Doha - Post Report Question and Answers
What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
There have been many employment options at the embassy with the AAU stuff. Though I don't work, I see posting frequently now for a variety of jobs, to include EPAP positions. Ageism is also present in Qatar with some educational jobs for example, noting to apply for those under 50. Teacher aide jobs at ASD often require or prefer Arabic speakers. There are opportunities to work into volunteering at the school though, if you are looking to fill time. Some people volunteer on the base but again it is not widely marketed and it comes down to who you know. - Oct 2023
Few jobs at the Embassy for EFM's due to the size and number of people. - Jul 2022
There are not many jobs in the Embassy for EFMs. The only jobs available are with the State Department. However, there are many EFMs (State and other agencies) applying for the positions. - Apr 2021
There is no bilateral work agreement with the U.S. and Qatar. A small handful of our EFMs work on the local market, and it takes some time and patience to find something. Having said that, the local market is booming with high-paying investment and oil jobs.
Most EFMs who want to work are employed at the U.S. mission. Our front office has been extremely proactive about employing any and all EFMs who want a job. - May 2017
Most US Embassy spouses work at the US Embassy, but some have jobs on the local market as professors or financial specialists. Salaries are generally similar to the U.S. from what I understand. - May 2017
if you can get a visa and sponsor. There is no job changing without sponsor permission. - May 2015
Mostly, yes. There's no spousal work agreement for diplomats, though, so getting one might be tricky and is kind of on a case-by-case basis. - Feb 2015
Possibly. I telecommute to California from here. - Apr 2012
An illiterate Arab will earn US$25,000/ month for being an Arab (government really gives free money to keep them quiet). - Mar 2012
There are plenty of job opportunities on the local economy, but due to legal restrictions it can be hard for the spouses of diplomats to get permits to work. - Mar 2012
Not particularly. You may find work at the school, and the embassy often has job postings. I am lucky in that I do consulting work for the US from home. This keeps me intellectually challenged and brings in extra money for family travel. - Jan 2012
Yes. Lots of my friends were able to find work if they wanted to. - Oct 2010
Yes. Many with excellent pay. Women, beware. Some jobs are posted "men only". There are some good EFM jobs available, too. - Dec 2009
Not really. There is a caste system here and people get paid according to nationality. - Sep 2008
