Guest Post for HSBC Qatar

Did you know that, according to Qatari statistics, nearly 100% of Qatar’s private sector comprises expats?

Aside from a shortage of Qatari nationals to meet the original 20% target set of nationals working in the private sector, the combination of higher pay and shorter working hours appears to be too good to resist for many Qataris, leading them into the open arms of the public sector.

What does this mean for expats?

That if you want to further your career by working abroad, the private sector is your oyster. The Qatari private sector has suggested that its public sector is hogging all the experienced Qatari professionals, leaving them with no option but to hire experienced expats.  Of course, this squabbling between the two sectors is not your problem. Strike while the private sector’s hot.

So where do the job opportunities lie?

Beating Australia, the USA, Korea Republic and Japan to host the 2022 World Cup is one of Qatar’s most glorious achievements. In addition to the sweet taste of victory, the bid has created plenty of job opportunities as Qatar develops its infrastructure to accommodate all the football fans that will head its way.

With Qatar embarking on this development drive, work in the construction industry is easy to come by, especially if you have experience in the construction industry. The successful World Cup bid has also created jobs in the leisure and tourism sector.

World Cup fever aside, there have also been reports of Qatari frustration that expats are occupying senior positions in finance, media, and higher education, other avenues expats can explore.

What are the rules?

Importantly, you can’t work in Qatar without a sponsor. Normally, this will be your employer, who will help you overcome bureaucratic hurdles such as work and residence permits, etc. Unfortunately, this help comes at a price: having worked hard to bring you to Qatar, they don’t let go of you easily. If you wish to change jobs, the decision of when — or if — you leave is in their hands.

It’s better to organize employment before relocating to Qatar. It’s not the end of the world if you don’t, though. One of the best ways to find work in Qatar is to do things how they did them back in the day: present your CV in person, or network. Failing that, the daily newspapers have vacancies sections. Technical work experience is a plus, too.

What about your finances?

Obviously, personal finance is an issue when you relocate. One essential thing to do is set up an emergency fund. You should also apply for a credit card as a back-up in case of emergencies. Just remember, though, that just as the bank was there for you in that particular time of need, you must be there for them and pay the money back. Make sure you can cover the repayments.

Qatar is a country that has a lot to be thankful for. Already an immensely wealthy country, Qatar’s successful World Cup bid has created a chance for its booming economy to become even stronger. It isn’t the only one who can be grateful, however. The bid has done expats who are seeking work and a new way of life a good turn too, for now they have a whole host of opportunities at their feet, especially in the private sector. As an added bonus, they can enjoy them in the venue for one of the greatest sporting tournaments on earth. Everybody wins!

If you’d like to work in tourism and leisure in Qatar, you can read more about the industry at the Qatar Tourism Authority’s website at http://www.qatartourism.gov.qa/.

This is a Guest Post created for HSBC Qatar. More information about Guest Posts.