I disagree with the part you mentioned. Except for a few exceptional cases, most of the people going to the Gulf are not academically excellent. Some people are going for tax-free income. The professionals have better exposure in their careers in India than in the Middle East. Indian employers expect more output from the employees commensurate with the remuneration offered compared to the Middle East. The ratio of employees for a particular job is higher in the Middle East than in India.
Pon
From India, Lucknow
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616Pon
From India, Lucknow
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I agree with Pon
Majority are quick fix basic commerce graduate ready to work in any capacity to settle in Gulfs Tax free Economy. I have come across more alarming trends, where professionals such as computer engineers are ready to work as mere accountant clerks or salesmen to remain in gulf.
Getting a job becomes the most important aim for many fresh graduates or frustrated experienced professionals from developing countries. Such desperation leads to their exploitation by employers. I have come across sad opinions from employers, that they can find a cheap resource from Asian countries at throw of some dimes.
One of the major reluctance, is towards behavioral training amongst top or senior level management. It is considered inferior or insulting to suggest management levels to go for behavioral training in order to understand team dynamics, leadership skills, emotional intelligence, cultural orientation etc.
Workers / employees are merely seen as resources available for a price. Any extra investment of resource or thought is a overhead expense. I have observed some remedial change in attitude in Banking Sector. To my surprise retail sector which is so dominant mainstay of Gulf economies also lacks strong performance management or HR philosophies. Most of the employee engagement is limited to lousy annual parties.
From Kuwait, Salmiya
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Majority are quick fix basic commerce graduate ready to work in any capacity to settle in Gulfs Tax free Economy. I have come across more alarming trends, where professionals such as computer engineers are ready to work as mere accountant clerks or salesmen to remain in gulf.
Getting a job becomes the most important aim for many fresh graduates or frustrated experienced professionals from developing countries. Such desperation leads to their exploitation by employers. I have come across sad opinions from employers, that they can find a cheap resource from Asian countries at throw of some dimes.
One of the major reluctance, is towards behavioral training amongst top or senior level management. It is considered inferior or insulting to suggest management levels to go for behavioral training in order to understand team dynamics, leadership skills, emotional intelligence, cultural orientation etc.
Workers / employees are merely seen as resources available for a price. Any extra investment of resource or thought is a overhead expense. I have observed some remedial change in attitude in Banking Sector. To my surprise retail sector which is so dominant mainstay of Gulf economies also lacks strong performance management or HR philosophies. Most of the employee engagement is limited to lousy annual parties.
From Kuwait, Salmiya
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Hi all,
I feel that HR can be valued in any organization when they join hands with business and become a part of it, be it the Middle East, India, or any other country per se. As an HR person, you should have one of the competencies as "business acumen" so that you understand the business well and align the HR strategy with the business strategy, enabling HR and business to work together to reach a common goal.
This is a challenge in most companies in the Middle East because the businesses carried out here are by the locals who have limited knowledge of the HR domain. However, looking at the current trend, there are locals who have a strong command over HR, which was a big surprise to me because when I was here in the Middle East way back in 2003, the scenario was totally different.
So, do not worry, things will change.
From Saudi Arabia, Jiddah
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I feel that HR can be valued in any organization when they join hands with business and become a part of it, be it the Middle East, India, or any other country per se. As an HR person, you should have one of the competencies as "business acumen" so that you understand the business well and align the HR strategy with the business strategy, enabling HR and business to work together to reach a common goal.
This is a challenge in most companies in the Middle East because the businesses carried out here are by the locals who have limited knowledge of the HR domain. However, looking at the current trend, there are locals who have a strong command over HR, which was a big surprise to me because when I was here in the Middle East way back in 2003, the scenario was totally different.
So, do not worry, things will change.
From Saudi Arabia, Jiddah
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Dear Mr. Pon,
It's not the case the way you are thinking. I do agree with you to a certain extent. Your assumption about expats not being academically excellent is wrong. For your kind information, professionals with specializations are in great demand in the Middle East. The HR Generalist profile is being practiced and promoted in India but not in the Middle East.
