Regarding living in qatar
Hi all,
I am currently in Singapore and would be moving to Doha next month on a 12months contract job. Though I did some research of my own , still need first hand experience of you guys. Kindly answer these doubts of mine:
1. I am into IT and would be on a contract with the consultancy firm. They are not providing any medical cover or insurance. They are not providing any paid annual leaves as well. Just want to know if its normal or do I need to negotiate with them? BTW how are the health facilites in Qatar?
2.On net I have read there is some tax arising out of business activities. Is there any tax on professionals in IT field as well?
3. How much would be a 2 room house cost which should be around half an hour away from airport road?
4. Any Indian families over there as I am married would be with my wife there, would love to meet fellow countrymen and also friendly people from all nationalities out there.
Hope people would be kind enough to respond to my queries. Thanks a lot in advance.
Reg
Thank you so much for taking your time to respond to these queries. I hope I find some good bunch of friends once I am in Doha.
Reg..
Answers:
1. Health facilities in Qatar are very good and once you get resident permanent (ID card) you will be able to obtain a health car for only QR 100 (family aswell)
2. Qatar is tax free as far as I know.
3. Flats (two bedrooms) in Airport area would be between Qr 4,500 to Qr 9,000 monthly
4. Lots of Indian families and other nationalies as well.
Welcome to Qatar.I relocated from Dubai in March and do not regret the decision.Are you joining Qatar airways, by any chance?It will not be as green and clean as Singapore, but you will be okay once you land. Take care and continue to be "dipincoolwater" as it will be real hot in August and September.And dont forget to observe the Ramadan rituals and rules in September.Dont worry..You wiil be Okay.
U don't have to worry at all. Anyhow answers of ur questions:
.
1. Well if they are not providing HEALTH INSURANCE then it might get more costly for u as u will have only one choice to apply for HEALTH CARD of Govt hospital known as HAMAD MEDICAL CENTRE which is normally over crowded due to its low cost checkup. But yes MEDICAL FACILITIES are good. I prefer that you must ask for MEDIAL INSURANCE or COVERAGE from your employer otherwise you would have to pay alot if you get sick or have an accident. BTW road accident is quite common in QATAR
2. There is no tax at all in Qatar. So don't worry as you will not be doing BUSINESS here infact u will be doing a job RIGHT
3. It all depends upon ur LIFE STYLE. 2 bedroom with normal conditions normally costs 3500-5500 pm. So it won't be a problem for you to find a decent one
4. Qatar is filled with Indian families. So you will not find it hard to meet one.
1- You can get a medical card for governmental hospitals and medical centers for a very low fee (card=100QR). Health facilities in Qatar are not bad, but not too good. As for the annual paid leave, this is a Qatari rule and it should be stated in your contract. This is not normal. Try to negotiate it!
2- No taxes apply in Doha up until now, so don't worry about that. Just check your local taxes.
3- A furnished 2 bedroom apartment can range from 4,500 QR up to 6,000 QR for an Indian family. Housing is the most critical and expensive item in Qatar to look out for.
4- Half of the country is filled with Indians, if not more. So you will find yourself almost at home!
Hope you are kind enough to think well in the above before you make a decision...