Working in Qatar

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m4ttjabz

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So I got my Visa the other day. It was actually dated as being issued 21 September. I'm not sure why it took so long to receive it. I'm going to continue with the process and have chosen the January 24th date.

Dutemplar-

Which documents did you decide to have attested? Do we really need to do it considering we have already been verified and the visa has been issued?

Sandpitmedic-

I don't have CCEMT-P or FP-C so I wouldn't say its a set in stone requirement.

-Matt
 
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SandpitMedic

SandpitMedic

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Good to know. Thanks Matt.
 
R

Reviresco

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Been a while since I posted in this but circumstances have changed and this may be something I'm able to do now. I do have a couple questions.

First -- Dutemplar -- I read the post about the salary being almost half what was stated, but made up for in allowances, totaling the initially stated salary. This may sound like a stupid question but I don't know the answer so I have to ask. I haven't dealt with a job that gave allowances out, so when it comes to those how do they work? As in, say I don't use all of the allowance given to me for that month, do I pocket the difference (effectively increasing by paid salary) or is kind of a use or it lose type scenario?

Also, and this is just a general type question. I don't mean it to come across as negative sounding however does anyone have any idea what happens if you wanted to break the contract you sign? From what I've been seeing, most are offering 2 and 3 year contracts, but life changes in those times back home, or people take a job they end up hating. I do know there are risks to taking these jobs overseas and not knowing 100% what you're getting into is one of those risks, but it's something I've been wondering, if it's even possible to break that contract and what the repercussions for that might be?

As a quick side question, but also relating to the previous one, upon entry into Qatar, or UAE/Dubai for that matter, do they take your passports from you?

Thanks all!
 
SandpitMedic

SandpitMedic

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As a Westerner you keep your passport with you at ALL times.

If you want to quit.... Quit. You may lose any end-of-contract bonuses and the ability to be rehired.

Most people in this industry know each other... In some degree... And you will gain a reputation that will follow you. Therefore, if you come off with a bad rep for leaving contract early... It may affect you with other employees.
 
irishboxer384

irishboxer384

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SandpitMedic said:
As a Westerner you keep your passport with you at ALL times.

If you want to quit.... Quit. You may lose any end-of-contract bonuses and the ability to be rehired.

Most people in this industry know each other... In some degree... And you will gain a reputation that will follow you. Therefore, if you come off with a bad rep for leaving contract early... It may affect you with other employees.
Click to expand...

Agree on all points, I'd add the main thing you'd lose out on if you leave early is your tax free salary for the US too....meaning potentially the whole move would have been a bit of a waste of time financially
 
dutemplar

dutemplar

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What was explained to me is that the salary and allowances are deposited lump sum. What you spend, you spend. There is a phone, transportation and "special" allowance. Short version, they can't get people for $50k so the allowances are there. I'm ite it's allowances so they don't pay those as end of context bonuses.

As he said, it's my understanding you can opt out early. However, you may be paying your flight home and whatever advances you took, etc.

For all they out into recruiting an backgrounds, they look for 3 years for all recruits. Medics, nurses, physicians, etc. They do have family benefits, they seem to recruit a lot of family units.

Some companies may try to take your passport... It sounds like your passport is physically submitted for your residency permit. Always have a photocopy and know -exactly- where your embassy, consulate, etc... Are. Memorize the locations. Always. Even in "friendly" countries.

As he also said, you have to be out of the U.S. 335 days a year for tax free. If you eject... Expect to write a large check to Uncle Sam.

If you were military, eff... Between that and working for AMR, I can do three years anywhere anytime. The pay isnt bad, the travel is good, overtime and education are available...

In order to fly, you have to step off the ledge.
 
SandpitMedic

SandpitMedic

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Oh yes, I forgot about that part. Excellent post Irish.

How could I forget the main reason we all go there... $$$$$$.

330 days is the magic number of days (in a 365 day period) that you must be outside of the US or any US territory for your income to be tax free up to about $100k.

