Recruitment process
The recruitment process will vary from company to company. However, you should appreciate at the outset that the recruitment process in the region is commonly delayed or subject to change. Many companies are becoming more efficient in their recruitment but logistical issues may frequently slow the process down. Initial interviews may often be by telephone or video conference if candidates are not located in the region. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to visit the company for final interviews and to familiarise themselves with the location.
Employment contracts
Most positions are recruited on a permanent basis with full employment benefits, notice terms, annual reviews and promotion prospects. The limiting factor is the length of the employment visa which is normally granted for two or three years. The visa will usually be renewed after this period by mutual consent.
Salaries
One of the most immediate and attractive aspects of working in the Middle East is that in most countries there are no personal taxes levied against income from employment. This is not as an incentive to attract foreign investment; it is simply a result of a long established policy. Direct taxation is against the traditions of the region. This means that you benefit from your entire salary. You will have more disposable income and not withstanding the effects of higher inflation, you should be able to afford a more affluent lifestyle.
Without taking the tax benefit into account, salaries in the Middle East are usually similar to or greater than those paid in western countries. In the past, remuneration packages were split into various elements: basic salary, car allowance, housing allowance, medical cover, education for children and air tickets for home visits. Currently, outside of bonuses, employers pay a gross salary that covers all these expenses.
Working hours & overtime
The working week in the region varies between 40 and 48 hours. Office hours are usually from 8.30 or 9.00am to 5.30 or 6.00pm. There are no differences in time keeping between summer and winter. In the month of Ramadan, the working day is reduced to six hours. Whilst this should apply to all staff, many companies only apply it to Muslims, who fast during daylight hours.
Friday is the Muslim rest day and, if your company has a five-day working week, the other day off is usually either Thursday or Saturday. Saturday is the more popular choice for international companies and it coincides with the rest of the world. However, some companies insist on Thursday as the school ‘weekend’ in the region is Thursday and Friday.
Employment permits / visas
An employment permit or visa is required for a foreign national to work in the region. These are issued by the Immigration Department of each country. Initial visas normally allow entry into the country and then longer residency and working visas are applied for on arrival. Companies will generally control the application for these visas and deal with the administration. The time from initial interview through to the issue of a visa that allows you to start work may take several months.
Lifestyle
The Middle East now provides a fascinating mix of traditional culture and modern development. How that mix is appreciated will depend much on your interests, background and aspirations. In terms of choosing a location to work we advise that you undertake adequate due diligence into the lifestyle of the country concerned. All the countries of the GCC have something different to offer.
What is common is that all the main cities offer modern amenities in terms of housing, schools, healthcare, shopping and leisure facilities. You are just as likely to see well known western shops as you are a traditional souk. Although the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is considered less westernised in terms of public leisure facilities, it may surprise many with its shopping malls, high quality accommodation and family lifestyle. Alternatively Dubai has developed into an international tourist destination with a wide array of developments and entertainments whereas within daily commuting distance, Abu Dhabi is quieter and is the cultural capital of the UAE.
Whatever your taste, they are likely to be accommodated in the region. The rising cost of living has meant that packages are no longer as generous. However, the choice in accommodation, schools and leisure along with the ease of travel to and from the region allows it to offer genuine career opportunities together with a high quality lifestyle.
Our consultants will always be happy to discuss any aspect of living and working in the Middle East in greater detail.