners have lost their mental balance and have turned into vegetables.

(Human rights are given prime importance in our socio-political life. It would be proud privilege and primary duty of the Governments, press and responsible persons to come to the rescue of innocent citizens against a mighty state repressing every human rights and depriving the victim of his/her very sustenance)."

http://www.uaeprison.com/blog/?p=41

As an Expat, we will see injustices wherever we go. The NOC was brought in as a means of protecting both the Employer and Employee. Sadly, employers use it more often for their benefit.

The simple fact of the matter is that as the law stands , all of us are at the mercy of the rogue employer. We are also here on a temporary basis. We come here for the short term, but then mistakingly believe that we are here for life. In reality, we are expatriate workers being paid to do work for a duration of time.

Lastly, there will always be people willing to come here and live. Some to work, others who believe that they have a better life than in their own countries.

I hope your friend gets home safely and is able to start afresh and carry on with his / her life.

None of us should take things for granted..

surely, the commentator postulated, as a rich, good looking, successful Hollywood actor, he didn't HAVE to pay women to come to his bed and have sex.

"I don't pay them for sex", said Charlie. "I pay them to leave".

That's exactly how Qatar looks at all of us, and like paid prostitutes, we all have to decide for ourselves whether the peculiarities of this particular "trick" is worth the extra he is paying.

So far, the answer for me is "yes". But that doesn't mean that I don't feel the need for a scrub in a very hot shower every now and again.

x

To all those who say we know what we signed up for. I KNOW! But injustice makes me so angry that I have to state the obvious, and speak when there is no point in doing so. Even though up top I tried to write a calm and balanced text, I have to be honest I am so angry and upset, and yes I am moaning when I said I wasn't. Sorry guys I just got to let it out. Even though I know the reality of it :(

TB i was expecting this thread from you, since 30 mins..

Well frankly, i am shocked what just happened few hours ago with our friend...

I am out of this discussion...

well those people live in qatar from last 25 year qatar gov should give him qataris facilities???

Why should I care who lives here in the end?

Why should I care how they are going to fufill their WC bid?

Its not my business - I am just a work number.

Whilst I am here I will enjoy and I will wave the flag because at the end of the day Qatar is giving me a better standard of living.

thats the tax we pay for Alienation from home

but look at the bright side always, There are many positive aspects

Lesson of Life:

Living in qatar teaches lesson of life.

Nothing is permanant, you may have to leave (this life) anytime, atonce & the people who are left are unhappy/sad for you.

That's positive I could search, thank you Qatar!

tinker, as sad as that may be, in the end this is included in the reality we have signed up for.

I too look at Qatar just as a temporary stop... i dont even consider the possibility of settling here as its very unlikely ... this is the Middle East and as we know this part of the world is very different from what our customs and traditions are ... its a very beautiful country indeed... but .... id much rather prefer doing what i have to do here... enjoy the experience ...add it to the diary of life and move on to where i feel comfortable with family and friends ....

we all left the UK and our homes for the same reasons im sure ...if not all then most ...

enjoy the ride ... its an adventure that we will be found of for many years to come ... its a risk that not everyone can take ....

maybe the next stop will be the one .... but we just need to always stay focused and see things through ...

here we make £ but we get to enjoy it also :) xx

But to come back to Tb's question, who will live here in the end?

As I have said in an earlier post, I think the laws will be re- shaped to suit Qatar and its changed situation.

Yes oryx in that sense it's good. No expectations, no disappointments :)

Dear, this is not the rule of Qatar or GCC, but this is the rule of GOD. We all came in this world, means earth, and found good friends and relatives, by passing time, each and everybody in the life is missing and we are travelling alone. On the way, we will miss ourselves and others will travel in the world. Once we started to come here, that day itself we have thought to return. I am sitting my company's office for the last 20 years, and seeing in the corniche building are coming daily basis. When I was sitting the first day, only sheraton was there!!!!

that is why I find Qatar easy to deal with. I came as a guest worker and will leave as one. No one said, I may get citizenship or anything else. I go when I want to or when I am kicked out. Khallas

Just like a machine, it's bought, brought, used for it's guaranteed lifespan and then thrown out. If during the guaranteed period machine breaks down, get it replaced by a new one.. I love this world

ok, that's what Qatar is about. Cope with it. They want us to come, to build and to leave. Well, it is their rights. That's why they pay much higher than anywhere in teh world. They realize that you have to sacrifice some of your habbits. Moreover, they don't WANT you to stay here for a long time. Idea is simple. You have brought for certain job, certain position, certain period of time. Finish your contract and go home. They don't want you to setlle here. But they always will need "temporary" labour forces to serve them. So some people will be leaving and new ones will be arriving for a looooooooong time..

don't worry about them. They know what they are doing:)

tinker, you are free NOT to live "like this". Please understand , you haven't IMMIGRATED into Qatar, you are only "Contract Worker". You came to do you job and to LEAVE.

See, this simply is what Qatar is like and we , no matter how unfair we find it, will not change that.

Unless it suits Qataris it is simply not done, period.

Have I said "welcome to Qatar" ? lol

Considering Qatar as a company itself is the answer to all the other questions... whether you leave a company for better pastures or the company fires you being no more useful to it...in either case would the company be responsible for you anymore. However, while you are with the company it is upto you how you plan your life. Expecting the company to facilitate your plans for life when to start with the company has made it clear that it wont be responsible for you, would be like mixing expectations and reality. Keeping the two separate without losing sight of either, though in different frames of reference, may help lead an easier life.

tinker, yes, I know what you mean. Sadly those are lessons that life throws at us.

Life simply is not fair, but to soften the blow a little, there usually is a reason for everything.

for ever and ever and ever! when i leave they may as well turn the lights out and close the door. :0(

Well, I think when that time comes the laws/ situation will be changed to support the country...one way or another.

And about losing friends...I too am losing a good friend this weekend due to some laws in Qatar, very sad indeed.

But the thing is, we all knew what we were getting ourselves into BEFORE we signed up.....

Life in General is Unfair....... U have to live it: as it is.

Well it's one downside of being here that you may have to leave at any point of time if your employee isn't interested in giving you an NOC or you blatantly break some rule.. Every system everywhere has been exploited by some people so some people are always going to get away with it.

I try to think of Qatar as a railway station or an airport if you will. I am just passing through and whoever I meet here is for a short while. Either I will leave before them or they will leave. Either way, nothing is permanent here.. (That's what I try anyway but it doesn't always work out that way. You feel sad, disappointed, hurt and angry everytime someone has to leave against their wishes but you can't fight the system).

My job seems secure (Have resigned twice and they don't accept :P) but I may make a mistake elsewhere and get deported. I am ready for that and probably will be relieved when they do it as they will make a decision for me which I myself didn't have the courage to make.

Indeed how many friends must we lose? Who is next?