Work in Qatar: list of in-demand professions

Qatar is located in South-West Asia. This country is attractive for investment and business development. The emergence of new jobs makes it possible to attract employees from other countries. Work in Qatar is associated with the most developed sectors of the economy: oil and gas production, fishing, tourism. The earnings of employees of large companies are significantly higher than in their home countries. Qatar is considered one of the most developed Asian countries with a high GDP per capita. The country's unemployment rate is significantly lower than global indicators.

The situation in the country in 2021

After the conflict in the region, Qatar found itself in an economic vacuum. Middle Eastern countries: UAE, Bahrain, Egypt and Saudi Arabia broke off diplomatic relations with him. Later, Yemen, Libya and the Maldives followed suit. The reason for the diplomatic notes was that Qatar supports extremism in the countries of the East, as well as friendly relations with Iran. The UAE expelled Qatari diplomats within two days.

Political analysts conclude that there will not be a hot conflict in the region, but the events have affected the economy. At the beginning of 2020, there was a slight decline in the currency against the dollar, equal to 0.04 rials. Air traffic through Doha has been suspended. This does not affect Russian tourists, as well as those who plan to find work in Qatar. The situation is gradually stabilizing and the country is emerging from the economic crisis created by the political situation.

How to find a job in Qatar

To find a profitable job, you need to browse Internet resources, the media and bulletin boards. The entire search and application process must be official. Profitable work in Qatar, available vacancies in the field of management are posted on the website of the Ministry of Administrative Development. When viewing advertisements or contacting an agency, the applicant should read reviews of the services provided in order to weigh the pros and cons.

Popular sites to search

Foreign citizens with a residence permit can take part in the career fair. The applicant has the right to undergo several interviews and leave a resume. No payment is required for the opportunity to find a job. You must be prepared to answer questions. In Qatar, preference is given to a resume-CV, which provides more complete information about the employee.

Not everyone can take part in a career fair. Internet resources are becoming an alternative place to search for work. You should trust your future only to trusted partners. On the website pages you can find a constantly updated list of vacancies:

• gulftalent.com
• naukrigulf.com
• qa.indeed.com

The applicant can contact the employer directly. If all the requirements are met, an agreement is concluded with the foreign citizen and the visa process begins.

Salaries in 2021

The popularity of the Qatar labor market among migrants from other countries is increasing due to high wages. A football championship is planned to be held in 2021, which is associated with an increase in the need for specialists at various levels. The average salary in Qatar on construction sites is $1,000. Specialists with higher education in the position of foreman or site manager can receive from 7 to 12 thousand dollars. Salaries are paid in rials. The local currency against the dollar is 3.64 to 1.

The minimum wage is 1,100 rials, and the average is 14,600. A worker and his family can live on this money, since housing and food are inexpensive. Earnings depend on the field of activity (in rials):

• for domestic staff - 2000;
• information technology - 16500;
• in the oil industry - 20,000.

Specialists in the field of medicine are in demand. Junior staff can earn up to 3,600 rials, and doctors with higher education - 15,000. The law prohibits hiring people earning less than three hundred dollars.

Salary levels for various categories of specialists.

What jobs are in demand in Qatar?

The developed economy and stability in the country make Qatar attractive for migrant workers. Jobs in profitable areas of business provide good income. Work in Qatar for Russians is divided into two categories: for qualified and unqualified specialists.

Thus, investments are constantly flowing into the country, its economy in the near future will become the most successful among the Gulf states. This fact has a positive effect on the level of wages. Comfortable working conditions and decent prices attract specialists from Eastern Europe and the former CIS countries.

When hired, applicants are informed of all possible hazards. The company has obligations to its employees. The employer provides precautions and safety measures in the workplace. There is social protection in case of illness or injury. In case of damage at the workplace, the employee receives full wages for six months, and half until recovery or receipt of a state pension.

Skilled work

There is great competition in the skilled labor market in Qatar, as the country is promising for attracting investment. Against this background, numerous international corporations are emerging, requiring professional specialists in many fields:

• marketing and management;
• accounting and finance;
• IT technologies and innovations;
• engineering and construction;
• tourism and hotel business;
• administration and management.

A prerequisite for obtaining a vacant position is an international diploma and proficiency in English. High-class specialists have the opportunity to get a job in an international company with an above-average income level.

Features of employment

It is worth noting from the outset that getting a well-paid position in Qatar is very difficult. Basically, all “lucrative” positions are occupied by citizens of this country, and Russians, Belarusians, Moldovans, Kazakhs and residents of Ukraine are hired for low-paid jobs in Qatar.

This situation in the labor market has developed due to many factors. The first of these is language. Arabic is considered the official language in the country, but many Slavs do not know it, and this creates some difficulties in finding employment.

