How to negotiate with your future employer?

Before I discuss how you will be negotiating your salary and benefits with your future employer, I think it’s key to discuss how the city and lifestyle really is in Dubai. It’s vital to spend time researching the purchasing power of your paycheck. No doubt Dubai is a beautiful city and is expanding exponentially but you have to know how to keep yourself happy once you are living and working there.

First, apart from your basic monthly expenditure, you have to consider occasional shopping, dinner, taking the bus or taxi OR car payments and insurance, just to name a few. No doubt in a luxurious city like Dubai, it is very hard to numb yourself from the glamour that Dubai has to offer. So, you have to make sure you find a job that not only covers your basic expenses but your lifestyle as well.

For example, if you will be living by yourself, you can consider living in a hostel or hotel apartment instead of renting out a villa. Instead of renting a car, you may want to take the bus to work. Once again, you really don’t know how all this will affect you ahead of time but it helps to make a list and just jot down your daily expenses. This will give you an idea of what your additional monthly expenses really are. When you are making this list, think hard and be true to yourself. Don’t NOT ADD expenses when you know that you will end up spending money on shopping and entertainment! It’s also useful to use your social skills and start NETWORK-ing!

Use any contacts you have in Dubai such as friends or family and get as much information as you possibly can about how much expenses, other than basic accommodation, cost. It’s also useful to find out how much food would cost per month. Most single expats find they live comfortable on Dhs.1000 a month only if they cook at home everyday. The number varies considerably if you will be going out for dinner every other day! It’s also useful to know where your job will be based out of so that you can do some research on accommodation within the area. Dubai is also a very busy city and if you live far away from where you will be working, you can spend anywhere from 1-2 hours of commute, one way only. Once again, you may want to use your networking skills and find more information about finding accommodation in the area which you will be working.

So, before you think about negotiating your salary, get a better understanding of the lifestyle first. For example, depending on the country which you are from, you feel as though you are getting a very good deal but then don’t forget to consider the lifestyle in Dubai and how it’s different from your native country. Will it really be worth it to move from the comfort of your home, your friends and family, to live in a cramped apartment taking the bus to work?

Also, don’t forget that it’s not easy to switch jobs in Dubai. First off, you are in a contract with the employer for a certain amount of time. Second, it’s not easy to switch your visa. The only exception is if your title is found in the list of professions exempt from the ban as indicated by the Dubai Immigration Department, then you will be able to switch jobs with some ease. In most cases, it is very difficult to switch your job and if you do break the contract with the employer, you’ll probably get a six month ban. In which case, you will have to return to your home country.

Keep in mind that you have to make sure you get a package which is decent enough to support you and, most importantly, keep you happy while you are working. With that in mind, you may want to support your negotiations with information on what job is worth at market value keeping in mind your salary history.

Once you know what you should be earning, how do you go about getting it?

First, be very patient. Don’t bring up compensation until the employer makes you an offer or mentions it himself. It is common for the employer to ask what your salary expectations are. You don’t have to answer right away. Most job seekers would usually ask the employer to provide more details about the responsibilities and challenges of the job before discussing the salary. Another useful option is to provide a salary range to the employer only after you have done some research for the industry or profession you are targeting.

Keep in mind that the employer may have a budget or established salary structure for you; in this case, it’s really up to you if you are willing to settle for a lower salary. At this point, you may want to ask if there is possibility of a raise in the future because if won’t be included in your contract, you will be stuck with the same salary for two to three years.

Unlike employers in Canada and USA, you would want to avoid telling the employer you will think about the offer and get back to them because it will be very difficult for you to get in touch with the same person who interviewed you or offered you the job. Unless the employer has told you that they will get back to you in which case you’ll have to wait till the employer approaches you the second time.

Overall, be positive! Whatever stage of negotiations you are at, remember to be positive and reiterate your interest in the position. If you feel that the position sounds like the perfect job, consider whether the company culture, benefits and flexibility and the job itself is worth it to you – regardless of the salary.

After discussing the salary and benefits, if you are absolutely sure that you do not want to continue with the offer, feel free to say “No” However, don’t expect the employer to come back to you. Expatriates are flocking to Dubai daily and employers there do not have a lack of prospects to choose from!

