How to Move and Immigrate to Qatar as a Teacher?

Immigrating to Qatar as a teacher is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! The country has seen a remarkable expansion in recent years, making it the richest country in the world and, as a result, an appealing location for international teachers due to the opportunities and grades of jobs available. As a result, teachers are flocking to the tiny country known as the “new Dubai” because of its prestigious private international schools, competitive pay, magnificent coastline of beaches and dunes, and ultramodern capital, Doha.

This essay will tell you how to immigrate to Qatar as a teacher, the requirements, salaries, etc.

Table of Contents

The Education System in Qatar

Until recently, Qatar’s state schools were overseen by the Qatari Ministry of Education and the Supreme Education Council. There are, however, many private schools and international schools that provide different variants or adaptations of international curricula.

In contrast to Dubai, where over 90% of schools and colleges are private, education in Qatar is free. In addition, Qatar established the Education for a New Era initiative in 2002 to transition to more student-centered learning techniques, in which instructors were encouraged to lead and promote learning rather than impose it.

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What Teaching Jobs Are Available in Qatar?

Because of the huge number of expatriates and the rise of foreign schools in Qatar, educational institutions are searching for more than only English instructors.

In reality, most schools want trained teachers with experience teaching elementary and secondary school topics in foreign schools where English is already the primary language of instruction.

It is critical to distinguish between International Teachers and English teachers. Unfortunately, Qatar is mostly focused on the former.

In most cases, teachers will have the choice of teaching at an international school, an English language institution, or private tutoring.

Language Schools

There is a high demand for teachers in these institutions since many Qatari adults want to improve their English skills. Adult learners, corporate professionals, and young kids are taught in language schools. You may be required to work after school, in the evenings, or on weekends.

Immigrant teachers at language schools will require a degree and TEFL certification. Therefore, there will be more opportunities for those with more experience. However, there is evidence that you may still find work without a degree, but the possibilities are generally less secure and pay less.

Private International Schools

International schools are usually private institutions always looking for International Baccalaureate instructors in disciplines other than English. To mention a few, native English speakers may be asked to teach arithmetic, science, and even geography!

It’s particularly vital to prepare if you’re going to work in a private institution because they aren’t always compelled to conform to national standards. How the school runs may differ from what you’re used to in other countries.

Independent, international schools provide their pupils with a superior learning atmosphere. Therefore, these organizations are only looking for highly qualified, experienced workers.

Pupils at international schools study in both English and Arabic. Thus instructors of all disciplines are required. High-quality secondary-level instructors are constantly in need, as in many other nations, with a particular interest in Science and Math.

Tutoring

Tutoring is a fantastic way to supplement your income after school or on weekends, and you may earn between 100 and 350 QAR per hour (approximately £20-£70). However, in Qatar, you will need to market your skills, publish on internet job boards, and create the necessary connections to obtain the desired positions and income.

Qatar Kafala System

Before you immigrate to Qatar as a teacher, you need to know about the Kafala system. The Kafala system in Qatar binds workers to their employers, limiting their freedom of mobility. When you arrive in the nation, you must submit your passport to your employer, which will be returned if you are granted an exit visa to go overseas.

It also implies that an employer, a family member, or an organization must sponsor anyone working in the nation. To leave the country, you must receive permission to depart or an exit visa; however, the institution you work for should be fine, presenting you with an exit visa. If you have an interview with a Qatari school, find out what kind of method they use in this regard.

The good news is that the kafala system is poised to be eliminated due to external pressure and Qatar’s aim to create a more modern view of itself. However, the Advisory Council and the country’s ruler have yet to approve the change in legislation, although it is likely to be approved shortly.

The Required Documents to Immigrate to Qatar as a Teacher

To immigrate to Qatar as a teacher, you need to have the following documents:

Bachelor’s degree, preferably 4-year teaching degree or an undergraduate degree with a PGCE
Your age must be at least 18 years old and no older than 50.
At least two years of effective teaching experience, with prominent schools typically requiring more than five years.
English Language Schools will demand a Bachelor’s degree and TEFL/TESOL certification, preferably with experience.

Other requirements include:

Complete document legalization and authentication
Check your criminal record in your own country.
In Qatar, a medical examination will be conducted.
Long-term contracts (1-3 years)
Generally, comprehensive qualifications are required to teach in Qatar, particularly if you plan to work in an international or private school.

Teaching Requirements for International Schools

Qualifying teaching certificate for the type of school (primary or secondary) you will teach.
No criminal record. Police clearance from your country.
Good general health is required to pass a medical exam in Qatar and obtain a work visa/permit and residence.
Teaching experience of 2 or more years; some institutions prefer 5 years or more.
A signed contract to teach for one to three years, most often with a firm that owns the school.
A BSc, BA, BEd undergraduate degree, PGDE, or PGCE teaching qualification is required.
Degree in the topic you’ll be teaching.
In Qatar, you can finish a NOT year at a British school.

