10 Important Things to Know If You Work as a Domestic Helper in Qatar

A number of our kababayans go to Qatar to work as domestic helpers. It is one of the go-to destinations for household work.

Working abroad has its pros and cons. It is also not without challenges.

ALSO READ: Is it Safe to Work as a Domestic Helper in Qatar?

Disclaimer:  The information posted here is based on the personal experiences shared by the OFW in the video below. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.

Tasks include cleaning the house

A Domestic Helper’s Life in Qatar

A lot of our kababayans are probably planning to work in Qatar as domestic helpers. But they are not sure what to expect once they are in the employer’s house. They are also unsure who to ask.

Today, we will look at this YouTube post from Ate Melanie. In her channel, DH in Qatar, she shares her experiences as a domestic helper.

Here are some pieces of information shared by Ate Melanie:

  1. As soon as you get to the airport, your agency will pick you up so you can get a medical exam first. The staff at the clinic will take an x-ray and blood sample. They will also give a medication. When you are cleared, you can then proceed to the employer’s house.
  2. The medical test in Qatar is stringent. If the x-ray result shows that you have scars in the lungs, you will be sent back to the Philippines.
  3. Remember that domestic helpers are given until three months to request a transfer to their agency. This reminder is especially important if the employer hurts or abuses the staff. After three months, the agency will no longer allow you to switch employers.
  4. Your Qatar ID (QID) will be processed on the 3rd The QID is an important document that you can present to show that you are legally working in Qatar. This ID should always be in your possession.

To process the ID, you will undergo another medical exam where the staff will get another blood sample. You will also go to the police station to get your picture taken. The QID will be available after three months.

  1. Some Qatari employers are stingy.
  2. Day-off is rarely granted to domestic helpers
  3. You will use English when conversing with your employers.
  4. The average salary of domestic helpers is QAR 1,460.
  5. Household staff usually comes in tandem. Filipinos are assigned to clean the house or take care of the children. The employers know that Filipinos are meticulous in cleaning so they are given this task. Meanwhile, Sri Lankans or Indians are assigned to cook. The household staff members are usually easy to get along with. However, our vlogger warns us to be careful in getting too close with some staffers. They can be tell-tales or badmouth you to the employer if they feel that you are getting more favors.
  6. Before going to Qatar, you will undergo some training:
  • The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will teach you basic Arabic words.
  • The Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) gives an overview of the destination country, the work contract, government resources, and financial literacy.
  • Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) will teach you basic cleaning skills and how to use equipment (like a vacuum cleaner or automatic washing machine) in the house.

Our vlogger learned a lot from the TESDA training. She uses the skills she gained in her work in Qatar.

Here is the link to her YouTube video:

In recent months, Qatar has opened to door for more domestic helpers. If you want to try your luck and apply for a job, you can research beforehand so you will have an idea. Know your rights as well.

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