Anyone managed to get a Qatar Petroleum work visa lately?
 

I understand Qatar immigration authorities are not issuing work visas just yet but *might* be doing so in certain cases eg for expats working for state owned companies such as QP. Anyone managed to get one in the present circumstances?

Reason for asking is that I was offered a role with QP in July through SPIE Oil and Gas in Doha, they (agency) applied for my Qatar work visa last month (Oct) and have submitted a letter from QP as well to support the application. However the agency are unable to give me any time frame and are saying they could receive my work visa anytime. I suspect its a bit like asking "how long is a piece of string?" but thought I'd ask anyway..

Cheers.

Re: Anyone managed to get a Qatar Petroleum work visa lately?
 

Looks like new visas are starting to be processed (but expect quite a backlog):

Gulf News Link

Re: Anyone managed to get a Qatar Petroleum work visa lately?
 

Thanks fezzer, looks promising!!

Re: Anyone managed to get a Qatar Petroleum work visa lately?
 

SPIE have told me that Qatar immigration will start issuing visas (of all types) on 3rd Dec. And then a further 1-2 weeks to get the work visa. The wait is killing me :(

Re: Anyone managed to get a Qatar Petroleum work visa lately?
 

Still not received my work visa, the wait is very frustrating. Anyone else in the same boat? At this rate, I'm seriously considering taking up employment elsewhere as it could take many more months before I fly over to Qatar.

Re: Anyone managed to get a Qatar Petroleum work visa lately?
 

Got an email response from Hukoomi in Qatar about my query if they're now issuing work visas, they replied saying they are indeed processing work visas but provided no further info, eg timescales. So gave them a call directly on +974 4406 9999 (option 2 for English, option 5 for general visa enquires) and spoke to a very helpful guy. He said they started issuing work visas since early Dec and there's no delay in processing, all work visas are being issued within 2 weeks from date of application. He offered to look into the status of my application if I provided him with my visa application number but I don't have this. He said he can't check using my passport number alone. So I thanked him and ended the call.

I did think about asking my employer if they could provide me with a work visa application/reference number but decided against it, as it comes across as being very desperate and not trusting their feedback. They would probably tell me to Foxtrot Oscar anyway lol

Very frustrating!!!

Re: Anyone managed to get a Qatar Petroleum work visa lately?
 

Hi. Did you manage to solve this? I have also received a job offer from QP and have accepted it. They will start applying for the visa this week. Not sure how long it will take but based on your experience Im not very optimistic.

Re: Anyone managed to get a Qatar Petroleum work visa lately?
 

Nope, still waiting for visa. I got in touch with a guy through WhatsApp recently, him and his mate were both made offers by QP last July (QP direct hires). One of them has just received his work visa so it looks like there is some progress being made.

Btw will you be working for QP direct or through an agency (SPIE, NES etc)? Is it onshore or offshore (28/28)? My role is onshore.

Good luck!

Re: Anyone managed to get a Qatar Petroleum work visa lately?
 

So looks like it is going to be a long process if they are still processing visas from July!
Mine is directly for QP as economist.
Let me know how it goes with your application please. Good luck!

Re: Anyone managed to get a Qatar Petroleum work visa lately?
 

No problem, will let you know once I receive my work visa. Hope you don't have to wait too long! :fingerscrossed:

Re: Anyone managed to get a Qatar Petroleum work visa lately?
 

WOO HOO! Finally got my Qatar work visa!! Now to have to wait for my fitness to work approval from QP Medical Dept, agency are planning to fly me out in early Feb, subject to availability of quarantine hotel in Doha.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/british...8ebacade0e.gif

Re: Anyone managed to get a Qatar Petroleum work visa lately?
 

Grand!! great news! Are you travelling with family there?

Re: Anyone managed to get a Qatar Petroleum work visa lately?
 

Well done - good luck with the job

Re: Anyone managed to get a Qatar Petroleum work visa lately?
 

I'll be travelling alone initially, other half *might* join me later on but she's not sure.

You can download your work permit from here once issued, just need to enter your passport info. But you should get yours fairly soon as well, MOI only starting issuing work visas in early Dec 2020.

https://portal.moi.gov.qa/wps/portal...iryandprinting

Re: Anyone managed to get a Qatar Petroleum work visa lately?
 

Thanks, been a long wait!

Re: Anyone managed to get a Qatar Petroleum work visa lately?
 

HI Jearel,

Are you being offered an economist role on technical services department? When QP told you about they have applied your visa, they told me they have applied my visa on 2 Jan 2021, but till now no news on my visa status.

Re: Anyone managed to get a Qatar Petroleum work visa lately?
 

AAAAARGGHHHH!!! Job offers can be a bit like buses: you wait ages for 1 and then 2 turn up at the same time!!!