School teacher openings in Qatar are occasionally available for freshly qualified instructors. However, schools are also competing to attract qualified classroom teachers. Therefore, jobs are provided to new educators with one year of classroom teaching experience.

How Much Money Can I Earn Teaching in Qatar?

High salaries are a good reason to move to Qatar. The average teacher pay in Qatar is QAR 9,500 per month, with salaries ranging from QAR 9,500 to QAR 25,500 depending on the sector, employment location, and applicant profile.

Primary school teachers: 108,090 QR
Secondary school teachers: 130,200 QR
Subject teachers:
- Math: 135,400 QR
- English: 152,911 QR
- Science: 132,000 QR
- ICT: 135,400 QR
- History: 147,600 QR

One of the most significant advantages of a teacher’s salary in Qatar is that your income is completely tax-free. When you consider possible free accommodation and other advantages that may be included in your contract, this becomes a very appealing possibility. As a result, salaries are about 10-15% higher than in Dubai.

What are the Working Conditions of an Immigrant Teacher in Qatar?

Before you begin teaching in Qatar, obtaining a sense of the country’s culture is a good idea. On average, you should work 20-30 hours weekly in classes, plus extra preparation time.

Teaching assistants will frequently assist you in the classroom by handling administrative responsibilities. If your Arabic isn’t great, you could also hire a translator. Schools are often well-equipped in terms of resources and helpful people, making them a very appealing prospect for foreigners.

The end of the week in Qatar is Friday; therefore, your additional day off will be either Thursday or Saturday, but the former is more common.

During Ramadan, the working day is limited to six hours. This should technically apply to everyone who works at the school, but it may only be provided to Muslim employees who will be fasting during the day.

Teachers’ experience in Qatar will vary since everyone’s perception of what is ‘easy’ or ‘difficult’ differs. How you adapt to the nation will significantly influence how you feel about your teaching career, so do as much research as possible before taking a position to ensure you are comfortable with what the country offers.

The Cost of Living in Qatar

The cost of life in Qatar could surprise you. A foreign single person’s monthly cost is estimated to be 3,174 QAR. As a result, instructors in this lovely nation may expect to save anywhere from $1,500 to $2500 per month.

If you reside in the heart of Doha, the capital city, your rent will skyrocket, as will the cost of goods and services. However, public transportation remains inexpensive, especially with its famed high-speed metro system.

This makes Qatar an excellent alternative for instructors to immigrate to Qatar as a teacher, especially teachers interested in Arabic nations, with the added benefit of saving a lot of money!

How are the Students in Qatar?

Students are empowered to be creative and independent learners due to the EFNE program. As a result, many of them are extremely attentive and hardworking. Many kids will come from diverse origins if you work in an international school. Qatar is a worldwide educational hub.

While you will most likely be teaching students from various Arabic nations, Australia, or the United States, students can come from anywhere in the world. Instructor-student connections are centered on developing a personal bond in which the teacher understands intimate facts about each student.

Because institutions strongly recognize this devotion, remaining involved in each student’s activities and news is crucial to working as a teacher in Qatar. In addition, teaching in Qatar often entails instructing students from all over the world, including neighboring Arab nations, Australia, the United States, and beyond!

It is critical to connecting with each and every one of your pupils on a personal and professional level. Show an interest in them and help them feel comfortable in your classroom; you will learn as much from them as they will from you!

This is even more essential than punctuality, so put your Western beliefs aside and relax as you imbibe this new culture that values connections and relaxation above lateness and anxious professors!

Qatar Teacher Jobs

There are many online platforms to find teaching jobs in Qatar. Here you can see a list of some websites that offer jobs:

tes.com
jobs.theguardian.com
qa.indeed.com
seekteachers.com
edarabia.com
reed.co.uk
teachingabroaddirect.co.uk
naukrigulf.com
teachaway.com

What are the Benefits of Immigrating to Qatar as a Teacher?

You can expect the following benefits when you immigrate to Qatar as a teacher:

Aside from the obvious financial benefits, Qatar provides a one-of-a-kind experience for international workers.
It is a fantastic spot to spend a year teaching English overseas, but there are also several options for long-term instructors to further their careers.
Teachers will benefit from the extensive training and growth opportunities foreign or private schools provide.
The school schedule allows instructors to have a good work-life balance, which is perfect for individuals with other commitments, whether professional or familial.
Under the stress of a teaching profession, there is little likelihood of burnout. Meanwhile, a tax-free paycheck with free housing means there is no financial concern.