The 330 Rule may be shortened if you leave a country due to a war/civil unrest.

http://www.irs.gov/publications/p54/ch04.html
 
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SandpitMedic

SandpitMedic

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akflightmedic

akflightmedic

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And best advice about that rule is to not risk it. Plan your vacations on that side of the world since you are already half way there...take advantage of it. Over my many years, I saw people who returned to the USA on vacation and came close to exceeding their days allowed, only to have a family emergency strike which required their presence...guess what, you just lost your tax exemption!! Play it safe, stay out and leave yourself ample window for any unplanned visit. Sucks when grandma dies and you pay a **** ton in taxes for attending her funeral.

The exclusion this year is 96k roughly.

Remember, thanks to George Bush and the Heart Act he passed, your income over that is still taxed at the higher rate. :(

Example:

Old days: Make 100K. Exclusion 80K. You pay taxes on remaining 20K based as if all you earned was 20K (lower tax bracket) which was very handy once you factored all your deductions.

Now: Make 100K. Exclusion 80K. You pay taxes on remaining 20K based on your earning 100K. Welcome to higher tax bracket.

Numbers used above are for example only.
 
R

Reviresco

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Thanks for the replies. I do understand the whole having to be out of country for a certain time frame to be eligible for the tax free salary. I'm from Canada though so I'd have to look into what the laws here state in regards to that. All I know so far is that you can't own any property here, otherwise you get taxed on returning to reside here. From what I've read so far I'd basically have to sever all ties with residency in Canada, though apparently it's reviewed on a case by case basis with no clear figures or numbers stated. And calls into question bank accounts, credit cards etc... that are in Canadian institutions. Definitely more reading needed.

As for the contracts and breaking them if needed for whatever reason, just quitting seems like a simple answer, but something I was curious about. I'm sure there's some fine print somewhere in the contract you sign that stipulates it a little more. But like SandpitMedic said, I can see that it would cause some problems with your reputation in those areas. Just a question I thought should be asked.

The salary with allowances makes sense in the larger picture, so thanks for the clarification dutemplar. That's how I figured it would work but sometimes you just never know.

Does anyone know what the orientation process is like for these places?
 
M

m4ttjabz

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dutemplar said:
What was explained to me is that the salary and allowances are deposited lump sum. What you spend, you spend. There is a phone, transportation and "special" allowance. Short version, they can't get people for $50k so the allowances are there. I'm ite it's allowances so they don't pay those as end of context bonuses.

As he said, it's my understanding you can opt out early. However, you may be paying your flight home and whatever advances you took, etc.

For all they out into recruiting an backgrounds, they look for 3 years for all recruits. Medics, nurses, physicians, etc. They do have family benefits, they seem to recruit a lot of family units.

Some companies may try to take your passport... It sounds like your passport is physically submitted for your residency permit. Always have a photocopy and know -exactly- where your embassy, consulate, etc... Are. Memorize the locations. Always. Even in "friendly" countries.

As he also said, you have to be out of the U.S. 335 days a year for tax free. If you eject... Expect to write a large check to Uncle Sam.

If you were military, eff... Between that and working for AMR, I can do three years anywhere anytime. The pay isnt bad, the travel is good, overtime and education are available...

In order to fly, you have to step off the ledge.
Click to expand...

Dutemplar-

What documents have you had apostiled thus far?

Do you plan on having any done in Qatar?

When do you ship off?

-Matt
 
dutemplar

dutemplar

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Badier, I have no idea. You would have to ask the agency that. I'm a veteran, and I know I had the BCG - which may or may not give. PPD reaction. Right after the last BCG I had a positive. The doc who did my screening insisted on a PPD, and it was negative so...

AK, don't plan on risking vacations and certainly not for refreshers etc. But knowing what "emergency buffer" you have is good. It's better than not knowing and "oops."

I'm told my "go" date is 8 December from BWI. I haven't received tickets yet.

I also asked for more information on our "reimbursed" shipping allowaxe. Is this more "checked bags" or what.

