Working In Middle East

Once you’ve decided to work in the Middle East you will need to consider which countries suit your requirements as they vary considerably in many aspects. As you will be agreeing to a contract for a minimum of 12 months, and committing to working with a new organisation, this is an important decision.

Factors to consider include:

• salary levels and contract terms
• holiday entitlement
• eligibility for family/married status contracts
• social life and recreational facilities available
• temperature and climate
• local culture and legislation

With all of the changes that you will invariably face when first moving to the Middle East, you will probably find that the workplace will initially be the most familiar surroundings to you. With the professional language being English, a multi-national workforce and the working methods often mirroring those from home, you should find settling into your work easier than you might expect.

Contracts:

Contract terms vary depending on your role, the country you choose to work in and the hospital that offers you a position. There are many elements that are common to almost all of the contracts, some of which have been listed below:

• Salaries are tax free at source
• Free furnished accommodation or an accommodation allowance
• Utility bills paid (including local phone calls)
• Free flights at start and end of contract
• Mid-year flights
• At least 30 days a year annual leave
• Local and public holidays to included Ramadam and Eid
• Free or subsidised medical and/or dental care
• End of year bonus
• Internal transportation

In addition, many employers offer married/family status contracts for more senior positions which include married accommodation, free flights for spouse and children, and educational allowance for children. Additional flights, up to 60 days vacation, professional indemnity and study leave may be available.

Underpinning all contracts are specific countries labour laws determining the rights and obligations of employees and employers. They specify work hours, guaranteed bonuses, the right to terminate employment, sick pay and other such matters.

Hours of work in the region vary from location to location. Standard working hours are between 35 and 48 hours a week over 5, 5 ½ or 6 days a week. Thursday/Friday or Friday/Saturday is the weekend depending on the country of employment. Government institutions work usually between the hours of 7.30am - 3.30/4.00pm and private companies from 8.00am – 12 noon and 4.00pm – 8.00pm.

PULSE International are experienced in recruiting healthcare staff around the world and have extensive knowledge of all aspects of working in the Gulf states. Before you make any decisions based on hearsay or misconceptions you should speak to our experienced consultants. We use our own knowledge and experiences combined with information provided to us by all of the candidates we have placed in the region to give you the most up to date information possible.

For further information on each of the countries in the Gulf region, please click on the links below (Please note, this info will be coming soon)

• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Oman
• Qatar
• Kuwait
• Bahrain