Ironic Qatari Law

I haven’t developed the habit of reading the news here in the Gulf, preferring my silent existence of work-home-work than having to worry about how good or bad the economy is doing as, it really has no direct effect on me. The economy may be at its all time high and more construction is bound to build this desert country into the next Dubai but truthfully? … until they do something about expatriate laws … then it is really worth shit to me.

 Out of sheer curiosity, however, the headline of the “Daily Gulf Times” caught my attention as it read “Council seeks re-entry ban of five years.” See, the existing law provides that any individual who resigns from a current job and returns to his country of origin is banned from returning to Qatar within two years. This is, they say, a deterrent for people who are tempted to shift to other jobs when offered better salaries and benefits. Furthermore, that this protects the sponsors who have spent money in bringing the employee into the country.

 Let’s look at the unsuspecting employee for a moment here … Jose comes to Qatar with promises of salaries and benefits. He later learns of the huge gap in salary between himself and his Arabic colleague who has no other advantage over him except for knowing the language. He then learns that Pedro and Felipe are employees of the same company and have been working there for 10 plus years without being promoted and with very minimal salary increment. With this dark future looming in the horizon … he inquires … alas, he learns that he needs a “release” or No Objection Certificate (NOC) from his sponsor should he decide to resign to look for other options. His passport is held by his sponsor, to leave the country he needs an exit permit … and to top it off … he cannot return to Qatar for two years. If he decides to resign from his current job, his contract stipulates that he has to pay everything his sponsor has spent for him including his air fare back to his country of origin. Now … back to the topic.

 The council is seeking a law to better protect the sponsor … protection from what? … losing employees? … the Qatari laws are already anti-expatriate and one of the most self-serving in the history of mankind. Despite the outer sheen of technological advancement and economic boom, the country’s laws are just the opposite. Instead of following the footsteps of Dubai and Bahrain that boast the best expatriate talent that money can buy, they scrimp on crumbs and enforce laws that drive these talents away.

 It’s ironic, as one of the Emir’s five-point course towards “Qatar National Vision 2030” states that it needs to look into the “Quality of the expatriate manpower required for ther various projects”.

 Have I made the right decision in coming here? … I’m starting to think not …

 … z …

Posted by tuliro at 08:25 PM | 1 comments