module 6 country cozy-middle east

PRE-EMPLOYMENT ORIENTATION SEMINAR (PEOS ONLINE)

MODULE 6: GET COUNTRY COZY

MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA

Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS) Online - powered by JobStreet.comModule 6: GET COUNTRY COZY-- What do I need to know about my overseas employer’s country?

Get Country Cozy!

Continue to keep your options open; get to know more about the country you are interested in.

Know the following:

Visa FeeMedical Examination FeeAirfareClimateFoodDress codeGeneral lifestyleFlying time from the PhilippinesMajor religionCurrencyImmigration and labor laws Presence of Philippine Embassy or Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO)


Middle East

KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

A working visa is needed to enter and work in the Kingdom. The visa cost $36.00. Remember, this is shouldered by your employer.

Total medical examination would cost about ₱2,580.00. An additional ₱200.00 is paid for pregnancy test and ₱200.00 also for ECG for applicants 40 years old and above. Some employers pay for this, otherwise, you can choose any DOH-accredited medical clinic for your medical examination.

Flying time from Manila is about 11 to 12 hours. Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Saudia Airlines fly directly to Riyadh or Jeddah. The price range for a one-way airfare is ₱19,000 to ₱25,000.


Middle East

KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

The temperature ranges from extreme heat during the day to very cold at night. There are occasional heavy rains that sometimes cause flooding.

Khboz an unleavened bread is eaten almost during all meals. Other staples include lamb, grilled chicken, shawarma, and hummus (a paste of chickpea, garlic and lemon). Drinking Arabic tea is also a famous custom. During the month of Ramadan, all Muslims abstain from food during the daylight hours. Non-Muslims are also prohibited from eating, drinking, and smoking in public during Ramadan.

Saudi Arabia’s capital city is Riyadh. The currency is Riyal. The official religion is Islam. Work automatically stops during prayer hours done 5 times a day. Work week is Sunday to Thursday. Friday is rest day. Qur’an, the holy book of Islam is the constitution governed on the basis of Shari-ah – the Islamic law.


Middle East

. . . more on Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Women are required to wear abaya when going out in public places. They are not allowed in “entertainment” stores like music, DVD/video and computer shops, recreational areas, and game arcades. They are also generally not allowed in restaurants, cafes, fastfood outlets, etc. unless with family or accompanied by husband. Men and women are not allowed to interact with one another if they are not married to each other.

Practicing religion publicly other than Islam is prohibited, as well as possessing religious articles such as bible, crucifix, religious statues/images and other symbols. Possession, manufacturing and drinking of alcoholic drinks or liquor, and bringing in and eating pork products are prohibited.


Middle East. . . more on Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Pornography and gambling are forbidden. Taking pictures of mosques, airports and military installations without permission is not also allowed. Using prohibited drugs is punishable by imprisonment, while smuggling or trafficking of illegal drugs and substances is punishable by death. It is not recommended to join in any political or religious demonstrations.

The labor law of Saudi strictly prohibits a worker from transferring another employer while he is still under an existing employment contract, known as Kafala (sponsorship) system. This means that every foreign employee brought into the country is linked to a single employer. In practice, this means that they decide when you are allowed to leave the country, even for emergency visits to your home country.

Inasmuch as you need an entry visa to get into Saudi, you will also need an exit visa to be able to leave the country.

*For more details, visit www.owwa.gov.ph

http://www.owwa.gov.ph/


Middle East

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Seven states comprise the United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Fujeirah, Ajman and Ras AL Khaimah, with Abu Dhabi as the Federal Capital. Flying time from the Philippines is about 8 to 9 hours.

The UAE has a tropical and arid climate. Summer is April to September, and Winter is October to March. Rainfall is infrequent and happens mainly in the winter. Friday and Saturday are the weekend. The official currency is Dirham.

Staple food includes hummus, meat, rice and fish, and can be very spicy. You can find Filipino food products in specialist food sections of most supermarkets. Food cost is high, as most items are imported.

