kdx2000

Hello all,

I just got an offer from a multinational PMC. This role is for the Doha Metro project.

Package on offer: QAR 50k/month + Education allowance up to 2 children + Annual flight + Medical

I have 10 yrs experience (5yrs in UK and 5yrs in Oz) - It's a mid-senior level position. We're a young family of 3 (a 18 month old toddler son)

Main motivation of for this move is due to high living cost in UK (I'm currently on GBP60k, but cannot save much). I hope to save GBP 2~3k/month by making this move. (Based on 'Is-It-Worth-It' spreadsheet.)

• Is this reasonable offer? / Do you think I can achieve my GBP2~3k saving target? (Should I save more?) or Should I negotiate further?
• Is it typical to negotiate for NOC clause in the contract & Multiple exit/entry visa?
• Contract is for 'Indefinite' - What does it mean when I leave the company / country?

Thanking in advance...

NewCaledonia

Indefinite means that is not a contract linked to a period of time (i.e. 1 or 2 years). So it is pretty much comparable to a standard contract in the UK.

scrubbedexpat141

You're mental if you don't accept that.

co durham boy

Bite his hand off , you'll not see a better deal for someone with no Gulf exp

kdx2000

Thanks guys!

wilkobury

Hi, may I ask did you get the offer through an agency or direct from the company? I am a UK based Commercial Manager/Senior QS (11 years now) and looking at opportunities to move over the the ME.

kdx2000

Hi @wilkobury,

I got contacted by the company directly (via linkedin)...

wilkobury

Hi kdx, are they still recruiting? If so, would you drop me the details please?

Best wishes, Wilkobury

Johnnyboy11

I'd say the deal is the going rate for a UK/Chartered professional in Doha at the moment. But some things to be aware of:

- Working hours can be long, often 6 days/ 48 hours a week.
- Holidays are paid, but not many (25 working days is typical)
- Check you get an end of service gratuity bonus, and that it's not rolled up into your salary.
- Check the medial cover is private, and not the free Qatar service (Hamad Medical Centre)
- Accommodation is becoming much more expensive, say 15-20k per month for a compounded villa.
- Traffic is a nightmare, so choose a location near your workplace.

You'll easily save GBP 2-3k per month - Double that is do-able in your circumstances.

Go for it, the is happening on site here and now, with at least 5 years to go...

[J]

scot47

You can save a chunk of that - just make sure you do not spend it all on fast cars and fancy holidays.

kdx2000

Haha, that Monorail song is my favourite!

Thanks guys..

@wilkobury - I've just PM'd you with details..

wilkobury

Thanks, hopefully after this post i'll be able to read (need 3 posts to view PMs).

wilkobury

Hi kdx. Would it be possible to send again please? It doesnt seem to have come through. Many thanks.

Crewegirl

You'll be able to save your 3k monthly and have fancy holidays too and there really aren't any private hospitals here anymore due to the new national health system and Hamad is a fab hospital.
The traffic is a killer so get yourself a tank and you'll be fine.
Thailand is only a 10 hour flight and Sri lanka even less...fantastic.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll have a great couple of years until you start to go bonkers like the rest of us.

kdx2000

@wikobury - I've resent it. Did you get it?