College of the North Atlantic - Qatar

Other notables

Appropriate Behaviour and Dress

Behaviour Guidelines

Working at the College of the North Atlantic - Qatar is a wonderful opportunity, both personally and professionally. It also presents some challenges because of the fact that you are working in a foreign country with different customs, laws and religion than is the case in Canada.

The College of the North Atlantic has a formal agreement with the State of Qatar. As part of this agreement, the College and its employees agree to respect the cultural, religious and social customs, and obey the laws of the State of Qatar. This means that your employer needs to have greater expectations of you than if you were employed as an instructor in Canada. Many of the laws are similar to the Canadian laws we are used to. Some are very different and as employees of CNA-Q we have an additional responsibility to make ourselves familiar with those differences and act accordingly.

Your behaviour can affect the College’s reputation and can have an impact on its future in Qatar. Many people travel knowing that it is a good policy to be ambassadors for Canada.  We are often mistaken for other nationalities and can seize the opportunity to change people’s stereotypical opinion of Westerners. Living in Qatar is such an opportunity.

Newcomers to Qatar must be aware that unless you are married and have the documentation to prove that,  it is illegal to live with someone of the opposite sex. Furthermore, gestures of excessive affection in public should be avoided. If they are deemed to infringe on moral values, individuals concerned may be prosecuted.

There are refreshment facilities and discos available in the main hotels. These are lively, well-attended places frequented by the young, the not-so-young and those in pursuit of a fun evening out. When out for a night on the town, it is not acceptable to be loud or to publicly display drunkenness. All drugs (other than strictly medicinal ones) are banned and their use, purchase and sale are harshly dealt with.

Expats who choose to ignore these behavioural expectations are taking risks that can have serious consequences. Your Residence Permit can be cancelled which means you must leave the country immediately, and your employment with CNA-Q cannot continue. We may not feel this is fair or right, but we are guests in this country. One should always remember that we are ambassadors of both Canada and CNA-Q and we are guests in Qatar, so we must respect the local culture.

The newspaper articles at the end of this section have more information on expatriates who have had problems with the law here in Qatar.

Dress Guidelines

While in public, men and particularly women should take care to dress in an appropriate manner or they will appear to be inviting, and may get undesirable attention. Women should wear clothing that covers their upper arms and legs, and avoid revealing or tight-fitting clothing, short skirts or shorts, and low-cut necklines. Men should not wear brief shorts or tank tops. Swimsuits are perfectly acceptable around the hotel pools or public beaches, but bring a cover-up to use when away from the pool or beach area.

While at work the standards are as follows:

• International standard business dress - no denims/jeans, no tight fits, subdued colours
• For the men, at least long-sleeve shirt with collar & standard tie; full-length dress pants; closed shoes and socks
• For the women, at least blouses that fully cover the torso, sleeves near the elbow; pants, skirts or dresses below the knee
• Managers, and those expecting to meet guests, are reminded to have a jacket handy. 

While in your living community, the standards are similar to those you would expect to see in any community in Canada - shorts and sleeveless tops are acceptable. Shorts are also acceptable at the Doha Golf Course.

“Work-out” Clothes

You should definitely bring your workout clothes. The College has a fine fitness facility with a weight room and pool. At least three of the living communities also have fitness equipment and pools. You also chose to purchase a membership in any one of the health clubs in Doha that not only offer fitness equipment and swimming pools but also sauna, jacuzzi, personal training, nutritional advice, pilates, and/or yoga. The Al Dana Club and the Diplomatic Club as well as the major international hotels are the most popular venues for fitness memberships but they are often full to capacity. There is more information on these facilities in the Marhaba Information Guide. Walking on Doha Corniche is also a favorite fitness activity, albeit with your knees and upper arms covered.

Formal Wear

Doha hosts many formal balls through out the year. The most popular one with CNA-Q employees is the Maple Leaf Ball, which is held in May. You must be a Canadian to purchase a ticket. You may wish to bring your formal wear with you or you can have it made here in Doha by one of the many excellent tailors. The tailors often have suit material, and fabric souqs have a huge selection of dress fabric.

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Personal Safety in Qatar

While in Qatar, every person is subject to Qatar’s laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in Canada and may not afford the protections available to the individual under the Canadian laws. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in Canada for similar offences. Persons violating Qatari laws, even unknowingly, may be arrested, expelled, and/or imprisoned. The laws are very clear in banning alcohol and illegal drug-related activities. Homosexual activity is also considered to be a criminal offense, as is co-habitation, even temporarily with a person of the opposite sex who is not a family member.