UAE supports a moderate interpretation of Islam, its official religion. Although it is the religion of the majority of the population, Christianity, Hinduism, etc. are also found.


Middle East

. . . more of United Arab Emirates

UAE is less stricter than Saudi and Qatar when it comes to manner of dressing. However, women should still avoid wearing revealing clothes such as skimpy dresses, short skirts, swimsuits and sleeveless blouses.

Public display of affection is not tolerated, even for married couples. Sexual relationships outside of marriage are illegal, irrespective of any relationship you may have outside of the country. Cohabiting, including in hotels, is also illegal.

Similar to KSA, Kafala system is practiced. Once you’ve entered in any of the UAE states, an exit permit is necessary to be able to leave.

Working without proper visa is illegal. For more details, visit www.owwa.gov.ph



Middle East

QATAR

The flying time from the Philippines is about 9 to 10 hours. The capital city is Doha. The currency is Qatari Riyal.

Qatar has an arid climate with mild and pleasant winters and hot and humid summers. Sandstorms and dust storms occur regularly.

Although Islam is the official religion, there are no strict prohibitions against the practice of Christianity or other religions in the country. Staple foods include hummus, rice, and salad of parsley and tomatoes.

Gasoline is incredibly cheap, but many basic foodstuff can be pricey. The cost of entertainment is quite high, too.


Middle East

. . . more on Qatar

Public display of affection such as kissing, hugging, and in some places even holding hands is a no-no, except when greeting: men and women greet friends of the same sex with three kisses on the cheek.

Qatar also uses the Kafala (sponsorship) system.




Middle East

BAHRAIN

Bahrain is an archipelago composed of a group of islands in the Persian Gulf. As part of the Gulf region that is known for being hot, Bahrain has desert climate. There is summer (April to October), with June and July having the hottest temperature. The rest of the year considered winter. The capital is Manama.

The flying time from the Philippines is about 10 hours to 11 hours. Islam is the official religion but other religions may be practiced. The country’s currency is Bahraini Dinar. Friday and Saturday are considered weekends.

Bahrain is one of the most tolerant countries in the Middle East when it comes culture, including dress code. However, when out in public it is best to cover everything from shoulders to knees as a sign of courtesy.


Middle EastKUWAIT

Kuwait is about 12 to 13 hours flying time from the Philippines. Climate is intensely hot and dry in summers (April to October), with short, cool winters with limited rain.

The capital is Kuwait City. The currency is Kuwaiti Dinar. Islam is the official religion but other religions are freely practiced.

The country's customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Behave discreetly, and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Alcoholic drinks or liquor are strictly illegal in Kuwait. Importing, manufacturing, and serving them is strictly prohibited.


Middle EastKUWAIT

Standard of living in Kuwait is high compared with other countries in the Middle East. Majority of OFWs in Kuwait opt to avail of free accommodation provided by their employer because house rental ranges from KD200-400/month plus a minimal amount for electricity and water.

Expenses for food and utilities are considerably low. Fish is abundant. Fruit, vegetables, seafood and rice are the staple food.

Temptation to acquire car, electronic gadgets and machines is rampant, considering that everything in Kuwait is tax free and term-payment/installment arrangement is available in the market.


Middle EastKUWAIT

Let us see how much your take home pay will be at the end of the day.

1 USD=PHP43.661 KD= PHP152.27(as of July 2014)


Middle EastOMAN

The Sultanate of Oman has a standard of Living comparable to our National Capital Region except for the cost of accommodation which is very high especially in the capital region of Muscat.

There is a minimum wage being implemented in the country but applied only to Omanis at OMR 350 but for expatriates wage rate is dependent directly on the supply and demand of the labor market in which employers are in a dilemma of hiring expatriates with asking salary can go as low at OMR 50.00 and automatic hiring of Omanis at OMR 350.00.(As of May 2014)


Middle EastOMAN

1 US$=PHP 43.661 OMR=PHP 113.11(as of July 2014)

Let us see how much your take home pay will be at the end of the day.