Watch the video on how to find a job in Qatar through an agency.

In recent years, English has been actively used, and therefore, knowing it at a decent level, you can count on employment in the service sector.

The second factor is the availability of education and the specialization necessary for the job. Only highly qualified workers will be able to occupy highly paid positions. The third factor is the desire of local authorities to provide all their citizens with jobs.

In order to get a job in Qatar, you will need to first find an employer and conclude an employment contract with him. It is on the basis of this document that a foreign national in the country of actual residence will be able to obtain a work entry visa.

The employment contract must specify information regarding the amount of wages, schedule and working conditions. This document must also specify the rights and responsibilities of the future employee. After drawing up and signing, the employment contract is certified by the Ministry of Labor.

A work permit is the main document that allows you to carry out work activities in this country. The employer is responsible for obtaining the permit. He submits an application for a permit to the Department of Labor.

It is worth remembering that Qatar has very strict labor laws. According to them, after employment, an employee is obliged to work for the employer for at least 2 years. After this period, the foreign national has the right to change his place of employment. But before changing employment, he is obliged to obtain from the employer feedback on his work, recommendations and a document confirming the absence of claims against the employee.

If a foreign resident does not receive a no-claims document or wants to change jobs on his own without working the required 2 years, his work permit will be automatically revoked.

How to find a job

Finding a job in this republic on your own is extremely difficult. It is better to initially seek help from a recruiting agency. But it is worth remembering that you will have to pay about 10% of the estimated total annual salary in Qatar to select the required vacancy and organize an interview with a future employer.

To independently search for vacancies in Qatar, you should use the following portals:

1. https://www.gulftalent.com/.
2. https://www.naukrigulf.com/.
3. https://www.careerjet.com.qa/.
4. https://qa.indeed.com/.
5. https://www.learn4good.com/jobs/language/english/list/country/qatar/.

Also, a large number of job advertisements are published in local periodicals:

1. https://www.alarab.qa/.
2. https://www.aljazeera.net/portal.
3. https://www.aljazeera.com/. This newspaper is published in English.
4. https://www.raya.com/portal.
5. https://lt.webwombat.com/.
6. https://www.gulf-times.com/.

Local periodicals in Doha:

1. https://www.al-watan.com/Latest-News/زلزال-بقوة-1ر5-درجة-يضرب-غربي-تركيا.
2. – the periodical is published in English.
3. .
4. .
5. – this newspaper is published in two languages: Arabic and English.
6. https://www.qatar2guide.com/mersal/.

Modern Qatar

Video: Salaries in Qatar. Monitoring salaries by position and area of ​​activity

Unskilled labor

Jobs in the construction business are offered to people without education. The working conditions are quite difficult, since it is very hot in the open air. Most often, migrants from Pakistan and India work at construction sites.

Vacancies for guides appear on the labor market for certain groups of tourists, subject to knowledge of foreign languages. Such offers are rare, but you can get a job in the service sector. There are many foreigners in Qatar, so bartenders, waiters and hotel staff with language skills are highly valued.

Features of working in Qatar and family relocation

After the applicant is approved by the employer and receives an entry visa, you can count on registration with a sponsorship company. The mutually signed contract must include salary and benefits, position and hours of work. The contract must be sent for review and approval to the Ministry of Administrative Development.

The country has a sponsorship system for hiring. Having received a vacant position, the employee must work under a contract for at least 2 years and receive an NOC. Only after this does it become possible to change jobs.

People with a salary of at least 8,000 rials can move their family. The man receives additional sponsorship and obtains a six-month visa for his relatives. Newcomers are not entitled to a social package or benefits for expanding their housing. To issue an invitation, you must provide certificates of marriage and birth of children, and a salary certificate.

A visa is provided to each family member separately, regardless of age. Women who come with family sponsorship can get permission from their husbands and get a job. When submitting an additional application, all family members receive free medical care, and children receive the opportunity to study. The head of the family must obtain an exit visa to leave the country; this document is not necessary for the wife and children.

Social guarantees for foreign citizens

Labor guarantees are strictly enforced in Qatar. Since the employer continues to pay the employee in full, in the event of a work-related injury, he ensures safety with special care for another six months. The employee signs after receiving information about all risks.

In a Muslim country, women can only work with their husband's permission. Families of foreign citizens have the opportunity to receive medical care. To do this you need to submit a petition. School-age children can also receive education in state and international schools.

Permanent visa (long-term)

If you decide to work for a long time in Qatar, obtain a residence permit, and subsequently citizenship, you need to resort to this option.

The sponsor also deals with the documents, and he should deal with this issue only after the potential employee accepts the offer of mutual cooperation and his arrival for employment. Therefore, obtaining this visa will be possible only after obtaining a short-term visa.

