Things You Should Know About Working In Qatar Explained In Basic Terms
Looking for a job in Qatar? With tax-free money and a thriving job market, it can be a lucrative choice to consider, you just need to make sure you understand the country before you sign any paperwork. Let’s take a look at four things you should know about working in Qatar.
1: Benefits
Working in Qatar isn’t all rules and regulations. After finding a job in this country you can enjoy some of the best wages and working conditions in the whole of the Middle East. Here are just a few of your potential benefits:
Tax-free salaries
Five day work weeks
Overtime if working over eight hours
Part-time jobs allowed for extra income
The luxuries of nearby cities
Religious accommodation – if you’re Muslim, it’s often possible to arrange night shifts during Ramadan!
2: Contracts
Get one. They aren’t mandatory, so employers often forget or insist they aren’t necessary. Stick to your guns, draft a contract in English AND Arabic, and make three copies – one for you, one for your employer, and one for the Department of Labor.
3: Sponsors
You need a sponsor to live and work in Qatar. This is important, because without a sponsor you can’t open a bank account or even leave the country without permission.
Finding a sponsor should be treated as a job hunt in its own right. Look for companies that offer benefits and sponsorship as part of their employment – it’s less red tape and also a good indication that they’re legitimate. Avoid any shady offers or scammers. Being legally responsible for your actions, the right sponsor should be open, communicative, and government-approved.
4: Qualifications/Requirements
Before anything else, you need a work license. These can be obtained from the Department of Labor and will cost you about QAR500. Your license should be obtained BEFORE your job search, not after, because working in Qatar requires a sponsor (more on that below) and to attract the right kind you should be completely legal and legitimate.
You’ll also have to pass a health check – blood tests, x-rays, etc – before being allowed to become a resident of Qatar.
For women, while Qatar offers many rights (including the right to vote and drive), female job-seekers do have to register with the government.

04. Feb, 2012 