Middle East. . . more on Kuwait

Although foreign female workers are not required to wear abaya, they should not also wear tight, see-through or revealing clothing or short skirts. Generally, covering the knees and shoulders when out in public is a must. Both men and women should refrain from wearing shorts.

There are plenty of family entertainment options, restaurants, cinemas, cafes and private parties. There is a wide range of shopping opportunities. Kuwaitis are fond of eating out.

Verbal insults and obscene gestures may be considered a criminal act and, if found guilty, you could face deportation, fines and/or a prison sentence.

Avoid physical contact, such as holding hands, in public.




Africa

ANGOLA

A working visa is needed to enter and work in Angola. The visa cost $700.00. Remember, this is shouldered by your employer.

Medical examination would cost about ₱2,500.00 to ₱3,500.00 depending on the medical clinic of your choice. Some employers pay for this, otherwise, you can choose any DOH-accredited medical clinic for your medical examination.

Major Religion in this country is Christian and about Three-Fifths of the population is Roman Catholic.

Flying time from Manila is about 21 to 24 hours. Philippine Airlines, and other international flights fly to Luanda. The price range for a one-way airfare is ₱39,000 to ₱50,000.


Africa

ANGOLA

The climate in Angola is semiarid or semi dry in south and along the coast. Dry Season is from May to October and a hot, rainy season from November to April.

The main staple is funje, a thick polenta-like food made from cassava flour or from corn flour. These starchy staples are often served with palm oil beans and vegetables. Foods and other items are extremely expensive in Luanda because four-fifths are imported. Example, An IT boss pays 192 Euro for a pair of jeans – twice the price in London.

Angola’s capital city is Luanda. The currency is Angolan Kwanza. The official religion is Christian. They also practice the Angolanisation principle where at least 70% of the workforce must be Angolan and 30% may be foreign resident but jobs shall be managed under non-discriminatory terms. Portuguese is their official language and their dress code is attributed to its former colonizer Portugal. Western-style clothing is becoming relatively common.


AfricaNIGERIA

Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria. The climate in this country is generally tropical, however it may vary in different regions and humidity is very high and nights are very hot. Wet season starts from April to October, with lower monthly temperatures. Entry Work Visa costs 39 US$. Major religion in this country is Christianity and Islam. Their official currency is Nigerian Naira. Approximate travel time from Manila to Lagos, Nigeria is 16 hours. There is also a Embassy of the Philippines located at No. 543-B, A Close, 14 Road, 2nd Avenue Gwarinpa, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria

Their staple food are often starchy, and this can be made of maize/corn, yams, and cassava. These are dried and then ground into flour to make a thick paste or dough. Soups or stews are served with the staple together with Onions, tomatoes and okra. Rice is also popular despite of its insufficient supply.

It is important to dress well in Nigeria as the way you are dressed will signal your relative level of importance. Men should wear dark suits and ties and women should wear, demure business style suits.


AfricaEQUATORIAL GUINEA

Equatorial Guinea is located in West central Africa. Malabo is its capital City. Their Official currency is CFA Franc. Flying time from Manila to Malabo is approximately 24 hours and may cost 46,000 Php to 50,000 Php. Climate is tropical ; always hot and humid. It uses Spanish as its official language. Most Equatorial Guineans believe in Christianity , but traditional beliefs still exists.

Equatorial Guineans are friendly people. They readily shake hands and greet each other. They also show respect for people of status, i.e. Don or Doña. They also do their best to look best in public, by wearing Western-style suits and dresses for any professional or business activities.

The staple foods of Equatorial Guinea are cocoyams (malanga), plantains , and rice. People eat little meat other than porcupine and forest antelope. They supplement his with home raised vegetables and chickens. Fish are also abundant in coastal waters.