Certifications (specialization) add great value to our profile. There are nationalities doing better than Indians (holding degrees including Masters) with just specialized certifications in their respective discipline (domain). They are adding value to their role and have become a great asset to the organization.
We do have challenging roles to execute. We cannot ignore safety, violate rules/procedures as defined/set by respective companies, and the Qatari government as well. This, you will never find in India. Even Middle East employers expect more output from employees. Some are extremely well-paid, and some are not.
The Middle East is known for the best utilization of technology. It has grown beyond our imagination. Except in the Middle East, nowhere in the world will you find certain procedures being practiced.
The way the government is focusing on safety regulations, if a similar approach is adopted for promoting the best HR practices, laws, and standards, I am sure employers will fine-tune themselves.
I was comparing the Indian lifestyle with that of Westerners. I felt that it is our human need to develop proportional quality standards. If we are perfect, no one can challenge us.
With profound regards
From India, Chennai
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It's not the case the way you are thinking. I do agree with you to a certain extent. Your assumption about expats not being academically excellent is wrong. For your kind information, professionals with specializations are in great demand in the Middle East. The HR Generalist profile is being practiced and promoted in India but not in the Middle East.
Certifications (specialization) add great value to our profile. There are nationalities doing better than Indians (holding degrees including Masters) with just specialized certifications in their respective discipline (domain). They are adding value to their role and have become a great asset to the organization.
We do have challenging roles to execute. We cannot ignore safety, violate rules/procedures as defined/set by respective companies, and the Qatari government as well. This, you will never find in India. Even Middle East employers expect more output from employees. Some are extremely well-paid, and some are not.
The Middle East is known for the best utilization of technology. It has grown beyond our imagination. Except in the Middle East, nowhere in the world will you find certain procedures being practiced.
The way the government is focusing on safety regulations, if a similar approach is adopted for promoting the best HR practices, laws, and standards, I am sure employers will fine-tune themselves.
I was comparing the Indian lifestyle with that of Westerners. I felt that it is our human need to develop proportional quality standards. If we are perfect, no one can challenge us.
With profound regards
From India, Chennai
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Khadir,
There are exceptions, but I speak about the majority. I did not dwell on safety and technology. I agree that the standards are far better than in India. I had been at ME for some time in Oil & Gas, and my views are from my experience. Whether you agree or not, the reality is seen there AFAIK.
Pon
From India, Lucknow
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There are exceptions, but I speak about the majority. I did not dwell on safety and technology. I agree that the standards are far better than in India. I had been at ME for some time in Oil & Gas, and my views are from my experience. Whether you agree or not, the reality is seen there AFAIK.
Pon
From India, Lucknow
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The various treatises and analogies given in this discussion thread on the role of HR in the Gulf are excellent and depict the true picture. I have functioned as an HR professional in the Gulf and returned to India after completing one contract for the same reasons mentioned in the various threads.
Another factor to consider is that you can only make substantial savings if you do not take your family along, as good family housing and education are very expensive. This makes the tenure even more painful. Additionally, since employment is contractual, with each contract not exceeding two years, it is not prudent to uproot your family from the stable environment back home. It may be suitable for bachelors, spinsters, and CBC couples.
These are my personal views and opinions based on my experience, and I do not intend to engage in debate if there are differing opinions. My words are not meant to cast derogatory aspersions on any person, race, region, or entity.
Regards,
UG
From India, Bangalore
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Another factor to consider is that you can only make substantial savings if you do not take your family along, as good family housing and education are very expensive. This makes the tenure even more painful. Additionally, since employment is contractual, with each contract not exceeding two years, it is not prudent to uproot your family from the stable environment back home. It may be suitable for bachelors, spinsters, and CBC couples.
These are my personal views and opinions based on my experience, and I do not intend to engage in debate if there are differing opinions. My words are not meant to cast derogatory aspersions on any person, race, region, or entity.
