The entry and actions of foreigners in Qatar are strictly controlled and monitored by Qatari government officials; generally speaking holders of full British passports or individuals who are GCC resident are permitted entry into Qatar but for nationals of all other nations advice should be sought from the nearest Qatari embassy before travelling to the region.

Those who are planning on living and working in Qatar have to be aware that certain procedures have to be followed to gain the relevant entry, residence and work permits and it is usual for all employers of foreign nationals to employ a ‘runner’ or ‘fixer’ to wade through the mountains of red tape and handle the form filling and queuing in order to get the official papers in place for the employee in question and their family as well to enter, reside and work in Qatar.

Such an individual will also accompany the visa applicant to any face to face meetings they have to attend for the provision of signatures and in some cases medical checks as well.  Those who are serious about living and working in Qatar will always require a firm job offer from a local employer otherwise they won’t be granted permission to reside long term in the nation - therefore such an employer will always provide assistance and information required as part of their personnel care package for employees.

Speculative entry in Qatar in a bid to find employment is high risk and generally speaking only those with excellent local contacts and high levels of experience and qualification will be fortunate and find an opening.  Usually those planning a move to the region will have to secure a firm offer of employment prior to travel.

In terms of the fields in which expatriates are employed and the locations in Qatar where most live and work, Doha is the capital of Qatar and also the location in which most expats live and work, many posts requiring technological and managerial experience are filled by Western professionals and a great deal of the extensive construction work underway in Qatar at the moment is carried out by foreign nationals. 

Western teachers often find placements in Qatar, especially those who can teach English.  There are private schools and language schools requiring teachers and there are also interpretation and translation institutes that require foreign nationals with professional language training and experience.

Other employment sectors where expats can be found include the oil and natural gas industries which account for 60% of GDP, healthcare, industry and manufacturing and most recently banking and finance.