AlJazeera international staff's accommodation

Anyone waiting for Visa if you have any sort of dual nationality or are from a middle eastern country your visa will take AGES. Some people have been waiting over 5 months.

NOTE THIS IS IMPORTANT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you have a wife make sure that the VISA supplied also covers your wife.

There has been more than one case recently where a visa has been granted for the employee but NOT YOUR WIFE !!!.

THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT AFTER YOU GET HERE THAT YOUR WIFE WILL GET SPONSORSHIP.

PLEASE BEAR THIS IN MIND !!!!!!

This is not AJE policy but the policy of the government.

I just returned to the states after a two week visit in Doha. My husband is working there and I went to check things out. I would recommend you get the Qatar information book Marhaba for your family. I found it very helpful and informative. There are lists of activities and women's groups, etc. that may interest your wife. I really enjoyed my time there and will be going back for another visit in July. I hope to move there by the end of the year.

Syma, it took my husband a little over five months before he got his visa. Just be patient I bet yours will be coming soon.

Best of luck to both of you and your families.

Lisa

Hello,

I am Canadian of arab origin...I recieved a job offer from AlJazeera International and I signed the contract back in January 2007...I am waiting for the visa but still havent reveived anything. It's the month of may now and it's been 4 months. i dont understand whats going on

"You may have to put up with noise from nearby construction sites, but this is something that is common across Doha unfortunately," ah, noted.

*adds ear plugs to ever expanding list of things to buy and pack*

hello qais

Actually i too signed a two years contact and still waiting for my work Visa...if we can meet or atleast communicate through email it will be gr8..

My email is"

[email protected]

abouhashem

Hi Abouhashem,

Hope to see you soon in AJI as I also just recently signed a 2 year contract with them.

2 weeks have passed and I still have not received my work visa and the HR infomred me that this process approx. takes between 2-5 weeks.

I have a German passport and I was hoping that this might speed things up.

Anyways I am enjoying my visit and vacation in Beirut and hope that I can soon pack my bags and head to Doha!

In case you should have received your work visa I would be very greatful to know how much time this process took with you!

Take care,

Qais

ok what about the Visa issue, i heard it might take long...is that right, and why...

abouhashem

Yes, you will need an exit permit (signed off by Al Jazeera) to leave the country for a holiday. That is the process in Qatar, no matter who you work for.

Qatar is certainly a little sleepy - but nowhere near as bad as some say. The best way to approach it is to throw yourself into that personal project you always promised yourself... diving, playing an instrument, learning another language.

Having a car really helps too. Public transport is improving here, but being independently mobile will make your experience more enjoyable - or at least tolerable.

The AJ accommodation is very good, yes. You may have to put up with noise from nearby construction sites, but this is something that is common across Doha unfortunately.

thanks aviduser, i only have one citizenship(lebanese) i wish it wont take ages, because i am realy anxious to start such an experience...its only days since i signed my papers and sent them...but i feel like i am on my way to fulfill an old dream...

if u have any other information please provide me because i need to be oriented to several things before comming..

*what about qatar..is it boring for families as i heard...i dont want my wife to feel bored whenever i am at work, because she will be alone with our daughter..

*what about the travel permit..is it true i cant go anywhere except after taking permission from the government?

abouhashem

hi how can i chat with you guys

Hi aviduser,

Those places you mentioned, are they marked on the interactive map on this website? I had a look around trying to find out where AJE is, I tried clicking on lots of the little red dots but failed to find it.

Can you give us a rough idea where these areas are and how near/far to AJE?

Also, with respect Al Saad, Bin Mahmood and the apartments nearer the airport, what are the areas like to live in? Are they friendly residential areas? Anonymous urban sprawl? What are the local amenities like? Are there local shops and restaurants near by? With respect to the apartments, are the apartment blocks reserved for Al Jazeera staff? I mean, I've noticed that some property ads on this site are for companies to rent as a whole instead of individual units, is this the case with AJE staff apartments? Are people friendly generally or do they tend to keep themselves to themselves (I mean in the apartment block and also the local neighbourhood)?

Thanks

Don't worry if you are coming here, Working for AJI is great. All accomodation is provided as said before accomodation falls into two categories.

If you are single you will be provided with a two or three bedroom apartment. Some are in the Al Sadd/ Bin Mahmood area and a new block has just been rented near the airport.

Al Sadd area is near the centre of town. Obv the airport is a bit further out but its not too bad now the roads have been finished.

If you are married have kids then you will get a Villa or at the moment as Villas are in short supply you may get an apartment in a compound, all compounds have pools, a tennis court and some type of gym. Some have squash courts, Pool rooms and cinema rooms.

All accomodation is fully furninshed and some come with all small electrical appliances in the kitchens, plus table lamps TVs sat boxes etc.

All accomodation is of a high standard. Furniture too is high standard.

If you are joining AJI/thinking about it please note. If you have a dual citezenship your Visa will take AGES to come through this is not the fault of AJI.

Its SLOW Qatari beauracracy. Some people are waiting months. Please be patient and don't get put off.

CID checks or something, any paperwork takes ages here you get used to it.

hope thats helps

i am married and i have a girl, and concerning your application, i knew that they received toomuch C.Vs...

abouhashem

Asa Abu Hashem

COngratualtions on getting a job with AJI.

CAn I ask what job you applied for?

Apparently AJI provide you with an allowance for your accomodation. Are you single or going out with family?

I think its an apartment if your single and villa if family

I applied for a job as a researcher but havent heared back yet.

Ma salama

NAdia