Job Discussion Forums

[capthappy20002000]

Hi,

Can anyone tell me the exact details of the work visa process for Canadians in Qatar? Or, refer me to a reputable website. I have been looking on the Internet but have not been successful.

Thanks,

[millie18]

From outside Qatar you have to get and send a chest xray and HIV test results and a police clearance certificate and attested copies of your education (diploma) documents.

From inside Qatar you have to pass a second chest xray and HIV test provide legible finger prints AND get immigration to issue a residency/work permit (not always a given even if you pass all the rest). Everything can be fine and there is always a chance (and it might be remote but it is there) you won't get an RP and you will have to leave.

Most contracts/letters of intent include a clause stating that employment is contingent on the State issuing a RP (and your employer may have some pull but maybe not enough to get one issued). The state has the final say and they do not have to give any reason for rejecting you.

You, of course, if rejected, are now without a job and 1000s of miles away from your home country having packed up or sold most of your possessions in order to come here.

Working in the GCC is not for the faint of heart or those who fail to plan for contingencies.

[veiledsentiments]

And just how often does this happen? We haven't had anyone posting here complaining of it?

VS

[millie18]

As I said, it's remote, but there have been 2 people at CNA who had difficulty - 1 because of a spot on their chest xray (CNA sent them 4x for an xray which seems excessive exposure to radiation to me) - I believe they were eventually cleared when their Canadian physician certified the spot was a result of either cracked or broken ribs in the past. BUt it took several months and a lot of stress and aggravation for the new employee.

At another employer it was because the person's fingerprints could not be taken because of either medication/illness which made it impossible to get a full set of clear prints. That person had to leave the country and seek medical treatment to try and raise the prints. Haven't heard on the results.

The possibility IS very remote (especially for white westerners) - but it is there and if you don't have a contingency plan you could find yourself in a pickle

[veiledsentiments]

As I thought, it is unlikely to the point of a less than 1% chance... unless, of course, you actually have TB or HIV... or a felony that you tried to hide... or fingers that won't make fingerprints.

In any or all of those cases, it probably shouldn't come as a surprise to you.

VS

[millie18]

But how many of us in North America, Europe have had a chest xray or fingerprints being a criteria for being employed? Until I came to the GCC (and I have worked in countries outside North America before) no one ever required these two hoops - people coming from their comfort zone of the West should be aware that there may be a chance of rejection (much like dating). It can be devastating financially and psychologically to be booted before you've begun.

[johnslat]

Dear mille18,

True about the chest X-ray, but every teaching job at the below college level that I've even had in the States has required a background check (i.e. fingerprints.) And many of them also require a drug test.

Apparently, when you're teaching "adults" in the States, they don't care if you're a serial killer and/or a drug addict .

Regards,
John

[veiledsentiments]

[capthappy20002000]

[millie18]

True VS - we should be capable of doing research - and yes people are more than likely aware that AIDS or a failed police check will bar them from employment.

The two situations I am aware of were neither - would one expect to be sent for xrays 4x when their Canadian doctor had cleared them and to be sent home because of the fingerprints after they had cleared these hurdles in their home countries getting their clearance certificate from their national/state police force? Both these items are required before and after arriving in Qatar.

capthappy - suggest you contact your employer's HR dept. When I came to Qatar 6 years ago my employer only needed to be sent a transcript directly from my universitites. It may well have changed or be different for your employer.

[capthappy20002000]

[millie18]

your blood tests, chest xrays, and fingerprints will be done again in Qatar - all employers are required to do this. If you pass the Canadian requirements or get a clearance etc and fail the Qatari tests/clearances you might be able to convince the Qatari authorities if you have copies or better the originals.

If you are still rejected, you will be sent home. It has only happened once to my knowledge. But such things as well as deportations, etc., are not publicized by any GCC organization.

As for attestation, what does the HR dept require?

[capthappy20002000]