Q: I have been selected as a Software Developer. My package is 20539 QR which includes 9139 as Basic Salary; 10,000 as House Rent Allowance, 1400 as Transport Alowance. --- They are not provinding me Accomodation--- How much I can save ? And can some one please tell me what would be the rent for double bed room ? is this a good Package for 5 years of Experience in Software Industry ? And how much time it will take to process the work visa if it is being done by the company ? please reply back to me at the earliest.
A: I do not think this is a very good package. The housing and transportation allowances are quite good; but the salary is far too low. It is the equivalent of USD$ 2,500 a month. I don't know what you are worth in the country where you live now, but for a software developer in the states, the monthly salary with 5 years' experience would (I think) be AT LEAST twice this much. Rents in Doha are roughly equivalent to those in Abu Dhabi where I live, so I am guessing that rent for an unfurnished two-bedroom apartment will be (average) 85,000 QR a year. You must pay your lease one year in advance. So your rent appears to be covered OK. No one can really tell you how much time it will take your company to process the work visa - don't believe anyone who tries to answer this. It depends on how "connected" your company's sponsor is with the key ruling families in Qatar. Here in Abu Dhabi it takes about two months if the PRO (Public Relations Officer - a connected local) really gets on it. Things are very different over here, my friend. I would ask for a significantly higher salary. There is a shortage of skilled labor in Qatar and in the UAE. You are in a good bargaining position - believe me.