This type of visa is valid for 3 years if there is a contract with the company for a long period. For various reasons, you may want to leave the state, then you will first have to obtain an exit visa (when moving with your family, its members will not need such documents).

1. The application for visas is submitted to the Ministry of Interior of Qatar.
2. The procedure for processing information depends on your efficiency and type of visa. So, a temporary visa takes approximately 2 weeks, a permanent one – 1-2 months.
3. You can take your spouse and other family members who are no more than 25 years old with you.

There are few options available for immigration to Qatar. At the same time, any option requires thorough preparation, as well as constant communication with a citizen of this country (sponsor). However, if everything is organized correctly, your life can actually become heavenly. So go for it!

What you need to work in Qatar

To get a well-paid job, you must speak Arabic, which is the official language. There is no need to try to find a job unofficially, everything is controlled by government agencies. There is an algorithm of actions required to travel to Qatar.

1. If the employer and the applicant come to an agreement, then a bilateral contract is concluded.
2. The company administration submits documents to the immigration service to obtain a work permit.
3. Obtaining a work visa at your place of residence.

After all documents have been completed, the employee is sent to Qatar to begin his duties.

Applying for a work permit

Depending on the period for which a citizen of another state is hired, a temporary or permanent permit may be issued. A prerequisite for receiving it is employer sponsorship. He also acts as a guarantor in various situations. After receiving permission, the employee enters on a temporary visa for 3 months. Within the allotted time, you must submit documents for obtaining a residence permit.

You do not need to obtain a work permit:

• athletes;
• participants of the volunteer movement;
• citizens who arrived as part of government programs.

The paperwork process may be delayed if not all documents are submitted for consideration. The applicant must be in constant contact with the employer.

Required documents

To obtain a work permit, a foreign citizen will need to collect a package of documents:

• copies of foreign and national passports;
• diplomas from educational institutions;
• certificates confirming completion of qualifying courses;
• certificate of no criminal record;
• an invitation from the employer according to the generally accepted model;
• questionnaire;
• a receipt confirming payment of the consular fee.

All documents must be provided in the strictly specified form. An application for a work permit is submitted by the employer.

Work Visa

For his part, the applicant applies for a visa to travel to Qatar. Documents are submitted to the country's representative office in Moscow. First you need to find an employer who is also a sponsor. A medical examination is mandatory, since the employer assumes responsibility for the employee. There are criteria by which candidates for a visa are selected.

1. Knowledge of English. Ideally, to take a high-paying position, you need to speak Arabic.
2. Availability of education relevant to the proposed vacancy.
3. Work experience is preferred.
4. You must provide documentary evidence of your professional abilities.

If the citizen meets the requirements, he is free to undergo an interview and receive a visa.

Is it possible to extend

Migrant workers have the opportunity to extend their visa. To do this, you do not need to leave the country or cross the border. It is required to contact the Qatar Immigration Service no later than 2 weeks before the expiration date. To get a positive result, you must pay a fixed fee of $33 and provide a receipt.

Features of labor migration to Qatar

The population of Qatar in 2021 is just over 2.9 million. The local workforce numbers about 1.6 million citizens, while the unemployment rate is practically absent, that is, does not exceed 0.2%. Qatar is a Muslim state with characteristic traditions and culture, which foreigners from the CIS countries and other European countries need to take into account when planning labor migration. The official language in Qatar is Arabic, however, in recent years English has been very widely used.

Qatar's rapid pace of development and the government's desire to diversify the economy are helping to attract qualified foreign specialists, as locals are often unable to fully fill gaps in the labor market. On the other hand, many young Qataris receive a quality education in the UK or the USA, after which they return and work for the benefit of their homeland. In addition, local authorities are extremely interested in providing jobs for their native citizens and put forward certain requirements for foreign workers.

To move to Qatar for the purpose of employment, you must first find a local employer (sponsor) and conclude an employment contract. On this basis, the applicant is issued a work visa and the right to obtain a residence permit in Qatar. The list of required documents may differ depending on the vacancy; a local company will provide practical assistance in this matter. Upon arrival, a foreign applicant is required to undergo a medical examination and submit fingerprints.

The employment contract is approved by the local Ministry of Labor and must contain the smallest details of the foreigner's employment, including working conditions, salary level, rights and responsibilities of the employee. Usually, during the first six months of professional activity in Qatar, changing employers is not allowed, which is stated in the contract. During the period of obtaining a residence permit, which may take 1.5-2 months or more, the applicant is not recommended to leave Qatari territory. An exit visa is required to leave Qatar.

Officially, the working week in Qatar lasts from Sunday to Thursday, however, overtime and weekend work are very common. Pay special attention to the healthcare system and pensions. Due to the high level of GDP per capita, local citizens are guaranteed free medical care and other social benefits. Foreign workers do not have such rights. Medical insurance and other aspects of employment are discussed in advance with the employer, and the assistance of lawyers or consultants may be required.

