I'm really pleased that my original post has created so much discussion and has caused so many people to ask very serious questions about the implementation of the new Qatari entry requirements.
You should all be aware that I was forbidden from submitting posts on QL yesterday and I could not therefore defend my opinions or position.
However, the QL administrators have apparently decided to allow me to submit posts on QL as of today, and this is a clear, positive and very encouraging indication that they recognise the basic right of individual freedom of speech, regardless of their personal thoughts or feelings on the subject matter.
I appreciate & applaud their decision, and I feel that I am now free to return to the discussion of the original subject.
I strongly believe that the sponsorship system and the lack of basic rights afforded to expatriate employees in Qatar is morally wrong and cannot be justified under any circumstances.
I would urge all western expats currently working in Qatar to seriously review their position and to consider seeking employment in more favourable locations.
My reasoning is as follows.
1. As a foriegn worker, your sponsor can prevent you from leaving Qatar on almost any pretext. In reality you have no have legally recognised rights in Qatar. If a legal (civil) case is brought against you, you will not be allowed to leave Qatar and your Embassy will not necessarily be able (or may choose not) to assist you.
2. If you are (God forbid) involved in a driving accident or any other type of accident involving a Qatari, the same applies and it is you, as a foriegner, who is likely to be heavily penalised and possibly jailed.
3. As a foriegner, you are not allowed to leave Qatar unless your sponsor gives his permission and an exit permit is granted. Again, it is likely that your Embassy may not be able (or wish) to assist you if your sponsor objects to the granting of an exit permit.
That is the reality of the situation.
I decided several years ago that I would never again work in any country which requires me to obtain an exit visa before I can leave. I would seriously suggest that other expats consider making a similar decision.
Finally, regarding the silly and over emotional dispute with certain other QL posters which occured the other day.
I maintain that I was subjected to a planned attack from the posters concerned. Discussion was not a factor for them, they wished to extract a strong reaction from me and they succeeded in this. What can I say? I have hot blood.
I also maintain that had this dispute occured 'face to face', rather than on an internet forum, my reaction would have been the same. I was intentionally attacked and personally demeaned, but the attackers knew that they were (physically) safe from the possibly violent reaction that there attack was designed to provoke.
So don't expect any apologies from me in this regard.
I've nothing more to say right now, have a good day!
Well Hoo-Ha & Hoo-He!
I'm really pleased that my original post has created so much discussion and has caused so many people to ask very serious questions about the implementation of the new Qatari entry requirements.
You should all be aware that I was forbidden from submitting posts on QL yesterday and I could not therefore defend my opinions or position.
However, the QL administrators have apparently decided to allow me to submit posts on QL as of today, and this is a clear, positive and very encouraging indication that they recognise the basic right of individual freedom of speech, regardless of their personal thoughts or feelings on the subject matter.
I appreciate & applaud their decision, and I feel that I am now free to return to the discussion of the original subject.
I strongly believe that the sponsorship system and the lack of basic rights afforded to expatriate employees in Qatar is morally wrong and cannot be justified under any circumstances.
I would urge all western expats currently working in Qatar to seriously review their position and to consider seeking employment in more favourable locations.
My reasoning is as follows.
1. As a foriegn worker, your sponsor can prevent you from leaving Qatar on almost any pretext. In reality you have no have legally recognised rights in Qatar. If a legal (civil) case is brought against you, you will not be allowed to leave Qatar and your Embassy will not necessarily be able (or may choose not) to assist you.
2. If you are (God forbid) involved in a driving accident or any other type of accident involving a Qatari, the same applies and it is you, as a foriegner, who is likely to be heavily penalised and possibly jailed.
3. As a foriegner, you are not allowed to leave Qatar unless your sponsor gives his permission and an exit permit is granted. Again, it is likely that your Embassy may not be able (or wish) to assist you if your sponsor objects to the granting of an exit permit.
That is the reality of the situation.
I decided several years ago that I would never again work in any country which requires me to obtain an exit visa before I can leave. I would seriously suggest that other expats consider making a similar decision.
Finally, regarding the silly and over emotional dispute with certain other QL posters which occured the other day.
I maintain that I was subjected to a planned attack from the posters concerned. Discussion was not a factor for them, they wished to extract a strong reaction from me and they succeeded in this. What can I say? I have hot blood.
I also maintain that had this dispute occured 'face to face', rather than on an internet forum, my reaction would have been the same. I was intentionally attacked and personally demeaned, but the attackers knew that they were (physically) safe from the possibly violent reaction that there attack was designed to provoke.
So don't expect any apologies from me in this regard.
I've nothing more to say right now, have a good day!