For more info visit : www.jobsindubai.com 

HIDDEN CRIES BEHIND THE GLITZ AND GLAMOR

The tall Burj Dubai stood proud and unaffected by the dooms that fell upon the people walking by it. Reflecting glamour and prestige awed by the middle class and bought by the rich. The model city illustrated poetry and masterpieces of undefined art work, where everything seemed like a movie set. Watching people gamble the rates with buyers and sellers, I stood stunned as million dirham’s were bartered as if exchanging a piece of chocolate. Standing besides only those who wore Versace and Louis Vuittion, I felt small in the outfit I thought was my best buy from an unknown designer.

Walking out of the surreal experience, and standing under the blazing heat, one realizes that the realities of Dubai are different for those working with a bear minimum. Mrinalini K, a marketing manager in a leading publishing house has a management job title, but is paid only enough to survive with her family of three. “My husband and I spend 12 hours working to make sure we don’t lose our jobs to provide the best for our son. I still feel exploited as the extra work provides me with no compensation.” Arlene Thomas, holding Bachelors in Education, migrated to UAE in hope of a better lifestyle. Instead she finds herself with a low paying administrative position, with no job security. “After spending several months, with no positive results, I was running out of money to survive and settled for what ever came through. I churn, at the thought of other people less qualified than my self getting good jobs with superfluous salaries, just because they come in from upper middle class families carrying western degrees.” The same story carried along many others who are only just surviving through hardships of paying high rents, school fees and doubled priced grocery bills.

The announcement of Salik tolls being tagged on every bridge in Dubai, high parking meters on every street, rising gas prices and meter taxis starting their journey from 3dhs, has made commuting a nightmare. People travel in shared rides, buses and by foot because they are unable to afford. Even though the city boasts of being tax-free every individual is victimized indirectly. There has been a severe fall in the no. of immigrants to Dubai, as most are offered better salaries and lifestyles in their hometown. Multinational companies are settling their branches in lesser developed countries as they find the labor relatively cheaper than the ones offered in the Middle East. Benefiting from this many prefer to stay in their homes, where they can enjoy good lifestyles with their families. A salary of 4000/-Dhs was once considered a good package, today; it is looked down upon and can only be consumed to pay for one of the incurred expenses. Kalpana Gaglani has been living in Dubai for the past 30 years. “I have made this my home, and have been a victim to several unreasonable changes. In other foreign cities, most people my age settle in with retirement but my husband and I work extra hard only to pay for all the unforeseen expenses. We have enrolled in several training programs to update our skills in order to retain our jobs and survive.”

Beautiful projects are created in this city; unfortunately it can only be relished by a small population as the stylishly revamped infrastructure has no room for the masses. It is important for one, to be educated in being presentable and polished, there are several job openings, but to beat the competition, one has to come across unique and different. Living in this glamorous city is a dream but only has room for the “Survival of the fittest!”

Nofel Izz
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Dubai Visa Requirements

Visas and more...
This article will outline some useful guidelines to different types of visas and how to obtain them. There are different types of visas:

§ Visit visa/entry visa
§ Tourist visa
§ 14 day transit visa
§ 96 hour transit visa

OBTAINING A VISIT VISA

a) On Arrival:

If you are a passport holder of any of the following countries, you can obtain a visit visa upon arrival:

Andorra
Hong Kong
Portugal
Australia
Iceland
San Marino
Austria
Ireland
Singapore
Belgium
Italy
South Korea
Brunei
Japan
Spain
Canada
Liechtenstein
Sweden
Denmark
Luxembourg
Switzerland
Finland
Malaysia
UK
France
Monaco
USA
Germany
Netherlands
Vatican
Greece
Norway


All you need is your passport and your visit visa will be valid 60 days from date of entry and is renewable for additional 30 days. Your purpose of visit can not be do paid or unpaid work while in Dubai. Once you have landed at the Dubai airport, go to Passport Control, Dubai International Airport and a visit visa will be stamped on your passport. You can also obtain a temporary driving license at this point if needed.

b) Before Arrival:

If you are from a country not listed in the table above, you will have to apply for a visit visa before you come to Dubai. You can have a company, or a person (friend, family member, relative), sponsor you and, if approved, you can stay in Dubai for up to 90 days. Your sponsor’s monthly salary must be at least Dhs.4,000 plus housing or a total of Dhs.5,000.

Visit visa is valid for one entry for 60 days from date of entry and renewable for an additional 30 days. If you overstay your visit, you will have to pay a fine of Dhs.100 plus Dhs.100 each overstayed day. You will have to pay the fine before you leave.