Crime in Doha is minimal compared to many other large cities in the world. The Government of Qatar maintains a large number of police and plain-clothes Criminal Investigation Division (CID) units on the street. While incidents of street crime are rare, they do take place. Incidents of items being stolen from vehicles are increasing but are still low. Qatar has a very low incidence of females being accosted or verbally harassed but this does take place. If you are dressed conservatively and do not walk alone after dark, it is unlikely that this will happen. If it does happen, do not hesitate to call the police (999). The act of dialing your mobile may be enough to stop the behaviour.

Security Tips for Qatar

1. Travel in groups of between 3 and 5 people. Avoid walking alone after dark.

2. Dress conservatively outside of the living communities. This means keeping the knees, torso and upper arms covered whether you are male or female.

3. Do not wear your CNA-Q ID card off the campus.

4. Doha is a big city and you should use the same caution when living in any big city around the world, such as being cautious driving in areas of the city with which you are unfamiliar.

5. Do not get into cars with people you do not know.  It is quite common for the drivers of the unmarked white taxis to stop and offer you a drive.

6. When using taxis, you should not allow the driver to pick up other passengers en route. Woman should always sit in the back seat of the taxi.

7. Although unlikely, should you encounter a hostile or abusive person of any nationality, simply leave the area. Again, dialing on your mobile may stop the behaviour. Public places such as restaurants, hotels, and shops can be used as temporary safe areas.

8. Always carry a copy of your passport or your national identification card.

9. If directed to stop by a police, STOP!  Do not attempt to run or evade a checkpoint or roadblock.

Personal Safety Within the Living Communities

Most of the living communities have security personnel assigned to them. The main function of the security personnel is to limit access to the compound or building by non-residents. They may also enforce the landlord’s rules for using the common areas such as the clubhouse and pool, including the prevention of destruction of the landlord’s property. In Qatar, for the most part, the security personnel tend to be more passive than assertive or aggressive. Should you encounter a situation whereby the security personnel cannot control or contain a situation, you should not hesitate to call the police (999), even if it involves a fellow Canadian.

One thing that is puzzling to some Canadians is the purpose of high walls around the villas and/or the compounds, given the low rate of crime here. In Canada one might conclude that the high walls provide increased security and presume that is the same here in Qatar. Perhaps the walls are more for privacy and to reduce the amount of wind and sand that enters the home.

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Hiring Workers, Nannies, etc.

All non-nationals in Qatar are expatriates who have been sponsored in order to gain a Residence Permit. When you hire someone to work for you, you should ensure that you have permission from their sponsor to hire them. Failing to secure permission could result in a heavy fine for both of you.

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Weather in Qatar

January Second and often coldest month of the winter. Outbreaks of rain with thunder and winds from the northwest. Lowest sea temperatures.	February Third winter month and temperatures slightly higher than January. Rises slowly by the end of the month but some rain and thunderstorms.	March First spring month. Temperatures rise steadily but some frontal systems will bring rain and thunder. Wind from the north and northwest.
April Second spring month. Temperatures rise rapidly near the end of the month. Large contrast between day and night temperatures. Some frontal weather with sudden fall temperatures in the early month. Sea temperatures rising.	May First summer month. Hot and dry during the day, nights are moderately cool. Occasional rain. Winds from northwest, increasing in strength. Sea temperatures rise rapidly throughout the month.	June Second summer month. Very dry and hot. Wind from northwest, occasionally violent, creating sandstorms and dust haze. Windiest month of the year. Sea temperatures rising.
July Third summer month and highest average temperatures. Humidity slightly higher than June. No significant rain and few clouds. Winds less strong and more variable.	August Fourth summer month. Very hot and uncomfortable since humidity rising. No clouds or rain. Winds from north and east, bringing moist air from sea. Ocean temperatures at max.	September Fifth summer month. Temperatures decrease gradually, but humidity high. Least windy month of year. Heavy fogs possible for next four months. Sea temperatures start to fall.
October First month of fall. Temperature drops and relative humidity decreases. More cloud and occasional rain. Winds light and variable in direction.	November Second month of fall. Temperatures fall and clouds increase. Some rain. Northwest winds becoming established. Sea temperatures fall steadily.	December First winter month. Air temperature drops. More cloud and rain. Winds northwesterly, often strong, with dust, haze and fog.

It can actually be quite cool during the winter months in Doha. Most individuals are surprised by the temperatures. When arriving from Canada in January, it is true that Doha will be warmer but light jackets, long pants and long-sleeve shirts will be needed. Because the villas are made of concrete and with the shortened sunlight hours during winter months, inside will actually be cooler during the day than outside. Many people buy heaters and use them regularly during this time. All of these items are available in stores in Doha, but you may rather bring these from home (in small quantities):

• Jeans
• Long-sleeve shirts
• Light jackets
• Sweatshirts
• Warm pyjamas
• Socks
• Closed toe shoes/sneakers

Reference:  http://www.planning.gov.qa/AnnAbs/2001/GenInfo/Anabsrain.htm

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Television

The quality and quantity of TV programming varies according to the living communities. Some landlords provide limited cable and satellite services while others provide very little. There are various packages available ranging in cost and are available through Qtel and other suppliers. The Residence Permit is required in order to subscribe.

