Western expat salary package - project manager

Chunkyone
By Chunkyone

Hi guys, just after a bit of advice.

I'm currently talking to an international consultancy in Qatar who are offering QAR65k/month all in + medical, mobilisation and small mobilisation allowance (10k) to help out.

They will loan me any upfront accommodation costs interest free and deduct from my salary in equal installments over the course of the year.

My wife and I would like to rent a two bedroom apartment in an "expat" area, if that exists. I've read West Bay may suit us and cost approx 15k/month (work would be based there too).

I have 17 years experience and have a small family - a wife and a baby.

So I have three questions;

1.  Is this is a good or only average deal for a 38yr old western expat?

2.  Is it typical to negotiate multiple entry visas as part of contract negotiations?

3.  Are there many food delivery options in west bay and average cost?

Thanks in advance,

Chunky

By Dee Nero• 13 Nov 2017 10:02
Dee Nero

The figures are reasonable, but make sure the contract is not an open end! Having a defined end of term contract will help you later on timing your departure if you are not happy with the job. Check the terms of the contract resignations and your liabilities towards the company.

If your position is a project manager or expected to communicate directly with client even if outside the office; make sure they give allowance for mobile phone with data and best if they pay for it directly; otherwise your personal phone is likely to be shocking.

Since you have children, it may be good to find more about the cost for schools and nannies, and .hopefully you already checked the rentals and desireable communities.

By Jebzkavunkal• 16 Mar 2014 17:22
Jebzkavunkal

Haha..think about people lives with small salaries, even they have good educational background and experience...for me, myself is an indian engineer with MBA holder. But still I am living peacefully with my 9K/month salary. God is great...!! 65K is un imaginable for me...!!

Mr. Chunkyone..its a good offer...Take it..!!

By Chunkyone• 16 Feb 2014 18:11
Chunkyone

Thanks all for the feedback.

They have since thrown in some extras to make it worth while after I followed some advice here. See you in Doha!

cheers

By sure215• 16 Feb 2014 15:50
Rating: 5/5
sure215

Sorry, 80 to 85 K per month numbers are inflated numbers, may be for exceptional cases. Salaries in Qatar were higher two years ago. 65 K is a very good package when working for a reputable consulting firm. Sorry dude, if you dont take it there are several other qualified people thta will grab that offer in a heartbeat.

By Mandilulur• 11 Feb 2014 01:02
Mandilulur

Meh. I'd be much happier with 80 plus housing provided, or at least a housing allowance of 12-15.

By gene_lv• 10 Feb 2014 09:31
gene_lv

I hired a Brit for the same position for QR 50K gross. You are a bit lucky. To me, it is a better than average deal. Take it but, don't forget to negotiate for more especially in the privileges. NOC, mobile, etc.

Stars do not fall from heaven all the time!

By blueboy007• 10 Feb 2014 08:40
Rating: 5/5
blueboy007

Its fine, go ahead with it. We have Brits Construction Managers with yrz of experience, and are paid 50k. Considering your age and experience, I think you should go ahead with it. Ya, if there is chance of negotiating to make it more, make sure you capitalize on it but don't lose the opportunity.

-Rent is around 15k PM and there are good places other than west bay too.

- Make sure you get multiple exit permit for a year, which costs around QAR 500/-, If you get it in advance, it would be good as its a headache to beg company every time for an exit permit when you want to go out of Qatar.

- Lastly, do negotiate for an NOC clause to be in your contract, as you never know here, if for any reason you would want to resign or they would terminate the contract, you will face 2 yrz ban.

Just a thought, you really want to settle down in Qatar ? There might be good opportunities here, but its not the country to stay in. I would not advise anyone in my life ever to come to work in here. I made a mistake, and now I am waiting my 2 yrz contract to finish. Suit yourself but I wont spare a chance if I have to leave :)

By Chunkyone• 10 Feb 2014 08:38
Chunkyone

Cheers fellas.

We might have to re-think things again as I've already pushed them and this is their limit.

Do guys from the US get paid more owing to their obligations to pay tax on anything >$80k back home?

I'm from Oz, so wouldn't have a tax liability; but if the going rate is 80-100k for anyone looks like there playing silly buggers with me and i've got a bit of a problem.

Thanks again

By Paj• 10 Feb 2014 08:22
Rating: 5/5
Paj

1. 65k QAR for a western expat & a PM position should be at least a min. of 80k QAR/mo. in a consulting firm company. try to haggle for more...

2. ask them to provide you multiple entry visa even if you will be the one to pay for it since it will only cost 500 QAR/year...

3. there are a lot of restaurant in west bay area that delivered food right at your doorstep, cost for 2 person maybe least than 100 QAR but it will go higher depending on your choice of food...

good luck m8...

By Jon Daniel• 10 Feb 2014 07:53
Jon Daniel

its way way low for an expat like you...we have a western expats in the company with salary ranging from 6 digits plus other perks...think about it dude...

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