Fees:

Visa Fee: Dhs.100
Typing Fee: Dhs.10
Urgent charge (if applicable): Dhs.100
Visa deposit fee: Dhs.10

Passport is required

i) If a company is sponsor, you will require:

Two application forms typed in English/Arabic (download from http://www.dnrd.gov.ae/)
A letter indicating the reason and purpose of visit (proof of relationship may be required)
Copy of trade license
One original and one copy of immigration card
One original and one copy of representative card
Your profession as per Immigration Department codes (http://www.dnrd.gov.ae/)

ii) If a person is sponsor, you will require:

Two application forms typed in English and Arabic
Original and copy of sponsor’s employment contract
Copy of sponsor’s tenancy agreement unless accommodation is provided by his/her employer
Original and copy of sponsor’s marriage certificate if applicable

Process for Sponsor:

Purchase an e-Dirham card and go to a typing office, usually near the immigration department. The typist will fill in the application forms for you. Pay the application and typing fees. Go to the Immigration Department (Saturday – Wednesday 7:30am – 12:00pm (submissions); 12:00pm – 14:30pm (collections))

Submit all documents at the visa section of the Department of Naturalisation
Obtain a ticket; return a minimum two hours after submission to collect the visa
Fax a copy to the visitor and keep a copy
Deposit the original at the visa counter in the airport (next to the arrivals hall) at least two hours before the arrival of the visitor and have the copy stamped.
Pay visa deposit fee at bank counter
The visitor will exchange his/her copy of the visa for the original at the Immigration desk upon arrival in the airport

OBTAINING A TOURIST VISA

If your nationality is not listed in the table above, you can obtain a tourist visa from your hotel, airline, travel agency or tourism company for maximum of 30 days in Dubai.

Fees:

Visa Application Fee: Dhs.100
Urgent Charge (if required): Dhs.100
Hotel Service Charge: Dhs.50 (maximum)

Passport is required

Process for Visitor:

Make reservation with the hotel, airline, travel agency or tourism company.
Send all documents, including credit card details, by fax or mail to the hotel or tour operator
Usually you will receive a copy of the visa after seven days and the original visa will be placed at the airport.
Once you arrive at the Dubai International Airport, submit your copy of the visa and obtain the original visa from the Immigration desk.

Important Points: If you have been sponsored by a hotel, you must stay at the hotel which arranged the visa for you. The length of stay depends on the hotel’s policy. You must have a copy of the visa to board the flight to Dubai. Your passport must be valid at least three months longer than the visa expiry date. This visa is non renewable or extendable.

OBTAINING A TRASIT/MISSION VISA

This visa also known as an Entry Service Permit is issued to company visitors who are staying for a minimum of 14 days in the UAE. It is not required for GCC Citizens or nationals listed in the table above. This visa is non-renewable.

Prerequisite:

You must have a return ticket and valid passport
You must belong to a professional job category

Required:

Two application forms
Copy of trade license
Copy of passport
Original and copy of transit visa card

Fees:

Visa Application Charge: Dhs.120
Urgent Charge: Dhs.100
Visa Deposit Fee: Dhs.10

Process for Sponsor:

Purchase an e-Dirham card and go to a typing office, usually near the immigration department. The typist will fill in the application forms for you. Pay the application and typing fees. Sponsor must sign and seal application forms before submittal. Go to IND, Dubai Airport Free Zone (Saturday – Wednesday 7:30am – 12:00pm & 2:00pm – 4:30pm (submissions); 1:30pm – 6:30pm (collections))

All documents must be submitted 48 hours before the visitor’s arrival
Collect the tourist visa minimum two hours after submission
Fax a copy to the visitor and make a copy of the visa
Submit original at visa counter in the airport (next to the Arrivals Hall) minimum two hours before the visitor’s arrival, have the copy stamped and pay the visa deposit fee
Visitor must exchange his/her copy for the original upon arrival at the Immigration desk at the airport.

96 HOUR TRANSIT VISA:

This visa is issued by airlines only if the flight schedule forces the passenger to spend extended time in Dubai waiting for connection flights. This visa will allow the traveler to stay for up to 96 hours in the UAE. The Immigration Authority stamps the traveler’s passport and states the relevant information on it.

For more information visit www.jobsindubai.com