Journey to Qatar Part II

After the long wait, I reported to Universal Staffing to pay for the Insurances and get my ticket.  HMC will cover everything except for the Paramount Insurance, Philhealth, OWWA, etc.  The fee is still minimal compared to other agencies asking for placement fees.

The challenging part is leaving the family behind.   But with the great hope of a better future, I must be brave to go and do as I should.  Work in Doha, and in the future, get my family and be happy together in Doha, Qatar.

Via Gulf Air, I traveled with some people also hired by HMC.  While waiting for my flight at the Manila International Airport, Terminal I, Gate 3, someone approached me.  To my surprise, he was my classmate in highschool about 18 years ago.  Funny!  But we rode on the same plane.  He was going to Saudi Arabia and me...  going to Qatar.

At the plane, I have mixed emotions.  I am worried with my family at the same time I'm a little nervous of what lies ahead of me in Doha, as a first timer-OFW.  At the plane, I watched movies (so many) at the TOUCH SCREEN monitor.  The first movie I watched is Happy Feet 2.  I also watched Rush Hour 2, Every Breath You Take (Piolo and Angelica), Glee Series.  The rest room is at the middle.  Water is served every now and then or upon request.  There's a blanket and pillow provided and an earphone too for watching movies or listening to music.  At the monitor one can also see where the plane's location is.  I also played games at that monitor because I'm really getting bored and I don't want to think too much of home because I don't want bulgy eyes as I report to my Supervisor... :)  A satisfying lunch is also served. A snack was served too.    

There's a 2 hour stop over at Bahrain.  We met another HMC Staff who will be working with the others I'm with.  There are two more we haven't met.

At Bahrain, where we stop for 2 hours (with other HMC Staff)

At Doha Airport, passports were checked.  I realized that I should have brought dollar instead of peso because the money changer in Doha Airport won't change my peso to Qatar Riyal.  All of those I'm with were able to buy a Qtel Sim except me.  Luckily, the next day the husband of my flat mate came and brought us to Landmark.  A moneychanger there changed my peso to riyal.  I bought a sim and was able to contact my family to tell them I'm safe and fine.


Click here for the my TIPS from my Personal Experience in Doha for HMC Staff

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