Starting a business

Foreign investment is constantly coming into the country. The economy associated with the sale of oil is also quite stable, so Qatar does not need additional investments. The process of starting your own business can take a long time, since its registration looks ambiguous.

To be able to start your own business, you need to draw up a number of documents in strict order:

• CR or commercial residence, which is valid for a year and requires continuous renewal;
• a trade license issued under a ready-made CR;
• Card Signature or computer card required for residence permit for company employees.

Some activities require additional permits. When opening medical and pharmaceutical companies, it is necessary to obtain approval from the Ministry of Health. An educational institution can legitimize the relevant government body.

There are several basic rules that must be followed to open your own business.

1. The co-founder of the company must be a Qatari citizen. He may own at least 50% of the shares.
2. Foreign citizens are prohibited from conducting insurance and banking business.
3. To obtain permission from the Ministry of Finance, you must wait at least a month.
4. The LLC must include at least five shareholders who are willing to invest 500 thousand rials.
5. Three partners can become founders of a joint stock company with an authorized capital of 200 thousand rials.

Advantages and disadvantages of working in Qatar

Employment abroad has a number of positive and negative aspects. Qatar is no exception. Migrants have the opportunity to receive decent pay for their work, which is the most attractive thing. There are also a number of significant advantages of employment in Qatar:

• great opportunities for career growth;
• the minimum wage for unskilled specialists is $600;
• long contracts.

There are also points that can stop an employee even before moving to another country. An eight-hour working day with one day off per week for unskilled specialists is the normal regime. Rest time is determined by the clock. Foreigners must adhere to the rules of a Muslim country. Showing feelings in public is strictly prohibited.

The contract is for a year, of which 3-6 months are a probationary period. During this time, the employee cannot leave work or he will have to pay a penalty. Working in the sun can be difficult due to temperatures up to +50°C.

Safety

Qatar has a fairly low crime rate, including street crime. The country is considered one of the safest. “It’s important to me that in the city you don’t have to worry about the safety of your personal belongings or wallet. Many residents do not close their front doors and leave their cars open. There are cameras on every corner.

One day I was walking around my neighborhood in the evening, and I live in a private sector - there is nothing around except villas. A local couple saw me walking alone and offered to help me: they decided that I was lost and offered to take me home. Girls here rarely walk the streets alone,” writes Olga Sheveiko, who moved to Qatar for work, in Tinkoff magazine.

Reviews about working in Qatar

Alexey, 45 years old: “Before I found out from my own experience what it was like to work in Qatar, I read the reviews. They were very controversial. I decided to try to find a job on my own. I turned to the job site and found a suitable option. Knowing foreign languages ​​and having a higher education, I quickly received an offer to a medical clinic. I’ve been working under a contract for 2 years now and hope for career growth.”

Dmitry, 36 years old: “Tell me how I can quickly find a job in Qatar. I am planning to go to work in the near future, they advised me to go to the Gulf countries. Is it worth going to Qatar now? Lots of questions and no answers yet.”

Valentin, 38 years old: “If you have a desire, then you have to try. The heat and humidity are a big inconvenience, but the level of salary makes us endure the “inconvenience.” If you find work in an air-conditioned room, you can survive the climate. It is better to find a job yourself. There are many vacancies on advertisement sites that are constantly updated. If the employer is interested in your candidacy, there will be no problems.”

Long stay visa

It is also called constant. If you prove yourself as a good worker, you can receive such a document. It will take up to two months to complete it. All actions are already carried out in Qatar, for those citizens who already have short-term visas. The procedure involves passing a medical commission, according to local rules.

The validity period of a long-term visa is up to three years. But it cannot exceed the term of the employment contract.

Client question: “Hello. Will I need a PhD to work as a doctor in Qatar? Do I need to confirm a diploma, as well as knowledge of languages?”

Hello. Based on the requirements of current vacancies, we can say that the requirements for doctors are different. Most often, a master's degree and several years of work experience are sufficient. The skills of the future doctor are also taken into account. It is important to have communication skills; therefore, knowledge of the language will be mandatory.

As a rule, there is no need to pass any language proficiency exams. This can be verified in another way.

Confirmation of diploma is required. For legalization you will need to obtain a certificate from the university and an application. This is a prerequisite; a diploma alone will not be enough.

Doctors in Russia are not issued any license. But there is another document - a specialist certificate. This document may also be required; you need to clarify this fact with the potential employer.

We can also help with obtaining a certificate of licensing for medical activities. It will be required if the employer directly says so. We already have experience in preparing such papers and they were successfully accepted in Qatar.