I disagree to the part you mentioned. Barring few exceptional cases, most of the people going to Gulf are not academically excellent lot. Some ppl are going for Tax-free income. The professionals are better exposed in their carreer at India than ME. Indian employers expect more output from the employees in commensurate with their remuneration offered than in ME. The ratio of employees for a particular job is more in ME than in India.
Pon
From India, Lucknow
604Pon
From India, Lucknow
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
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
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 Middle east, India or any other country per say
As an HR person, you should have one of the competencies as "business acumen" so that you understand business well and align the HR strategy with the business strategy so that HR and business working together to reach a common goal
This is a challenge in most of the companies at Middle east because the businesses carried out here are by the locals who have limited knowledge on the HR domain but if you look at the current trend, there are locals who have a strong command over HR and it was a big surprise to me because when i was here in middle east way back in 2003, the scenario was totally different.....
So, do not worry, things will change......
From Saudi Arabia, Jiddah
I feel that, HR can be valued in any organization when they join hands with business and become a part of it..... be it Middle east, India or any other country per say
As an HR person, you should have one of the competencies as "business acumen" so that you understand business well and align the HR strategy with the business strategy so that HR and business working together to reach a common goal
This is a challenge in most of the companies at Middle east because the businesses carried out here are by the locals who have limited knowledge on the HR domain but if you look at the current trend, there are locals who have a strong command over HR and it was a big surprise to me because when i was here in middle east way back in 2003, the scenario was totally different.....
So, do not worry, things will change......
From Saudi Arabia, Jiddah
Dear Mr. Pon,
Its not the case the way you are thinking. I do agree with you to certain extent. Your assumption about expats, not being academically excellent is wrong. For your kind information, PROFESSIONALS with SPECIALIZATIONS are having great demand in MIDDLE EAST. HR GENERALIST profile is being practiced and promoted in INDIA, but not in 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 respective discipline(domain). They are adding value to their role and had become a great asset to organisation.
We do have challenging roles to execute. We cannot ignore SAFETY, VIOLATE RULES/PROCEDURES as define/set by respective companies and QATAR GOVT as well. This, you will never find in India. Even Middle East employers expect more output from employees. Few are extremely paid well and few or not.
MIDDLE EAST is known for the best utilization of TECHNOLOGY. It has grown beyond our IMAGINATION. Except in Middle East, nowhere in the world you will find certain procedures being practiced.
The way GOVT. is focusing on SAFETY REGULATIONS, if a similar approach is adopted for promoting best HR PRACTICES/LAW/STANDARDS, i am sure employers will fine tune themselves.
I was comparing INDIAN LIFE STYLE with WESTERNERS. I felt that, it is we human's need to develop PROPORTIONAL QUALITY STANDARDS. If we are perfect, none can challenge us.
With profound regards
From India, Chennai
Its not the case the way you are thinking. I do agree with you to certain extent. Your assumption about expats, not being academically excellent is wrong. For your kind information, PROFESSIONALS with SPECIALIZATIONS are having great demand in MIDDLE EAST. HR GENERALIST profile is being practiced and promoted in INDIA, but not in 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 respective discipline(domain). They are adding value to their role and had become a great asset to organisation.
We do have challenging roles to execute. We cannot ignore SAFETY, VIOLATE RULES/PROCEDURES as define/set by respective companies and QATAR GOVT as well. This, you will never find in India. Even Middle East employers expect more output from employees. Few are extremely paid well and few or not.
MIDDLE EAST is known for the best utilization of TECHNOLOGY. It has grown beyond our IMAGINATION. Except in Middle East, nowhere in the world you will find certain procedures being practiced.
The way GOVT. is focusing on SAFETY REGULATIONS, if a similar approach is adopted for promoting best HR PRACTICES/LAW/STANDARDS, i am sure employers will fine tune themselves.
I was comparing INDIAN LIFE STYLE with WESTERNERS. I felt that, it is we human's need to develop PROPORTIONAL QUALITY STANDARDS. If we are perfect, none can challenge us.
With profound regards
From India, Chennai
Khadir,
There are exceptions but I speak about majority. I did not dwell on safety and technology. I agree the standards are far better than 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
There are exceptions but I speak about majority. I did not dwell on safety and technology. I agree the standards are far better than 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
The various treatise and analogies given in this discussion threads on the role of HR in the Gulf is excellent and depicting the true picture as I have functioned as an HR professional in the Gulf and returned to India after completing one contract for the same very reasons mentioned in the various threads. Also one more factor is that you can only make substantial savings if you do not take your family(as good family housing and education are very expensive) which makes the tenure even more painful. Also since the employment is contractual and each not exceeding two years it is not prudent to dislodge your family from the stable environment back at home. It is ok for bachelors and spinsters and CBC couples. This is my personal views/opinion based on my personal experience and hence no rejoinders pl in case of a difference in opinion with anyone. It is in no way to cast any deregatory aspersions on any person, race, region or entity.
Regards,
UG
From India, Bangalore
Regards,
UG
From India, Bangalore
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
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
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
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
Hussain,
You are absolutely right. Differential treatment is widespread there. white skin ppl are given more weightage than the Asians irrespective of qualification and experience. In some countries of ME like KSA & Kuwait, the personal liberties are restricted. For non-muslims, life in these countries will be very difficult as they can not worship their Gods or carry the Pics of God or keep in their rooms. In 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 salary band, in India also the same level of salary as in ME is offered but I.T.part is eroding the salary to a considerable extent particulary to those who fall in 30% I.T.bracket.
Pon
From India, Lucknow
You are absolutely right. Differential treatment is widespread there. white skin ppl are given more weightage than the Asians irrespective of qualification and experience. In some countries of ME like KSA & Kuwait, the personal liberties are restricted. For non-muslims, life in these countries will be very difficult as they can not worship their Gods or carry the Pics of God or keep in their rooms. In 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 salary band, in India also the same level of salary as in ME is offered but I.T.part is eroding the salary to a considerable extent particulary to those who fall in 30% I.T.bracket.
Pon
From India, Lucknow
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 corporate's 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, on boarding and follow exit procedure for getting employees out of the country.
Its like a circus, once the animals are old and cannot perform, sack them and get new ones.
But during interviews conducted to recruit HR's the managements ask all the questions in the book, but in realty they just want to show that they know all of it and just pretend that such systems are prevalent there, once you go there it shocking.
Like the gentlemen 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. he simply follows the way things are in his company finally tries to be good to his superiors and in the bargain looses out to the competition once he returns to his country and is no where considered for any position in his home country.
So once you have worked in Middle East forget about getting your self a job in HR any where 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 handful.
Sanath
From India, Bangalore
This is an interesting topic to debate or ponder over, but I have been in the Middle East and have worked for both corporate's 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, on boarding and follow exit procedure for getting employees out of the country.
Its like a circus, once the animals are old and cannot perform, sack them and get new ones.
But during interviews conducted to recruit HR's the managements ask all the questions in the book, but in realty they just want to show that they know all of it and just pretend that such systems are prevalent there, once you go there it shocking.
Like the gentlemen 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. he simply follows the way things are in his company finally tries to be good to his superiors and in the bargain looses out to the competition once he returns to his country and is no where considered for any position in his home country.
So once you have worked in Middle East forget about getting your self a job in HR any where 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 handful.
Sanath
From India, Bangalore
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