With its booming job market, rapid infrastructure development, and fast-growing economy, many expatriates seek job opportunities in Qatar to better their lives and the lives of their families.
The Gulf State currently provides jobs for almost two million people. The industries that attract expats here include construction, education, energy, finance, media, recruitment, and tourism and hospitality.
The government considers the welfare of guest workers as one of the key priorities and is committed to reforming Qatar’s labour laws and practices to design a system that is fit for purpose for both employees and employers.
Employment and Work Permits
The Qatar Labour Law gives preference to Qatari nationals, so non-Qatari nationals may only be employed if an employer applies to the Ministry of Administrative Development Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA) proving no Qatari national can perform the position in question.
Section 10:
Employers shall give the priority in hiring, to the highest extent possible, to nationals first, then to other Arab nationals next, whenever such workers are available.
If the number of workers becomes too high for the work needed, the non-Arab employees must be released before the national or the Arab workers, as long as the nationals or the Arabs can do the job.
Job Search Requirements
Before applying for jobs in Qatar, prepare the documents you will be needing in your application. The main requirements include a Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume, educational certificates, certificates of employment, and work portfolio.
Find more details about the requirements in this blog.
Resume or CV in Qatar?
Either of the two can be your most valuable tool to get to the job interview stage. Both give you a chance to show a prospective employer that you're the right fit for the position.
While both are used in job applications, they differ in length, layout, and purpose. A CV is more detailed than a resume.
In Qatar, you should typically use a CV when applying for jobs. CVs are mostly preferred in recruitment firms Hiring in Qatar and they are not very different from those in other countries.
To know more about the difference between a resume and a CV, as well as the recommended layout and tips on creating both documents, read this article: CV and Resume Formats Used in Qatar
Now that you have your credentials ready, it’s time to embark on your job search journey!
With the many job sites flooding the Internet, it is imperative to narrow down a list of sure-fire ways to land your dream career. Here are 5 easy steps to get you started!
1. Contact a Recruiter
If you already have a few years’ work experience under your belt, finding job opportunities in Doha may be a lot easier if you consult a recruiter.
There are many recruitment agencies in Qatar. From overseas, you will do the best working with companies like Adecco, Robert Half, Michael Page, or Hays. Locally, among the best recruitment agencies are B2C Solutions, QHR, Al Noof, Bayt, Work Circle, and Gulfaar.
Most agencies in Doha specialize in a particular field, such as computers, engineering, nursing, accounting, catering, or construction. There are also "head hunting" agencies that are hired by large companies to recruit executives, managers or professionals.
Be careful when dealing with agencies; generally, the employer pays a commission to the agency, not the job seeker.
Recruitment agencies in Doha include:
B2C Solutions: https://www.b2c-solutions.com/
REED: http://www.reed.co.uk/jobs/qatar
Doha HR: http://dohahr.com
Workabroad.ph: http://dohaenergy.workabroad.ph/profile/
BAC Middle East Executive Recruitment: http://www.bacme.com/recruitment-agencies-qatar.cms.asp
Ally International: http://allys.biz
Clarendon Parker Qatar: http://www.cparkerworldwide.com/
NES Global Talent: http://www.nesglobaltalent.com
Brunel: http://www.brunel.energy/en/find-a-job
Global Women Qatar: http://www.globalwomenqatar.com
2. Check from Job Search Engines
According to Hukoomi, Qatar’s eGovernment Portal, there are many ways to find a job in Qatar. While opportunities are abundant, it’s up to you to advertise and market your skills to potential employers.
To search for Qatar Jobs, you may use search engines for Qatar or for the wider Gulf Region.
There are job portals allowing you to sign-up for email alerts when new jobs become available.
You may also post your CV online on these sites, so hiring managers can find you.
Here are some of the frequently visited Qatar job portals:
Bayt
Website: http://www.bayt.com
Large search engine for jobs in the Middle East.
B2C Solutions
Website: https://www.b2c-solutions.com/
100% Qatari company with an ISO 9001: 2015 Certification for Recruitment Services and ISO 27001 certified for Information Security Management.
Online Qatar
Website: http://www.onlineqatar.com/jobs/employmentnews.asp
Job portal with daily job openings in the Gulf region.
Gulf Talent
Website: http://www.gulftalent.com/home/index.php
Search engine for jobs in the Gulf region.
Monster
Website: http://jobsearch.monstergulf.com/search.html
Search engine for jobs in the Gulf region.
Naukri Gulf
Website: http://www.naukrigulf.com
Search engine for jobs in the Gulf region.
Also check for jobs and post your CV on Qatar Day for more job listings.
3. Apply from Company Websites
You can also search for job vacancies on the websites of companies you are interested in working for (i.e. specific hotels or oil companies).
Send your CV to the career section of company websites to increase your chances of getting hired.
Large local companies in Qatar that expats may try contacting include Qatar Airways and the Hamad Medical Corporation.
4. Build Networks in Qatar
• Connections
Talk to friends, family, and business contacts to see if they have connections in the area you would like to work.
If you are going to Doha with a spouse who already has employment, sometimes your spouse's employer can be an excellent networking contact, since they already have a large network of local contacts.
• Qatar Events
Events in Qatar can also be a great way to find out how other expats found work and see if their companies have any openings.
• Social Media
You may use social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, or Linkedln or expat forums to source for qatarjobs.
5. Refer to Newspaper Job Sections
There are job offers for executives and professionals, as well as sections dedicated to specific professions, like teaching, computers, and media in the newspaper classified ads.
For instance, check out the classifieds in the Gulf Times and Qatar Tribune.
Gulf Times
Website: http://www.gulf-times.com/
A leading newspaper in Qatar, job postings can be found in its hard copy and website.
The Peninsula Qatar
Website: https://jobs.thepeninsulaqatar.com/
After trying all the above steps and you are still not getting any feedback, step up your job search by sending your CVs as a walk-in applicant. Otherwise, keep on trying and checking for other options to finally get on board with your new company.
How to make your stay in Qatar legal and avoid any penalties during your stay?
If you have been successful in your job application, chances are you will face other challenges such as keeping your stay legal in the country.
Here are some significant tips to ensure that you are legally permitted to live, work, or stay in Qatar and avoid being questioned by the authorities:
• Keep a copy of the attested labour contract with you.
• Submit all documents to the sponsor to complete the procedures of issuing residence permit.
• Care to get the ID card which proves your identity, personal number and your legal stay and always carry your ID card with you.
• Adhere to the customs and traditions of this country.
• Approach the nearest security department’s office for any help.
To avoid getting deported, read this article for your guide, Things Expats Must Avoid to Keep their Jobs in Qatar and Not Get Deported
Need to know more about finding jobs in Doha? An outsourcing service in Qatar can guide you through the whole recruitment process. Contact B2C today!
