Civil Engineer - Is this a poor package?

Travel4life
By Travel4life

Hi

I'm british, single, western educated with an MEng in Civil Engineering. Near-chartered with 5 years experience in highways design engineering with two large international companies.

I'm going to be offered between 16-18k QAR per month by a large British company working out there in their highways design team. this is a full package, so no additional accommodation allowance, no travelling expense, or flights back. i dont know if medical expenses are included, but im a healthy guy!

I was very surprised to find this out and felt this was really low. I know im not a senior engineer or project/design manager. but if those positions are being offered an easy 40-45k+ and often more, then I feel i would be getting robbed! i really thought that i would be getting between 20-25k at least, more towards the latter end too. or if 20k, then with accomodation allowance at least.

It's a big commitment to make, and with paying rent, bills, and expenses for a single person, i wont be saving as much as i wanted to.

Please advise!

By JA GIRL• 23 Jul 2012 15:33
JA GIRL

This offer is really really low. The living expenses are very high and will have you end up spending more than half your salary. Try to negotiate for a higher offer.

By curiousgeorge• 23 Jul 2012 15:26
curiousgeorge

Not only do you need an NOC to change jobs you also need an exit permit from your sponsor to leave the country - I only found all this out after arriving. They don't tell you the bad stuff.

By anonymous• 23 Jul 2012 15:19
anonymous

No objection certificate... a piece of paper from previous employer here. you will be needing this if you have new employer/sponsor, or if you want to change employer/sponsor. If you don't have this, you'll wait for 2 years to be able to come back here for work. (2 years ban). Giving a NOC is a compnany's discretion, we cannot force them to give us. Think twice buddy, i am also a civil engineer with 7 years exp before entering Qatar and i got 1.5 times of your offer plus benefits..

By Travel4life• 23 Jul 2012 14:54
Travel4life

what is an NOC?

And why would it be hard to change jobs if the new company is willing to help?

By papspulus• 23 Jul 2012 14:43
papspulus

Decline the offer. They are taking you for a ride.

By sabik_ako_sayo• 23 Jul 2012 14:42
sabik_ako_sayo

poor offer..

By surabisuresh• 23 Jul 2012 14:16
surabisuresh

Decline the offer. the package is very poor

By Mandilulur• 23 Jul 2012 14:11
Mandilulur

You do know that you cannot change jobs in Qatar without an NOC? Those are usually difficult to impossible to obtain. And once one is in Doha an employer will low-ball the local employee.

Mandi

By Travel4life• 23 Jul 2012 14:05
Travel4life

4. is the recruitment agent simply trying to take a big cut out of it? how do they make their money as i havent applied direct.

By anonymous• 23 Jul 2012 14:05
Rating: 4/5
anonymous

You will probably need to spend 8K to find an apartment to your standard, well unless you want to share.

So 10K a month is less than a graduate would earn in the UK.

By Travel4life• 23 Jul 2012 14:03
Travel4life

lol at your last 2 lines!!

those costs are scary and i wouldnt be left with much savings.

the problem i have is that the recruitment agent asked me what my current UK salary is. i didnt know if i should tell them a higher figure, but its in the mid-twenties.

knowing this, i think theyre offering me this and selling it to me as doubling my current salary when you take into account the tax in the UK.

I'm still not impressed at all.

Couple more questions which could provide some explanation:

1. Do uk engineering companies based in qatar offer much less compared to local qatari companies?

2. Does being chartered make a lot of difference?

3. Should I consider this as a foot through the door, take the offer, and then seek a better package whilst out there, or will other opportunities will still be around for 5 years experienced highway engineers? its mostly senior engineer/project manager roles i see.

By cordi14• 23 Jul 2012 14:00
cordi14

thats abit low...

By anonymous• 23 Jul 2012 13:56
anonymous

they have offered excluding pet's allowance this time ask for more ( 22 k - 25 k as ur single )

By mrq• 23 Jul 2012 13:54
mrq

beware, the accommodation expeneses are so high here in Qatar. you need to spend atleast QR 5000 for a single bed room flat.

By Bluemountain• 23 Jul 2012 13:51
Rating: 5/5
Bluemountain

It should be around 12-15 K per month plus house plus car plus air ticket plus medical

If not don't even think to take that position

You have to spend min 5000 per month for one bed room plus around 2500 for transport and 3000 for food and drink and plus plus plus

You can take this position if you eat only one meal a day with bicycle and going back home once in three year and live in tant

By painther• 23 Jul 2012 13:49
Rating: 4/5
painther

earlier it wasn't like that, I guess it's demand-supply issue;

there're so many brits I guess these days!

..as a 'full pkg' it's extremely low; try to negotiate.

By Talhaamir• 23 Jul 2012 13:29
Rating: 5/5
Talhaamir

Min package for you should be 22K, plus 2 bed room decent accomodation, air tickets and medical insurance.

This is minimum, any plus will be BONUS.

Try to negotiate with your employer.

Log in or register to post comments

More from Qatar Living

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Let's dive into the best beaches in Qatar, where you can have a blast with water activities, sports and all around fun times.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

this guide presents the top must-have Qatar-based apps to help you navigate, dine, explore, access government services, and more in the country.
Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Qatar's winter months are brimming with unmissable experiences, from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 and a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural delights.
7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

Stuck with a week-long holiday and bored kids? We've got a one week activity plan for fun, learning, and lasting memories.
Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sweet escape into the world of budget-friendly Mango Sticky Rice that's sure to satisfy both your cravings and your budget!
Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in  high-end elegance

Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in high-end elegance

Delve into a world of culinary luxury as we explore the upmarket hotels and fine dining restaurants serving exquisite Mango Sticky Rice.
Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Celebrate World Vegan Day with our list of vegan food outlets offering an array of delectable options, spanning from colorful salads to savory shawarma and indulgent desserts.