Qatar at a Glance
Working in Qatar
Many expats are working in Qatar's petroleum industry.
While working in Qatar is an attractive option for expats for various reasons, its thriving economy also makes it an attractive location for foreign investors. Many companies from abroad have opened branch offices here, creating more work opportunities for foreign residents working in Qatar.
However, it’s not only the petroleum and gas industry that offers expats opportunities for working in Qatar. Since 2000 the tourism sector has grown significantly, supported by the Tourism Authority. Many expats working in Qatar have found an occupation which allows them to enjoy the country’s beautiful beaches, subtropical climate, and desert landscape. The FIFA World Cup 2022 will trigger additional developments in the tourism industry, giving expats and nationals further opportunities for working in Qatar.
Working in Qatar: Petrochemical Industry
Most people working in Qatar, however, have found employment in the gas and petroleum sector. Dukhan and Ras Laffan Industrial City play an important role in the petrochemical industry and have contributed greatly to the country’s economic development in recent years.
Ras Laffan is situated north of Doha and is the biggest natural gas deposit in the world, offering jobs to many people working in Qatar. Dukhan is where the development of the petroleum sector began, and is thus the foundation of the country’s current economy. Today Dukhan is still the center of on-shore petroleum production in Qatar.
Working in Qatar: Health Care
Employees working in Qatar do not benefit from obligatory social insurance, as a state-wide system does not exist. Instead, the Gulf States fund welfare programs through revenues thanks to their high GDP and supply those working in Qatar with free social support.
Hence, nationals working in Qatar automatically receive medical care, maternity coverage, child care, state pension and other kinds of welfare benefits. While expats working in Qatar have access to all kinds of medical facilities, they are not eligible for any sort of social benefits.
Employers may cover the healthcare costs for expats working in Qatar and provide them with medical insurance. If this is not the case, expats need to invest into private health insurance themselves. The InterNations article on Living in Qatar offers more information on the Qatari health care system.
Working in Qatar: Pension Plans
As is the case social insurance, the government does not offer a state pension to expats working in Qatar. However, government institutions and international companies sometimes offer corporate pension schemes to which expats can contribute while working in Qatar.
If possible, expats can also keep contributing to the pension scheme of their home country or purchase a personal pensions plan for the time they will be working in Qatar. This investment will guarantee that working in Qatar will not have a negative effect on their retirement years.
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