Some questions

Hi Chris,
I cant give you any help about the grade you quoted as that doesnt mean anything to me. However I have just relocated from the UK to Doha and I would recommend that you make sure that your two biggest costs are included or allowed for. That is a place to live and a set of wheels.

I think you need to allow at least 8000 QR a month for accomodation and you will deffo need a set of wheels.
I am still waiting for my residence permit, so I cant get a driving licence yet and its a real pain not being able to get around. I have to rely on the company I work for sending a driver every day to pick me up and take me home.

My company has picked up the bill for everything. The only costs I have is food and socialising. Food costs me about ten quid a day and socialising, well I havent done any yet to be honest.

Its going to be fairly easy for me to save the vast proportion of my salary as all the costs are covered and of course its all tax free.

It took me many months of discussions with the company I work for, but I am glad I am here and I enjoy the work alot.

Let me know if you need any more help

Mike.

Hi Mike and thank you for your response and your information.

Unfortunately the problem for me is that the organization is public and not private. That means there is a specific salary range where you can negotiate. But I cannot find it and I am not familiar with these grades. I am not quite sure if I asked too much or too low but it depends on your qualifications and experience.
I know that accommodation is a big issue also. How long was the recruitment procedure> It took you several months due to slow process of visa approval or because of the company?

Thanks
Chris

Well it took me longer because I work for a private company and they just take their time and nothing is a rush for them. I dont think the visa took that long maybe about two weeks. However since I have been here they then have to apply for the resident permit. I went for the medical this week which was a interesting event and now I have to wait for the fingerprints appointment then I get my card. That might take another 4 or 5 weeks. Then I can get my driving licence within a day or so.

I think if you are going to work in a public company then you will get treated well. I dont know what you do, but I get a feeling that Westerners are looked after. As I said the key thing is to make sure the accomodation is right and you will deffo need a set of wheels.

I dont think things are any more expensive than the UK, they have all the same shops here that you need day to day things from and the prices are all OK.

I guess you have heard reports about the bad traffic and thats pretty true. I am in a commercial business environment and they are in their infancy in terms of how business issues should be addressed, but I like that as it gives me more scope to be involved.

Until I get my wheels, I am a bit stranded so havent actually created any social life yet, which is a bit of a downer, its a bit tougher for me as all the employees in the company are all from this region, so thats a bit tricky.

If you want to chat further my email is mikedotlisterfxatgmaildotcom

Cheers
Mike