How to Work in Qatar as an OFW

Did you know that there are currently around 250,000 or a quarter million Filipino expats in Qatar? In addition, thousands of Pinoys come and visit this country each year. Indeed, Filipinos are among the biggest groups of foreign populations in the State of Qatar.

Are you thinking about getting a job in Qatar? If so, keep on reading because in this article, we will talk about how you can become an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in this country — the qualifications, requirements, and procedures involved. We will also discuss the various industries that provide plenty of jobs for locals as well as foreign nationals in Qatar.

Table of Contents

Qualifications

At present, the following industries are flourishing in Qatar: oil and gas, healthcare, construction, hospitality and tourism, education, sales, information technology, and domestic work.

The qualifications to land a job here would depend on the specific job and industry involved. Nevertheless, the criteria would definitely include a minimum age, educational background, skills, physical fitness, previous work experience, and other factors.

Requirements

To be able to work in Qatar, a working visa is required. Here are some general requirements for obtaining a working visa:

Application form;
Valid passport;
Visa notice;

2 passport-sized photos (with white background);
Medical certificate (from a clinic accredited by Qatari Embassy); and
NBI clearance (authenticated by the Department of Foreign Affairs).

How to Become an OFW in Qatar

Before anything else, you need to have an employer (or sponsor) in Qatar. He/She will be responsible for obtaining your work visa. This includes processing your employment permit, job contract, and work entry visa — all of which will be sent to you as the prospective employee.

For your part, you will need to get the visa stamped at the Qatari Embassy in Manila. The process involves undergoing medical examinations, interviews, and other activities such as having your biometrics (e.g. fingerprints) taken. Once everything has been approved and processed, you can now prepare to depart for Qatar.

As soon as you arrive in Qatar, you will need to process your Work Residence Permit, which will take around 6 weeks. Usually, the Work Residence Permit is valid for 6 months to 2 years. It needs to be renewed at least one month before it expires, provided that you will be continuing your work beyond the given period.

Licensed Recruitment Agencies to Qatar

Before applying for work in Qatar, you need to make sure that you are dealing with a licensed and trusted agency. Below is a list of recruitment agencies that have been accredited by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in the Philippines. These agencies are licensed to facilitate recruitment of OFWs to Qatar:

101 Mojo International Corporation;
1010 Ephesians Human Resources Inc.;

1st Dynamic Personnel Resources Inc.;
1st Northern International Placement Inc.;
2018 Crowne Human Resources Inc.;

21st Century Manpower Resources Inc.;
2TG Manpower International Corp.;
525 Primera Human Resources Services Inc.;

7107 Islands Placement and Promotions Inc.;
9K International Manpower and Recruitment Services Corp.;
A&C International Resources Inc.;

A Sysstem International Corporation;
A-Vantage International Recruitment Corp.;
A.Kanan Manpower Corporation;

AAV Talent Training and Management Inc.;
ABBA Personnel Services Inc.;
ABCA International Corporation;

ABD Overseas Manpower Corp.;
Abundant Life International Manpower Services Inc.;
ADEL International Manpower Services;

Advance Group Link Manpower Services Inc.;
Aero Allied International Inc.;
AGE International Gulf Employment Co.;

Akiro International Manpower Services Co.;
Al Assal Manpower Inc.;
Al Awa’el International Manpower Inc.;

Al Axa International Manpower Services Inc.;
Al-Alamia International Manpower Services;
Al-Bayan International Manpower Services Co.;

Al-Khaleej International Services Inc.;
Al-Kingsmen International Manpower Services Co.;
Al-Waheed International Manpower Specialist Inc.;

Alhabeshi International Services Incorporation;
All Seasons Manpower International Services Incorporated;
Alpha Manpowerlink Agency Co.;

Alphalink Job Agency Inc.;
AMCAAJ International Recruitment Agency Inc.;
Ameinri Overseas Employment Agency Inc.;

American Prime Manpower Services Inc.;
AMI Global Recruitment;
ANA International Placement Inc.;

Andrews Manpower Consulting Inc.;
Androme Recruitment and Management Services Inc.;
Angelex Allied Agency

Ankor Management Services and Consultants Inc.;
Arab Peninsula Manpower Services Corp.;
Aram Enterprises Inc.;

Arandrea Manpower Services Co.;
ARDCORP;
Armstrong Resources Corporation;

Ascent Skills Human Resources Services Inc.;
Asia Reach International Management and Contractor Services Inc.;
Asia System Inc.;

ASMACS Recruitment Services Inc.;
ASMK International Human Solutions Co.;
ATC Human Resources Inc.;

Athenna International Manpower Services Inc.;
Augustin International Center Inc.;
Aureus Manpower and Consultancy Corp.;

Automatechs Manpower Solutions Inc.;
Baguio Benguet International Recruitment Agency Inc.;
Benchstone Enterprises Inc.;

Best Group Marketing Agency Inc.;
Best Migrant Workers International Manpower Services Inc.;
Billboard Promotion Inc.;

Bison Management Corporation;
Blueorion Recruitment Services Corp.;
Bright International Manpower Services Inc.;

Brinell International Partners Inc.;
BS International Services and Placement Agency Inc.;
Building Better Lives Manpower Services International Inc.;

Buwang Prime International Agency Inc.;
Businesswise International Resources Inc.;
B.A.N.A. Placement Services;

CAMOX Philippines Inc.;
Career International Manpower Solution Inc.;
Caves Treasures Manpower and Construction Corporation;

CB and T Pro-Staff Inc.;
CDK International Manpower Services Corp.;
Cebu New Wave Recruitment Inc.;

Channel International Placement Services Corp.;
Chen-Ma International Manpower Services;
Cinderella International Manpower Services Corp.;

Clyde International Manpower Co.;
Concorde International Human Resource Corporation;
Confederal Project Manpower Services Inc.;

CPL Maters Recruitment Agency Inc.;
Creative Artist Placement Services Inc.;
CSV International Placement Agency Inc.;

Danasan Manpower and Management Services Inc.;
DDZ International Manpower Services;
Deltavir Overseas Job Placement and General Services Inc.;

Desertwealth International Services Corp.;
Destiny Twin Dragon Workforce Co. Ltd.;
Diamond Overseas Manpower Enterprises;

Dimension-All Manpower Inc.;
DLB International Inc.;
Doha Energy International Manpower Services Co.;

Dream Builders International Manpower Corporation;
Dream Force International Manpower Services Co.;
E-GMP International Corporation;

EAK International Corporation; and
Earthsmart Human Resource Philippines Inc.