There are ever increasing options for receiving cable or satellite television. All of them can be installed through any one of the Qtel approved local cable companies. Some of the cable packages include channels such as:

Basic Service: CNN, FOX Sports, BBC World, Orbit news (a mixture of NBC, CBS and ABC news broadcasts), TV5 (France)
Showtime: Nickelodeon & Civilization, TV Land, Discovery, The Movie Channel
Orbit Premium Western Package: Super Movies, Fun Channel, America Plus, Hollywood, Disney, Cinema City, Music Now, BBC Prime, ESPN Sports
Star Premium Package: Star Movies, Star World, Star Plus, Tech TV, UKTV, Channel V, CNBC, Sky News, National Geographic

For further details of packages available go to www.qtel.com.qa or call Qtel at 111. Costs are subject to change and should be confirmed prior to installation.

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Radio

Programming information is listed in the local papers, but timings are notoriously inaccurate.  BBC can be found on 107.4 FM and Qatar Broadcasting Service English station is on 97.5 and 102.6 FM.  There are also English stations from Dubai that can be picked up at certain parts of the day.  The BBC World Service, Radio Canada, and Voice of American can be received on a good shortwave set.

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Pets in Doha

It may be very important to you to bring your pet with you to Doha. Dogs are typically frowned upon in the Qatari culture, as they are considered unclean animals. They must be kept on a leash and preferably in the house. The extreme temperatures also dictate that your pet is kept in the house. Exercising your pet in the heat can become an uncomfortable chore for some, or remain a pleasure for others. A barking dog in public places will not be tolerated. The city has had a stray cat problem that can affect the health of pets. While pets can be brought into the country with the proper documents, it is recommended that you limit yourself to cats and smaller dogs.   Certain breeds such as Boxers, Bulldogs, Rottweilers, Great Danes and Dobermans are not allowed.

Importing Pets to Qatar

In order to begin the process you must obtain a “Pet Import” form from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture (MMAA) in Qatar. 

You will need to work closely with a relocation company either in your country of origin or new destination. There are three companies in Qatar who provide pet relocation services - Qatar Pet Relocators, http://www.qatarpetrelocators.com/index2.php , Paws and Claws and Pampered Pets. These companies may also offer a boarding service for cats and dogs and obedience classes.  Pet supplies/toys and food can be purchased in the grocery stores. There are many excellent veterinarians in Doha as well.

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Alcohol

Qatar is at present officially dry. There is however a permit system in operation, administered by the Qatar Distribution Company, that enables foreign residents to buy a limited amount of liquor. The total amount of liquor allowed for purchase is dependent on a person’s salary and is generous by Canadian standards. In order to get your liquor permit, you are required to supply passport copies as well as a letter of no objection from Human Resources that indicates your salary. The permit requires a 1,000 QAR refundable deposit.

Alcohol must only be transported in your private vehicle and on the day of collection from the distribution centre to your residence. Driving while impaired is a very serious offence. Anyone involved in an accident who has consumed any amount of alcohol is deemed to be at fault, regardless of the circumstances. This can also attract severe fines, prison terms or deportation. There are also fines for consuming alcohol other than on licensed premises, or at home, if you do not have a liquor permit. Drinking in public or being drunk can result in prison terms or deportation.

It is illegal to resell alcohol to anyone and both parties could be heavily fined and/or deported.  Therefore, you should not have alcohol in your possession without a permit.

To check the procedures involved, contact Qatar Distribution Company, Permit Department at +974 469 9412 or 469 9413 or visit www.qdc.com.qa

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Financial Support for Orientation Social Activities for the CNA-Q Living Communities

Each CNA-Q living community is invited to draft a request for financial assistance for the provision of social activities which will help employees and their family members get to know each other better. These activities are likely to be held twice a year after a large influx of new employees in September and January. The social activities are open only to those residing in that particular living community and will not replace the College-wide social events held by the CNA-Q Social Committee. These monies will be spent only on activities, food and/or non-alcoholic beverages.

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CNA-Q New Contract Process for Existing Employees

Most Canadians hired for CNA-Q employment have a three-year contract. It is up to the employee to determine if they will remain a Canadian resident for income tax purposes. Once the employee starts into the fall term of their third year the process for awarding new contracts to existing employees begins. The process is different for those employees who remain Canadian residents compared to the process for those who become non-residents for income tax purposes.

