Westerner questions about Qatar
Hey everybody
Fairly new here and I'm trying to feel out if working in Qatar seems like a viable option.
So, the recession hit Iceland pretty hard. Jobs are sparse and income taxes hit the 40% mark.
So, currently I make the equivalent of 5000Qr per month, working in a hotel reception which is not my field of work per say.
What I am looking for is a IT/Tech support related job and I've got several questions regarding living and working in Qatar
1. How much would a low level IT employee make per month?. I've mostly worked in telecommunications, networking and such. No diplomas or certificates, though
2. What is the feel of being a westerner in a muslim country? Do you get treated any differently?
3. Are Western people treated any different from other immigrants, such as asian/indian?
4. Language barrier. I have no skills in arabic but I am fluent in both written and spoken english...well, and ofcourse Icelandic which i highly doubt will be a sought after skill :)
5. When speaking of salary numbers, are those weekly, biweekly, monthly or something else?
Looking forward to getting your input
Best regards
Krem
4. Language barrier. I have no skills in arabic but I am fluent in both written and spoken english...well, and ofcourse Icelandic which i highly doubt will be a sought after skill :)
the longer you live here the more you need to learn arabic little by little. at least minimum of ten arabic words..
or you can always say "ana mafi maloum arabic!" (I donot know arabic) =)
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"You cannot propel yourself forward by patting yourself on the back."
Totally Agree, I think you should also include Filapino in your group.
if you are white then it will be alright - Ask any Indian?
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Don't get angry with me! I'm only typing what you are thinking!
Hello, dont worry about life here in qatar, about the whole westerner thing. You'll find that you are not alone in doha, because theres all sorts of cultures and nationalites here. And like every country in the world u have the good people and the bad. Its not that likely that you will be harrassed for being a westerner here. I have never herd of it here in doha. And as for the money, well what ive herd is any job here should pay more then its equivalant in most places in the world.
Qatar is very safe, and friendly. You'll easily get used to the country. Inshalah you'll find the money good.
Good Luck !
Salary is not the only thing. Watch for things line payment of visas and permits, frequency for flights home, travel to and from work, travel to and from other sites (if applicable), conforformance to the Qatar Labor Law. Accommodation (if it being provided it may be in a CAMP).
None of things I have written are a joke. I have talked to people experiences some true ............
Old Addage "Buyer Be Aware".
agree to all
You will have lots of competition for this type of work here, especially from well qualified and experienced people from the sub continent. Unfortunately, wages can depend on which passport you hold - Asian passport holders (as a general rule) get paid substantially less than most Westerners (again, as a general rule).
Is it fair, is it right, is it ethical?? No. But it's the way things are done here right now.
Signature line > "You can't fix stupid"
1. How much would a low level IT employee make per month?. I've mostly worked in telecommunications, networking and such. No diplomas or certificates, though
LIB - Most of the companies require you to be professionally qualified. Salaries at organization structure Level 5 would be ,broadly speaking, in the range of 6k - 14k per month. There are no taxes here.
2. What is the feel of being a westerner in a muslim country? Do you get treated any differently?
LIB - You will hardly feel the difference. Qatar is a very liberal country and Qataris are known for their tolerance and respect for others. Being a westerner,it would be reletavily conservative for you in the beginning as getting used to the lifestyle takes two three months.
3. Are Western people treated any different from other immigrants, such as asian/indian?
LIB - Yes. Depends on the type of employment.
4. Language barrier. I have no skills in arabic but I am fluent in both written and spoken english...well, and ofcourse Icelandic which i highly doubt will be a sought after skill :)
LIB - English is widely spoken at work. Arabic is not a barrier in most cases.
5. When speaking of salary numbers, are those weekly, biweekly, monthly or something else?
LIB - Salaries are monthly here.
Life is Beautiful...Indeed!
no. 5 answer only, sometimes weekly, sometimes monthly and sometimes never, it depends on your employer