Salaries in Qatar are more or less similar to that in western nations. But, given the lack of personal taxation, net income is usually higher, and this is one of the major attractions of working in Qatar.
During the past, remuneration packages were divided into various elements like basic salary, car allowance, housing allowance, medical cover, children education and air tickets for home visits. Today, however, employers just pay a salary to cover all these expenses, although in few cases, there are other bonuses too.
Some of the common benefits that companies offer to employees are:
Indemnity
Apart from their salary, contract workers are awarded an ‘indemnity’ at the end of the contract period. The indemnity is calculated on the basis of basic salary (excluding bonuses). For those working in Qatar for a long time, indemnity can be a lot of money, as several people manage to accumulate considerable financial backup or live the high life. The indemnity is not related to insurance, but it is more of an end-of-the-term bonus, and is required by law to be paid to expatriate workers thanking them for serving the state. It is also known as ‘end-of-contract benefits’ or ‘end-of-service’ benefits. The indemnity scales are in the range 15 to 20 days of basic pay per year of employment for the first three years, and a month’s pay every year, thereafter.
Gratuity
A worker is entitled to an end of service gratuity, upon expiry of his service. The worker should have completed atleast five years of employment. The gratuity will be agreed upon by the two parties, provided it is not less than three-week wages for each year of employment (and if one exceeds 5 years of service, gratuity could even be calculate at 30 days per year). The last drawn basic wage will be the base for calculation of gratuity. The employer is entitled to deduct from service gratuity, the amount due to him by the worker, if any.
Leave
Annual leave
The employer usually fixes the date of annual leave for the worker as per the work requirements and may divide the leave with the consent of the worker, provided, it should not be divided for more than two periods. In case the employee submits a written application for postponement of the annual leave, it can be postponed to next year, but, it should not be more than half of the annual leave. Some companies also offer payment in lieu of annual leave of the employee, equivalent to the wage of the employee for the leave days for which he is entitled, in case the contract is terminated before the worker claims his leave.
Generally, after one year of continuous service, employee is eligible for an annual paid leave of at least three weeks if the service is less than five years, and at least four weeks if the service is more than five years.
Sick Leave
As an employee, you are eligible for paid sick leave, but, this can be availed only on completion of three months in service, and on producing a medical certificate. You will be paid full wage, if your sick leave does not exceed two weeks.
Others
Apart from annual leave, you will be offered leave for Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Independence Day, National Sports Day and other festive days as specified by the employer. Muslim employees are also eligible for pilgrimage leave without paying for maximum two weeks during the period of employment. Also, female employees can avail of maternity leave (50 days) on completion of one year of service.
Salaries in Qatar
According to 2014 Gulf Business Salary Survey, Qatar is the second best paying nation in the GCC in terms of average salaries, after Saudi Arabia.
The salaries in Qatar were 11.68 percent more than that in the UAE, with an average of $11,473 per month.
Moreover, Qatar is likely to be the top-paying destination in the GCC in future due to $200bn worth infrastructure investment planned over the next few years, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup, says recruiter BAC Middle East.
The monthly salaries in Qatar during the period 2014-15 have been in the range QR87,000 (maximum), QR17,144 (average), QR14,000 (median) and QR1200 (minimum).
Monthly Average Salaries Based on Occupation
Source: expats-media
