Source:elsevier.com

What to know when Moving to Qatar?

Being the richest country in the world, Qatar is very appealing to expats from around the globe. With excellent living conditions and endless opportunities, it is no wonder so many people want to move there and provide a better life for their families. The stability the country offers is another appealing factor. The luxury and the magnificent architecture, high-quality healthcare, clean streets, and the possibility to prosper attract thousands of expats every year who come and work in amazing Qatar. However, before you go, you should be familiar with the basic rules of functioning and prepare yourself for all the requirements to be able to get a job and move to Qatar. Here are some things you should know about.

Visa Requirements

Source:the-wau.com

When it comes to visa requirements, your status will largely depend on the country you are coming from. Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council do not need a visa to enter Qatar. These are as follows:

  • United Arab Emirates
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Oman
  • Kuwait
  • Bahrain

Citizens from the following countries do not need a visa for a stay shorter than 90 days:

  • Citizens of the European Union
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Armenia
  • Bahamas
  • Brazil
  • Dominican Republic
  • Iceland
  • Liechtenstein
  • Malaysia
  • Norway
  • Russia
  • Serbia
  • Seychelles
  • Switzerland
  • Turkey
  • Ukraine

Expats coming from some countries do not need a visa for a stay shorter than 30 days, while others can obtain the visa once they enter Qatar. The best thing is to check your visa status before making any arrangements.

How to find work

Source:globalvillagespace.com

There are a few ways to find a job in Qatar. The most popular method first is by getting a good reference. If some of your family members or friends are already working in Qatar, you can ask them to refer you to their boss because in most cases, employers ask their employees for referrals before they advertise a position. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you will get the job automatically, you will still need to pass the interview and meet the requirements when it comes to skills, education, and experience. However, in this case, it will be much easier for you to apply for the best jobs that are not publicly announced.

The other way is by applying for jobs on job portals. Many companies seek employees this way and in most cases, there is no fee to pay. However, you must be aware of potential scams. For example, be careful when applying to jobs for companies that you have never heard of. Make sure you first do your research about the company you plan to apply to. The reviews will tell you a lot about the overall reputation of the company and the previous experiences that the employees had with them.

Based on the reviews you can easily conclude which company can be trusted. Doing research online will make the whole process easier. Make sure you create an impeccable CV and include all the relevant information. Also, do your best to create a great cover letter that won’t be generic. Proofread both your CV and cover letter a few times before submitting it to make sure there are no grammatical errors or typos. Once you pass the application process, the employer will pay for the visa and travel expenses in case they want to hire you.

Healthcare

Source:albawaba.com

Healthcare in Qatar is known for offering quality care for all patients. The fact that it is among the top 5 healthcare systems in the world demonstrates the quality of service you can expect. Expats are eligible for healthcare in Qatar. The only thing you need to do to start using it is to apply for a health card; besides having a residence permit and a valid ID. You should know that most companies offer health insurance and include it in the employment package.

However, before you check health insurance off your to-do list, you must first check with your employer that you are covered with everything you will need. If not, you will need to arrange this. The health of children is a prime concern in Qatar and all clinics and hospitals provide the essential children’s healthcare services. For more information, visit Expatica where you will find all the crucial information you need.

Where to live

Some of the most popular expat neighborhoods in Qatar are Al Waab, Madinat Khalifa, Al Sadd, Abu Hamour, West Bay, The Pearl, and Al Wakrah. Each of these neighborhoods has something that attracts expats. People that move to Qatar soon realize that everything is directed towards convenience for the family, so schools and kindergartens are close by. Of course, one of the main factors when it comes to the neighborhood and a place to stay is the budget you have and the number of family members you will be living with. Also, it will largely depend on the location of the company you will work for.

The weather

The weather is very hot in Qatar and nothing can prepare you for this heat. People who come to live in Qatar find it difficult to adjust because the temperature can rise to 50 degrees Celsius. In fact, it is probably the hardest thing to get used to. However, every building has air conditioning which makes the temperature more bearable. During fall and winter, the temperature drops slightly which makes it more pleasant. One thing that cannot be avoided, however, is sand. It is everywhere and you must be prepared to have it even in your home because sandstorms are frequent and battling the sand is practically endless.

Once you go to Qatar, you will notice that the culture is progressive and modernized, but still traditional in many ways. Considering that the dominant population is Muslim, dressing modestly is crucial. Most men wear white or black thobes, while women’s clothing is predominantly black and abayas can be plain or decorated with Swarovski crystals. Women who come from other countries are expected to cover their skin and dress modestly, too.