Regards,
UG
From India, Bangalore
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Hi Readers
Gulf Corporates offer higher pay packages to attract expat workers. Gulf needs large number of unskilled or skilled workers and professionals to run their country. There is unsaid, unwritten practice of racism prevailing in country I work. My observation or POV may be wrong for other gulf countries.
There is acceptable discrimination in pay scales for similar job profiles at lower level management across ethnic diversity.
Asian Workers (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Philipines, others) are paid reasonably lesser than Citizens, Arabs, Westerners in the employment markets. This view cannot be generalized for entire economy but its an acceptable general practice amongst small-medium levels enterprises.
Cost of living and housing is relatively high and expensive for all, thus savings are less and quality of life is good but need to adjust a lot. Number of bachelors (married/unmarried men away from family) live in hordes together struggling in compact flats. Living a regimented existence of work-eat-sleep-repeat.
On other hand, well of qualified professionals are paid handsomely and live a life of utmost luxury, driving exclusive cars, sea view flats and comfortable life amidst modern amenities. Such expat professionals are usually westerners or prefentials arabs (Lebanon, Jordans, GCC nationals )
Above Middle class majority consist of fairly educated Asian and developing country professionals who live on balanced edges of income and expenses. Struggling with average income and rising living expenses.
Compensation and equal employment opportunity laws are not very exhaustive and not effectively implemented.
From Kuwait, Salmiya
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Gulf Corporates offer higher pay packages to attract expat workers. Gulf needs large number of unskilled or skilled workers and professionals to run their country. There is unsaid, unwritten practice of racism prevailing in country I work. My observation or POV may be wrong for other gulf countries.
There is acceptable discrimination in pay scales for similar job profiles at lower level management across ethnic diversity.
Asian Workers (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Philipines, others) are paid reasonably lesser than Citizens, Arabs, Westerners in the employment markets. This view cannot be generalized for entire economy but its an acceptable general practice amongst small-medium levels enterprises.
Cost of living and housing is relatively high and expensive for all, thus savings are less and quality of life is good but need to adjust a lot. Number of bachelors (married/unmarried men away from family) live in hordes together struggling in compact flats. Living a regimented existence of work-eat-sleep-repeat.
On other hand, well of qualified professionals are paid handsomely and live a life of utmost luxury, driving exclusive cars, sea view flats and comfortable life amidst modern amenities. Such expat professionals are usually westerners or prefentials arabs (Lebanon, Jordans, GCC nationals )
Above Middle class majority consist of fairly educated Asian and developing country professionals who live on balanced edges of income and expenses. Struggling with average income and rising living expenses.
Compensation and equal employment opportunity laws are not very exhaustive and not effectively implemented.
From Kuwait, Salmiya
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Dear Sachin
As a brotherly advise, think your options before venturing into gulf. India is our home, our country and prospering. Look for the best option within India. If you are ok to relocating then, why not explore India !
If you are still tempted to go to Gulf, then remember few pointers:
Do not buy an expensive VISA and land in gulf looking for a job. Its expensive, money draining and illegal.
Do not pay any guarantee or commission to job agents promising you job in gulf.
Do not fall into hands of immigration, VISA Processing, PCC, Medical agents charging money to get you clear papers.
Keep applying for companies in Gulf and better be sponsored with clear terms and condition understood and acceptable by you.
Learn Arabic as language, it shall help you find better prospects.
You may seek for opportunities in gulf at following websites
Bayt.com
Wazeefa1.com
Gulftalent.com
Akhtaboot.com
Alghanim.com
Alshaya.com
Careerhunters.com
Number1job.net
Kuwaitpocketguide.com
From Kuwait, Salmiya
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As a brotherly advise, think your options before venturing into gulf. India is our home, our country and prospering. Look for the best option within India. If you are ok to relocating then, why not explore India !
If you are still tempted to go to Gulf, then remember few pointers:
Do not buy an expensive VISA and land in gulf looking for a job. Its expensive, money draining and illegal.
Do not pay any guarantee or commission to job agents promising you job in gulf.
