Qatar Employment Research Question
I am currently going through the interview process for a Senior Civil Engineer position in Qatar for a local residential and commercial company in Doha.
I am American, 16 years experience, no oversees experience, currently unemployed and there are six in my family. No salary has been discussed at this time. What I have been told is that the company will move me or me and my family (depends on my decision)to Qatar, provide fully furnished residence (one room for me or three rooms for family), health benefits and it is my understanding there will not be any local taxes taken out.
In my last position, I made approximately 275,000 Qatari Rials per year, but I had to pay for my own house (typical in US).
My quesitons are:
1. What salary range could I expect to negotiate within for the information given?
2. Are there other benefits that are standard with oversees employment in Qatar?
Thanks for any advice you can give!
You are still liable for US taxes once you hit a certain $ figure (used to be around any earnings above USD94000) better check that out as well.
I just want to thank all of you all for the helpful comments provided so far.
"marycatherine" - Sorry for the confusion. I was trying to keep the initial comment short. "nomerci" provided the correct assessment of what I was trying to say.
Jseago, my advice for you is to negotiate for a basic salary that is at least QR25,000 per month. If you can get QR30,000, that would certainly be better. Remember that this is exclusive of housing, education for your kids, flight tickets for you and your family every year and an annual bonus, all of which the company should provide.
I'm not really sure about the car, but I think you will have to get that from your own earnings or the company will give you a loan and you will then have to pay it back on a monthly basis. Or, you can also get a car loan from a local bank here.
Anyway, I've met quite a few Americans like you who had been unemployed for sometime in the US but have now found a job here. This probably reflects the prevailing economic problems there right now.
Since this will be your first time to work overseas, be ready for anything (especially the heat at this time of the year) and please don't be clouded by what the US media typically say about what Arabs are. Come here, do your job properly, and you and your family should be okay. Good luck!
For your level about 25k QR + CAR + HOUSE + PHONE +SCHOOLS
jseago, I can't help you with the salary, but you should have
1. One paid flight back to your home country for you and family per year
2. medical care for your family and you
3. School fees paid for your children
4.company car
5.relocation back home once your contract is finished.
6. As you mentioned, housing
You don't pay any taxes here, but as you say you are a US citizen, you will have to pay taxes back in the US, no matter if you reside there or not.
You are exempt a certain amount, but I am not sure how much.
Best you research that.
marycatherine, I think he means he will get a one bedroom furnished apartment if he comes here by himself, or a 3 bedroom if he comes with his family.
Check out my blog and see if we can help?
expatriatesuccess.blogspot.com
I lived in Qatar for 4 years and in general 10 years in the middle east so I can inform you alot of whats happening.
Cheers.
Thomo
one room three rooms - specify # of bedrooms in a villa (which would include the living and dining area kitchen and bathrooms)
As a US citizen I find the words you are using confusing. Fully furnished OK but one room 3 rooms what the heck is that?