Anyone with professional, managerial or technical qualifications is likely to be richly remunerated upon taking up Gulf jobs. But whether these are Qatar petroleum jobs, Dubai banking jobs or Saudi jobs, being absolutely clear about visa and permit documentation is indispensable in this part of the world.
If you’ve got your job offer, you’ve undoubtedly done well, but you must also get your paperwork right – it’s very strictly administered in the Gulf States. Fortunately, most companies will handle this bureaucratic red tape very efficiently, obtaining residence and work visas for externally appointed employees and their families. But even so, it’s important to ensure you have some essential documents in your possession in order to enter any country in the Gulf. These include birth certificates for all family members, a marriage certificate, a passport which is valid for at least six months (plus several photocopies), and six passport-sized photographs.
Medical certificates are also required for workers, proving that the employee is free from HIV/AIDS and in general good health (but expect further tests to be carried out locally). Sadly, due to the fraught and chronic tensions in the Middle East, any connection with Israel (including an Israeli entry stamp) will almost certainly bar you from entry into the region.
Expatriates who respect the local culture and obey the national laws will be treated with generosity and kindness, but it’s as well to get used to a practise which is quite alien to many Westerners: you’ll be required to carry ‘ID’ such as passports, entry and residence visas or national identity cards wherever you go. Spot checks are routinely carried out on local businesses to ensure that no one is employing illegal immigrants.