NOTE: Head to the official website of the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to view the complete list of all recruitment agencies that are licensed to recruit land-based as well as sea-based OFWs worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Meanwhile, to address some frequently asked questions about how to work in Qatar as an OFW, keep on reading below!

1. Who are qualified to work in Qatar?

The qualifications to work in Qatar would depend on the particular job being applied for, and the specific industry involved. That being said, the applicant has to meet some general criteria such as a minimum age, educational attainment, skills, previous job experience, and other factors.

2. What are the requirements?

To work in Qatar, one needs to have a working visa, which, in turn, requires each applicant to submit the following documents: application form, valid passport, visa notice, passport-sized photos, medical certificate, and NBI clearance. Other additional documents may also be required.

3. What are the most in-demand jobs for OFWs?

In Qatar, the most popular jobs for OFWS — and other nationalities, for that matter — are those in the construction, healthcare, tourism, education, information technology, domestic work, and sales industries. Hence, you have a good chance of landing a job if you are an engineer, architect, nurse, doctor, hotel manager, restaurant manager, teacher, teaching assistant, software developer, cybersecurity specialist, domestic worker, driver, marketer, or retail assistant.

4. How can I become an OFW in Qatar?

To become an OFW in Qatar, you first need to have a job offer from a Qatari employer, who will be your sponsor. He/she will be responsible for obtaining your work visa and other requirements. For your part, you need to prepare documents such as your passport, school transcripts, medical certificate, etc.

Once you receive your work entry visa, employment permit, and other documents — the next step is to go to the Qatari Embassy in Manila. There, you will have your biometrics taken and your application will undergo further processing. As soon as everything is done, you’re all set to depart for Qatar, where the next step would be the processing of your Work Residence Permit.

5. How can I learn more about working in Qatar?

If you want to learn more about how you can live and work in Qatar, you can get in touch with the Qatar Embassy in Manila, whose contact information are provided below.

Contact Information: Qatar Embassy in Manila

For questions about living and working in Qatar, you can contact the Qatar Embassy in Manila through the following details. Its Google Map location is provided, as well. Please note that this office is open from Mondays to Fridays, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Address: 2nd Floor, One World Building, No. 10, Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila
Telephone: +63 2 8856 6666
Email: manila@mofa.gov.qa
Website: https://manila.embassy.qa/en

Google Map:

Video: How to Apply in Qatar as Domestic Helper

For those who are interested to work as a domestic helper in Qatar, check out this video shared by “QATAR OFW Kabayan Sheila Vlog (A DOMESTIC HELPER)” YouTube channel.

In this video, the vlogger shared some tips on how to apply as a domestic helper there. You might also want to check out her other videos, where she talks about her various experiences and adventures as an OFW in Qatar.

Additional Reminders

Regardless of the job you plan to apply for in Qatar, it’s important to know more about the country’s local customs, laws, and practices. Keep in mind that you will be heading to a foreign country, so it’s important to adapt to the local culture there. This involves being familiar with the country’s weather, main religion, food, dress code, and other practices.

Weather. During the months of May to September, the average temperature in Qatar could reach up to 50 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, from November to May, the average temperature could fall to just 5 degrees Celsius! In other words… you can expect to experience some extreme weather conditions while staying in Qatar.

Religion. Being a Muslim country, the main religion in Qatar is Islam. This means that the people’s beliefs, laws, and way of life are based on the Qu’ran. However, it is also worth noting that recently, the country’s new constitution allows religious freedom. For this reason, you may see some Catholic churches, particularly in the capital city, Doha. In any case, regardless of your personal beliefs, it’s important to respect the country’s main religion.

Dress Code. Before you go out in Qatar, make sure that you are dressed appropriately. Avoid wearing clothes that reveal too much skin. For women, wearing an “abaya” (i.e. a full-length garment worn Muslim women) is not necessary, although wearing clothes that cover the shoulders, cleavage, stomach, thighs, and knees, is a must.

Food. Typically, restaurants in Qatar do not include pork dishes in their menu. However, you can always buy pork in the marketplace and eat it at home. Moreover, you can buy seafood, chicken, beef, lamb, and other meat products in most markets. As for Filipino restaurants, there are several of them in Qatar, so you don’t have to worry about missing your favorite Pinoy dishes!

Alcohol. There are certain areas where alcohol is available in Qatar. Some hotels and restaurants serve alcohol, provided that they are licensed to do so. Nevertheless, you can still buy alcohol and drink at home. Just be sure to drink responsibly!

Summary

Despite being a small country, Qatar has a thriving economy with numerous career opportunities for the locals as well as foreign workers. If you are seriously thinking about living and working in Qatar as an OFW, we hope that this article has been helpful!

Aside from Qatar, there are other countries where Filipinos prefer to work. One of these is the United Kingdom, which is home to about 200,000 Pinoys! Check out this article for more details about how you can work as an OFW in the U.K.!