Qatar International School Teachers’ Benefits

Salary packages for international school teaching employment as a classroom instructor range from 9,500 to 17,000 QR tax-free per month. Experience, credentials, and level determine how to pay as a classroom teacher and the place of origin. As a school principal, you will be given tax-free pay comparable to western school wages.

Qatar teacher salaries also include the following benefits:

Your return flight to your home country is free, as is the luggage allowance.
Paid housing and utilities or an allowance
First month upfront payment for settling in allowance
Health insurance coverage (Not all schools)
Gratuity at the end of the contract Salary payments ranges from 21 days to one month for each year worked.
One or more of your children will receive a free school place.

Visa Application Process to Immigrate to Qatar as a Teacher

To work and live in Qatar, you must first request a Work Resident Permit (RP). It must be validated by the school where you will be working.

The school may offer to complete all necessary paperwork on your behalf to make things easier. In this situation, the employer should apply for a temporary visa that can later be converted to an RP. This normally takes 4 weeks to complete, so prepare when applying for employment.

You should stay in the nation while your temporary visa is converted to a permanent one. Then, if you have an RP and family members eager to join you, they will be allowed to go to Qatar to settle in. You can also apply from home before flying, which may take many months.

If you want to learn more about getting Qatar work visas, read our article.

Can Immigrant Teachers Bring their Family Members to Qatar?

Every family member residing in Qatar, including babies, will require their own unique Family Residence Visa. As a result, expatriates working in Qatar will be able to sponsor their entire families.

After staying in Qatar for at least 12 months, your residence permit may need to be renewed, which the school may handle on your behalf. The visa is valid for 1-5 years and must be renewed to remain in Qatar lawfully.

Insurance for Immigrant Teachers in Qatar

When you immigrate to Qatar as a teacher and want to drive, you must have at least third-party liability insurance, which covers property damage and injury claims filed by third parties. There is no national social security program in Qatar, so the institution you work for may provide a contribution-based life insurance system. Private insurance plans can provide coverage for unemployment and disability benefits, while private pension plans can give contributions toward retirement.

Healthcare for Immigrant Teachers in Qatar

All Qataris enjoy the public healthcare system through their healthcare card. Qatar is sponsored by its oil riches, which ensures that its medical facilities are of the highest quality. The healthcare card costs roughly QR100 (around £22 as of April 2020) and provides access to Qatar’s 12 public hospitals and 27 regional centers. This will provide you with discounted pricing for the necessary therapy.

Private healthcare is another alternative for foreigners, and the country’s booming economy means that the number of services offered continues to expand. The following are Qatar’s major private hospitals:

Doha Clinic
American Hospital
Al Emadi Hospital
Al Alhi Hospital

The cost of these services will vary depending on the firm and package you choose and the sort of care needed. Of course, the degree of coverage you pay for each money is determined by the teacher salary you receive from the school in Qatar.

Banking for Immigrant Teachers in Qatar

The Qatar Central Bank regulates the banking industry in Qatar, and some of the most well-known commercial banks in Qatar include:

Commercial Bank of Qatar
Qatar Islamic Bank
Ahli Bank
Qatar International Islamic Bank
Qatar National Bank (QNB)
Doha Bank
International Bank of Qatar

If you are offered a position from a school in Qatar, ask if they will open a bank account for you and learn more about the organization to verify it provides the perks you require. Of course, you can change at any moment, but you may find it more practical to continue with the recommended bank.

Dress Code for Teachers in Qatar

A dress code is required for a female educator since she serves as a role model for her female students. However, some instructors may not follow the dress code since they are young and unskilled and may have started teaching immediately after graduating from secondary school. Ensure your shoulders and knees are covered, and avoid wearing anything too tight. Your clothes will be fine as long as they cover your shoulders and are longer than your knees. Light materials are especially important in August. The more flow there is, the better!

Men, however, have fewer alternatives than women and are limited to putting on a shirt, tie, and pants daily. Some schools let male teachers wear short-sleeved shirts, so check before packing your luggage full of them. Also, tattoos on arms must be covered; therefore, you may be forced to wear shirts with long sleeves all year. Finally, bring light clothes; linen and cotton are wonderful fabrics since they are airy.

Let’s Sum Up

Qatar has emerged as an increasingly enticing alternative for teacher ex-pats with a thriving international school scene with sun, sea, and beaches at every turn. And there’s much for adventurous instructors to see and do, from historic souks and museums showcasing Qatar’s rich heritage to water parks and trendy eateries.

There is a migratory population and numerous good foreign schools, like many Middle Eastern nations. Teachers with knowledge of the British curriculum are in great demand and highly regarded in their profession. Because more than 99 percent of private school instructors in Qatar are foreign, support networks for international teachers are widely developed.

If you have any experience teaching in Qatar, please write them in the comment section.