Do not fall into hands of immigration, VISA Processing, PCC, Medical agents charging money to get you clear papers.
Keep applying for companies in Gulf and better be sponsored with clear terms and condition understood and acceptable by you.
Learn Arabic as language, it shall help you find better prospects.
You may seek for opportunities in gulf at following websites
Bayt.com
Wazeefa1.com
Gulftalent.com
Akhtaboot.com
Alghanim.com
Alshaya.com
Careerhunters.com
Number1job.net
Kuwaitpocketguide.com
From Kuwait, Salmiya
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Hussain,
You are absolutely right. Differential treatment is widespread there. White-skinned people are given more weightage than Asians, irrespective of qualification and experience. In some countries of the Middle East like KSA and Kuwait, personal liberties are restricted. For non-Muslims, life in these countries will be very difficult as they cannot worship their Gods, carry the pictures of God, or keep them in their rooms. In the UAE, though personal liberties are guaranteed to some extent, the cost of living is high. Oman is the best place as they allow all religions to practice their own way.
On the salary band, in India, the same level of salary as in the Middle East is offered, but the IT sector is eroding the salary to a considerable extent, particularly for those who fall in the 30% IT bracket.
Pon
From India, Lucknow
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You are absolutely right. Differential treatment is widespread there. White-skinned people are given more weightage than Asians, irrespective of qualification and experience. In some countries of the Middle East like KSA and Kuwait, personal liberties are restricted. For non-Muslims, life in these countries will be very difficult as they cannot worship their Gods, carry the pictures of God, or keep them in their rooms. In the UAE, though personal liberties are guaranteed to some extent, the cost of living is high. Oman is the best place as they allow all religions to practice their own way.
On the salary band, in India, the same level of salary as in the Middle East is offered, but the IT sector is eroding the salary to a considerable extent, particularly for those who fall in the 30% IT bracket.
Pon
From India, Lucknow
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Dear All,
This is an interesting topic to debate or ponder over, but I have been in the Middle East and have worked for both corporates and consulting companies. I have the following views:
HR is treated as a cost center and has no value in the management structure. All you do is recruit, maintain payroll, onboard, and follow exit procedures for getting employees out of the country. It's like a circus - once the animals are old and cannot perform, sack them and get new ones.
During interviews conducted to recruit HR professionals, the managements ask all the questions in the book. In reality, they just want to show that they know all of it and pretend that such systems are prevalent there. Once you go there, it is shocking.
Like the gentleman quoted above, there is no PMS system in place; only the favored rise up to the ranks of decision-making. So you know what happens to the employee who has worked in a structured system - they simply follow the way things are in his company, finally trying to be good to his superiors, and in the bargain, lose out to the competition once he returns to his country and is nowhere considered for any position in his home country.
So once you have worked in the Middle East, forget about getting yourself a job in HR anywhere else.
Having said all of that, I see some companies which are making efforts to bring in changes to attract and retain talent, but that's only a handful.
Sanath
From India, Bangalore
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This is an interesting topic to debate or ponder over, but I have been in the Middle East and have worked for both corporates and consulting companies. I have the following views:
HR is treated as a cost center and has no value in the management structure. All you do is recruit, maintain payroll, onboard, and follow exit procedures for getting employees out of the country. It's like a circus - once the animals are old and cannot perform, sack them and get new ones.
During interviews conducted to recruit HR professionals, the managements ask all the questions in the book. In reality, they just want to show that they know all of it and pretend that such systems are prevalent there. Once you go there, it is shocking.
Like the gentleman quoted above, there is no PMS system in place; only the favored rise up to the ranks of decision-making. So you know what happens to the employee who has worked in a structured system - they simply follow the way things are in his company, finally trying to be good to his superiors, and in the bargain, lose out to the competition once he returns to his country and is nowhere considered for any position in his home country.
So once you have worked in the Middle East, forget about getting yourself a job in HR anywhere else.
Having said all of that, I see some companies which are making efforts to bring in changes to attract and retain talent, but that's only a handful.
Sanath
From India, Bangalore
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