The Gulf... Full of opportunities!

Hello everyone,

I was wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction.

How easy is it to get a job in the gulf states of UAE, Oman, Qatar etc while I am doing my 3 month probation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

How can I get to see the jobs and apply for them? What agencies are out there? Can I travel to these states physically to scout for jobs?
Please help me with advice - any advice would be most welcome.

I have been told that employers pay more in the other states than KSA which is why I'd like to move across from the KSA to the Gulf states. Please also kindly let me know if you know any good agencies etc

I am a hospital / health worker with over 15 years of experience in the field of medical laboratory science [technology] from London, UK.
The Middle East employers call my job title : Laboratory technologist.
Thank you.

Hi,

If you are already serving your three months and currently in Saudi, I reckon you have to get an exit permit from your sponsor to exit KSA.  Now with regards to your queries, I will omit agencies or online agencies altogether, my suggestion is for you you to list the industry in the preferred Gulf state and apply.

I can only refer you to try visit their respective websites;

For Qatar, Hamad Hospital, Ahli Hospital and AlEmadi Hospital.

From what I gather, Hamad and AlEmadi, is heavily recruiting.

So best of luck with finding suitable placement.

Cheers!

Thank you so very much , your response is quite informative and clear.

About exit permit from sponsor....
I am supposed to be on a 3 month probation period after which they or I could just end the contract and I am free to leave for the Gulf states which pay better and lifestyles are much more relaxed.

So, if I may trouble you and ask you more questions?

is it difficult to leave the place i.e getting the exit permit after the 3 month probation period?

Are there inherent problems with using agencies to look for work?

I have listed over 200 hospitals in the gulf and the KSA and found that most of them [about 80% - I could be wrong with my estimate] do not have a ''jobs'' or ''careers'' or ''applications'' or ''Recruitment'' as options on their websites.

Quite frustrating actually. So, when one sees agencies advertising jobs, one has very little choice than apply through them and hope for the best. The one thing that I have decided that I won't do tho' is to pay money for their services as they may be fraudulent / scammers who are all over the internet and waiting to prey on unsuspecting victims.

Please I do admire your range of knowledge on these issues in these places and it is websites and people like you that make life easier to move abroad for expat work. Thank you.

Hope to read from you again, soon.

Hi again,

If I am right, the preceding company of the next gulf state which you will be or might be working for, will require a "police clearance" letter.  This I think is applicable to some nationalities, but I can't be sure.  Do check with your current employer, colleague or even the KSA Ministry of Interior.

It was purely personal preference, when it comes to using employment agencies. Few are realiable, most takes forever to get back to you.
As for online agencies like Bayt, Monstergulf, Naukrigulf etc., it's a good avenue to see who is employing for what positions.  If you are lucky, after uploading your CV, you might get a response, even that will take forever too.  Those agency that require you to pay a fee - FRAUD, period!

My best bet is, decide which Gulf state you prefer to live in, get yourself a ticket, come for a month and start looking.  I know it's a long shot, but it could work.  Otherwise, try the local newspaper, for instance, Gulf Times, have a PDF version, to-date, readily available to download on their website. Both classified and the entire newspaper clippings. You may start with today's paper and back date as far as a month ago.  I am not sure for other Gulf state local papers, I can't help you there.

I believe British passport gets a month, but I can't be sure.  Just two days ago, the British Embassy was advertising for few positions.  You might want to try checking the embassies too.

Hope this helps.  More than glad to assist fellow expat.

Cheers.

Thanks a lot.