I'm still in UK waiting for my QP fitness to work approval (had to re-do a medical hence the slight delay). However ADNOC Onshore from Abu Dhabi (ex-ADCO) have got in touch with me a few days ago and looks like they're about to make an offer for me, for a very similar role - this is a direct hire position with ADNOC. I had an interview with ADNOC in Feb last year for this position but this was through a local agency in UAE, Star Services. The agency never got back to me for interview feedback despite repeated requests, so i assumed i was unsuccessful. Unless ADNOC make me a very impressive offer, then I think I will stick with QP as their salary is still very good (QAR 55k per month). Also with QP, there's no overnight stay involved at any of the oilfields whereas i have been told that i will often have to stay 1-2 weeks in ADCO oilfields in the Liwa area, eg Bu Hasa, Shah etc. QP working hours are also great, from 0630hrs to 1430hrs 5 days a week , not sure if ADCO can match those. Sometimes its nice to sleep in your own bed every night :)

Re: Anyone managed to get a Qatar Petroleum work visa lately?
 

Aha..that's is normal.You wait for one offer, then come another offer :). So presume you have being offered technical role in QP right? If you don't mind sharing the title and grade that QP been offering you :) Indeed, reading from the google and blog as well QP financial standing, looks like better than ADNOC :). But as far as country is concern, UAE is much better than Qatar, have plenty to explore and nearer to Oman which famous of its nature.

Have Adnoc share their benefits like QP? Which one is better, esp. in term of education allowance or housing allowance then?

Re: Anyone managed to get a Qatar Petroleum work visa lately?
 

That's a bit cheeky, you might try to get the job for yourself!

Re: Anyone managed to get a Qatar Petroleum work visa lately?
 

Yup both roles are technical and field based and both Geomatics related. The QP role is through an agency, SPIE Oil and Gas, ie not direct with QP. There's nothing in employment contract which mentions employment grade etc. I suspect it might do if I was employed direct by QP.

Not received my ADNOC contract yet but I *think* they base basic salaries on their internal grading structure with a generous housing allowance. They've asked to see my last 3 payslips from my previous employer, if they offer something similar as a base salary, I would be seriously tempted by the ADNOC offer. My last role was with BP in Algeria, on a day rate of GBP 500.

Not too fussed with Qatar/Doha lifestyle, as I've lived and worked in places like Iraq, Pakistan, Libya and Algeria - Doha is a relative paradise. And yes, I've lived and worked in Doha previously :)

Re: Anyone managed to get a Qatar Petroleum work visa lately?
 

Did you get your work visa yet? I only started reporting for work last week as I had to complete a shed load of safety courses first. But it’s all going well so far - will be based at QNT building but WFH for the foreseeable future like most QP staff. I imagine you’ll either be based at QNT or at the other building in West Bay which is the QP HQ.

Re: Anyone managed to get a Qatar Petroleum work visa lately?
 

Still waiting but was told should be ready this week. Fingers crossed. How's Doha? and QP environment?
btw did you have to stay in a hotel to quarantine?
Cheers

Re: Anyone managed to get a Qatar Petroleum work visa lately?
 

Doha's not the most exciting city in the world but its not the worst either. Though living in West Bay (a stone's throw away from QP offices) I love the fact that there's loads of escooters scattered about, so i just hop on one of them if i'm too lazy to take the metro or walk anywhere - used one to get to Al Bidda park near the Corniche the other day. I try not to take the car anywhere as parking is a nightmare in most parts of Doha.

QP offices at QNT are very plush, found everyone (both Qatari's and expats) to be very helpful during my first week of onboarding. Working hours are great (IMHO), from 0630 to 1430hrs. I think QNT occupancy is only 10-20% at present as QP are forcing nearly everyone to work from home, at least until the end of the year. At QP you can also get fast tracked for the Covid vaccination if you're interested, speak to your line manager once you get here.

Yep, had to do the mandatory 7 day hotel quarantine once I arrived here. I stayed at the Westin hotel, pretty decent hotel.

Good luck!

Re: Anyone managed to get a Qatar Petroleum work visa lately?
 

Thanks mate. I'll let you know when I get the visa. Regards

Re: Anyone managed to get a Qatar Petroleum work visa lately?
 

Hi, Just found this topic. I got offering from qp also, direct hire, last month I did medical check up and sent the result to them. I just checked the website for my visa status, shown that my work visa is approved. Based on your story you got your work visa but due to medical issue you been asked to re-do the medical, may I know what issue is that? Because I also doesnt get replay since I sent the medical result, but my visa is approved based on website. Honestly I have some issue regarding my medical report like cholesterol and overweight. I afraid if they ask me to re do my medical or cancle my visa due to medical result. Thank you