I do see they have 240v 50c electricity. Yah power converters. Checking with people there what all I want to take vs pick up there, and clarify the "intake" "processing" and "orientation" procedures. If you're "paid" while doing that, or not. Pay is monthly, and I've been told to take absolutely no less than $500 with me, preferably more.

Ps: I'm using an iPhone and have fat fingers. please overlook the spelling oddities...
 
akflightmedic

akflightmedic

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dutemplar said:
I do see they have 240v 50c electricity. Yah power converters. Checking with people there what all I want to take vs pick up there, and clarify the "intake" "processing" and "orientation" procedures. If you're "paid" while doing that, or not. Pay is monthly, and I've been told to take absolutely no less than $500 with me, preferably more.
Click to expand...


Not sure what you need that you could not get there. Do not spend money on converters. Your electronics are all dual rated...just do not plug in your razor, alarm clock or hair dryer. Easier to buy them there than deal with converters.
 
irishboxer384

irishboxer384

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things like phone chargers/laptops will run anywhere. wouldn't bother trying to bring tvs/games consolest etc..

on another note @akflightmedic did you see the photo of the girl in your picture at present day? things went downhill fast it seems for the poor lady lol...
 
akflightmedic

akflightmedic

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irishboxer384 said:
things like phone chargers/laptops will run anywhere. wouldn't bother trying to bring tvs/games consolest etc..

on another note @akflightmedic did you see the photo of the girl in your picture at present day? things went downhill fast it seems for the poor lady lol...
Click to expand...

Yes I did...
 
dutemplar

dutemplar

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Thanks AK. Some gadgets are cheap here and I'm currently well under weight limits.

Currently just a laptop, iPhone, an electric toothbrush though I havent rule out a razor/shaver.

They haven't been well forthcoming with information on how to and how much it would likely cost for the 50kg (200kg for family) of "stuff" that can be unaccompanied courier sent over. Anyone more knowledgeable on that?
 
dutemplar

dutemplar

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Email received today:

Dear Candidate


We received and update from HMC HR that all candidates must produce the following documents on arrival in Qatar:

1.Attested documents: Qualifications (Degree / diploma) + employment certificate

2.Original Police Clearance

3.Original Pre employment medical + blood results.

4.All original documents (qualifications, employment certificates etc).

5.Certified copies (stamped by a Justice of Peace) of the above.


Please find attached guidelines regarding attestation.


If you need any assistance or information regarding the above please feel free to contact me via email.

******
Previously, they didn't need the medic diploma attested, let alone "stamped by a justice of peace" copies of fourtyish forms.

The recruiter suggested if i cant do that in a week and a half, to have it courier over behind me.... But we need it on arrival? I wasn't going to courier ship anything until after the first paycheck - I don't have a spare $1k-$2k for te boat or plane.

In this state, what is a justice of peace copy? Notarized? 40ish copies that weren't needed last week. They can't take their own photocopy of the medical, lab,... Results? Attesting, $300/paper express. 3 day with two trips to DC... Plus 40 "justice of peace" copies?

Employment certificate? That was emailed by my employer's human resources to their HR directly. I was not involved. I don't have a written copy. Get one and attest it?

Their communication and lack of clear direction has been severely lacking lately. I'm currently unable to drop $500-$600 in copies... Especially if I'm living on savings for six weeks.

May be dropping from this process.
 
SandpitMedic

SandpitMedic

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Sounds like the unnecessary complexity is making everyone in the process dismayed. I know I would be. Sorry to hear that brother.

I guess a notary would be considered "justice of the peace." Why they need all that is kind of rediculous; you want 40 papers stamped for what- when an original copy would seemingly be just fine. Man- what a process.

Is anyone currently working there? I guess the problem is they are they way they are--- and since you aren't one of them--- here are several hoops to jump through.


Dang.
 
dutemplar

dutemplar

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Still on hold.. a form submitted 5 weeks ago wasn't to their specifications, so late wednesday night found out it needed fixed as the recruiter was inquiring with them about the flight, etc... Fixed it. Waiting for HR still.
 
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