CNA-Q New Contract Process for Existing Employees
Who Are Residents of Canada for Income Tax Purposes?

	What?	Who?	When?
1	HR reviews contract timelines and identifies employees with contract expiry coming up.	CNA-Q	October 15
2	Information sessions are offered to all employees regarding the potential tax implications of new contracts.	CNA-Q	October 31
3	HR works with the departments to determine staffing requirements for the following year.	CNA-Q	January 10
4	Employees who are in their last year of their contract indicate their desire for a new contract.	Employee	January 10
5	Internal supply of employees and demand for staff are matched. Current instructors’ competencies are matched with position requirements.	CNA-Q	January 15
6	CNA prepares conditional offer letters which are sent to employees.	CNA	January 31
7	CNA offer is accepted.	Employee	February 10
8	CNA submits temporary work site exemption (TWSE) extension request to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for approval, if necessary.	CNA	February 20
9	CRA advises CNA of outcomes. Employees are advised.	CNA	Unknown
10	If the TWSE extension has not been granted, the employee can elect to pay the taxable benefit on all allowances or can reject the new contract.	Employee	Unknown
11	Confirmation of last employment date for employees is sent to CNA's payroll in Newfoundland.	CNA-Q	June 15

CNA-Q New Contract Process for Existing Employees
Who are Non-residents of Canada for Income Tax Purposes?

	What?	Who?	When?
1	HR reviews contract timelines and identifies employees with contract expiry coming up.	CNA-Q	October 15
2	HR works with the departments to determine staffing requirements for the following year.	CNA-Q	January 10
3	Employees who are in their last year of their contract indicate their desire for a new contract.	Employee	January 10
4	Internal supply of employees and demand for staff are matched. Current instructors’ competencies are matched with position requirements.	CNA-Q	January 15
5	CNA prepares offer letters which are sent to employees. Employees must accept or reject.	CNA	January 31
6	CNA offer is accepted or rejected.	Employee	February 10
7	Confirmation of last employment date for employees is sent to CNA's payroll in Newfoundland.	CNA-Q	June 15

 

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Departure Procedures

The employee meets with HR three times in order to complete the departure procedures.

√	The first meeting between HR and the departing employee to advise that HR needs the following:
1	Their passports.
2	An Order Acknowledgement Letter from Qtel confirming that all accounts are closed (example of this letter is given to the employee).
3	A letter from Qatar National Bank stating all accounts are closed and they owe no money (example of this letter is given to the employee). Note: Credit cards must be cancelled six weeks before you require this letter.
4	A letter from any other institution for which CNA-Q has provided a letter of no objection such as the QDC.
5	A letter from the children’s schools stating they are aware the children are not returning the following year.
6	An indication of how they want the Departure Allowance paid, if they are eligible.
√	During the second meeting:
1	Passports and letters from Qtel, QNB, etc. are collected. Note: Passports are returned to the employee within the week of their departure.
2	Exit Permit request form is completed (if not already done).
3	The employee is notified of leave accumulation and the last day of pay.
4	The exit interview is performed.
√	During the third meeting (the last day of work):
1	CNA-Q identification and vehicle pass are collected.
2	Employee is requested to leave accommodation keys with security at their respective accommodation.
3	Employee provides forwarding mailing and email addresses. Facilities and HR in Newfoundland are informed of the forwarding address and the date to send all mail. Employee is advised that all mail will be forwarded three months after departure, and then all further mail will be sent return to sender.

√	Other Human Resource Responsibilities
1	Cancelling email and network access
2	Inspecting the employee’s accommodation
3	Submitting passports for residency cancellation
4	Contacting the Library to ensure the employee does not have any borrowed resources outstanding
5	Contacting Information Technology to ensure the employee does not have any borrowed equipment outstanding
6	Contacting Facilities to have the office inspected
7	Informing HR in Newfoundland of the employee’s last day of pay
8	Advising the Benefits Clerk of when to cancel insurances
9	Paying the final payment of per diem and transportation allowance when clearance is received from all no objection letters.
10	Contacting Finance to ensure the employee has no outstanding Travel Claims, Accounts Receivable, and that all annual trips are appropriate for the amount of time worked.

 

Shipping Things Home

You may want to contact a shipping company to send excess goods back to Canada. Suggestions for companies to contact:

Qatar National Cargo
+974 441 9364 or 441 9258

Qatar Logistics
Ashley Stagg
Tel: +974 462 4333
Mobile: +974 587 5133
Email: ashley@qatarlogistics.com
www.qatarlogistics.com.