Friday, November 23, 2012

Journey to Qatar Part I

I never thought I will go and live in Qatar.  Actually, right now, I'm still waiting for my plane ticket.  A friend helped me apply in Hamad Medical Corporation.  I was called for an interview last June 2012.  Employment Offer came last week of July from their partner agency here in the Philippines, which is Universal Staffing Services.  Credential Verification forms were emailed first week of August.  The agency then emailed me before All Saints Day, that my VISA IS READY.  I was told to report for some paper works and for the Medical.  As expected, I am FIT TO WORK.  I then went to ASCOP (Association of Service Contractors of the Philippines) for my PDOS (Pre Departure Orientation Seminar).  PDOS is a requirement for those who will leave the country for work or migration.  In my case, I will leave Philippines and live in Qatar to work.

PDOS (Pre Departure Orientation Seminar):
During the Orientation, I found out that those who were with me in that Seminar were not all bound to Qatar.  Actually there were only 2 if not 3 of us going to Qatar.  Most of them are going to Saudi Arabia.  There were many reminders given, especially on how to respect the Muslims.  "We were told not to step on the carpet of a praying Muslim nor pass in front.  Never be alone!  Wear conservative clothing even in Qatar.  Etc..."  I'll soon find out if all those were for real.  But respecting other people's belief is a big deal to me too.  I definitely respect other people's beliefs.
We also had guest speakers in the PDOS.  A Western Union Representative came to inform us that they have agents in Qatar. A BPI representative also came to discuss savings.  We were given free International ATM Card to be used for savings.  Transferring money from specific Qatar banks will only cost P200 per transaction regardless of the amount.  An OFW organization also came to inform us that in case we need help, help will be available.  Arabic to English Small dictionary is also available at a reasonable price.  We were told that Smart Telecommunications has stronger signal so if we want to buy, it is available at a cheaper price.  I'll soon find out if Smart Telecomm. is better than Globe Telecomm in Qatar.

I just received an email from Universal Staffing Services asking me of my booking preference or if first week of December is fine with me.  I'm really impressed with how they deal with applicants.

I have friends and relatives who live in Qatar.  So to them and to Qatar... "Here I come!"

Click here for Tips from my Personal Experience in Doha for HMC Staff

12 comments:

  1. Hi. are you in Qatar now. I am going to Qatar too.. same company and same agency as yours.. but I have a question, did they give you allowance for your first month? or you provided it yourself? Thanks much. :)

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  2. Yes I am now in Qatar. And also, Yes, I received a salary advance. Overseas Contract Workers are entitled of Salary Advance @HMC :)

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  3. hi lou.. i am also bound for Hamad.. and just waiting for a flight on the 20th... how was the transition?? i mean my friend told me ... they will provide free food in three days and give you cash advance for your needs... how about the contract and the medical, how well it turned to be??

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  4. hi lou.. i am also bound for Hamad.. and just waiting for a flight on the 20th... how was the transition?? i mean my friend told me ... they will provide free food in three days and give you cash advance for your needs... how about the contract and the medical, how well it turned to be??

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  5. Hi Erlene, I made a new blog entry for your query
    http://live-in-qatar.blogspot.com/2013/02/as-i-arrive-in-doha-tips-from-personal.html

    If you have any questions just post it here.. I'm making a website dedicated for all the querries you might have.. I've been there and I want to be of help. I know the anxieties...

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  6. hi lou, ask ko lang yung process about sa verification? panu un?at lahat ng employers mo papadalhan ng ganun?what if you have recommendation letters already?thanks hoping for your reply!

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  7. To: Rejane
    Re: Credentialing and Verification (Reference Inquiry forms from Hamad)
    You must submit 3 Reference Inquiry (3 superiors) only not all previous employment... If you have recommendation letters already from the person responsible to sign the reference inquiry then good, but you need the form (from HMC) to be signed and stamped from the company/hospital. Kung sino yung 3 employers/immediate supervisor na nagsign ng reference inquiry form mo, get an employment certificate din there kasi after all the credential and verification.. kapag may visa ka na din.. you'll need those employment certificates na ipa-authenticate sa Regional Trial Court (Manila City Hall) then Red Ribbon sa DFA.. then authenticate sa Qatar Embassy.... with your TOR/Diploma :)

    Again, iba ang employment certificate... You need 3 reference inquiry forms to be signed by the immediate supervisor, then same form to be stamped by the institution/hospital. As for me, my supervisors attached recommendation letters with it emphasizing that they were my immediate supervisor, that I reported to them... then they specified the period I worked there (just like what's written in the employment certificate...)

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  8. hi lou, thanks alot for answering all our inquiries... nababawasan tlga ang anxiety ko :) you're such a blessing ;) anyways, this form from HMC san ko to mkukuha?kse both of my tertiary hosp exp is in abroad... panu ung form na yun?thanks alot... and are they really calling the phone number nung ref. person mo? and in my last hospital here in KSA i have 3 ref. letter already, pwde bang d2 lht ung ref person ko?no prob?thanks alot..

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  9. Hi rejane, the reference inquiry form will be sent by the HMC HR to your email... When you receive it meaning you're at the stage of CREDENTIAL/VERIFICATION Stage... PM me at FB or gmail/google plus so I can answer some of your questions in private... :)

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  10. hi lou can u add me up in Fb? here's my email rejanecutiee@y.c di kase kta masearch.. hehehe..tnx alot for being a blessing..

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    Replies
    1. Hello lou ask ko lng ble how many months hinintay mu b4 ur visa arrived?

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