Africa

ALGERIA

Algeria is located in Northern Africa.. Visa cost in Algeria is 190 US$. Official currency is Algerian Dinar. Most people speak Arabic known as darja, Berber (Tamazight) , and French, the language of the country’s coloniser. Flying time from Manila to Algiers is approximately 24 hours which can cost 1,000 dollars and up. Its major religion is Islam.

Climate in the north of Algeria is cooler, enjoying a Mediterranean-style climate. Temperatures in Algiers average 26°C in July, and humidity makes the summer heat uncomfortable.

There are subjects to be avoided depending on the people you are meeting and their gender. With men, avoid the following topics: Family, Religion, and politics for it may cause discomfort on .

Semolina/durum wheat is the staple of Berbers(Arab origins); steamed, it turns into couscous (french spelling of Arabickuskus) served with lamb, chicken or cooked vegetables.


Africa

ZAMBIA

Zambia is located in Southern Africa. Lusaka is its capital city and its official currency is Zambian Kwacha. Its climate is genrally dry and temperate, tropical; modified by altitude, rainy season (October to April). Visa fee costs 3000 Kwacha. English is its official language. Flying time from Manila to Lusaka is approximately 21 hours and may cost 689 US$ to 912 US$.

Cost of living in Zambia is 30.90% higher than in Philippines. Rent in Zambia is 164.38% higher than in the Philippines. Staple food is maize/corn(known as sweet corn in the UK), the local cuisine based on nshima, a stiff made from ground maize. Major religion is Christian.

Remember, Zambia dress code is pretty conservative.Men-Zambian wears western style clothing while foreigner women must wear formal blouse and skirt or slacks. Avoid anything which lokks military, cause wearing them aywhere in Africa may cause trouble.


Nowadays, communicating with family members, relatives and friends is easier with the advancements in communications technology. Text messaging, email and video and video calling through Skype and Viber are within reach and are relatively cheaper than the traditional telephone calls. Social networking sites and facilities such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram likewise allow individuals to connect and share photos and documents online with other people in an instant.

PAUSE BEFORE YOU POST: SOCIAL MEDIA ETIQUETTE

These technologies, specially social networking sites could nonetheless pose a threat to one’s privacy and security. Some countries may have restrictive policies on internet usage, or punish certain acts that are committed over the cyberspace, such as accessing pornographic sites, damaging one’s reputation through social media, and visiting sites that may compromise national security, which are not necessarily criminal offenses in the Philippines.



Some people over-share personal information or are too open with certain personal information and feelings, as well as pictures, without regard to negative consequences. This may lead to a potentially damaged online reputation, identity theft, and loss of employment. A migrant worker was reportedly dismissed from work due to messages against race and religion that were posted on social media, which were considered by the employer as offensive to the host country and violative of established company values and regulations.

Remember, when you work overseas, you are expected to act according to the norms and give your utmost respect to your host country’s laws and regulations, and cultural and religious beliefs.


Take a look at the following pointers that you can keep in mind before sharing your thoughts or mementos online:

1) Consider setting your privacy control to a limit, for instance, ‘to your friends only’. Add only your trusted and closest friends as “friends”.

2) Avoid accepting your boss as friend in social networking sites or follow his social account. As much as possible, keep your personal matters and work completely separate.

3) Do not use social media as venue to express complaints about work. Anything you may post online maybe taken against you. Use available company grievance machinery and other government mechanisms to report violation of rights and contractual breaches.


4) Never criticize or ridicule the culture, traditions, and religious beliefs of your host country and of other countries, including characteristics or traits of its peoples that you may find different from your own.

5) Do not upload obscene, illicit or otherwise incriminating photos of you or of other people.

6) Do not engage in online debates and discussions on the political situation and religious issues.


- END OF MODULE 6 -

module 6 country cozy-middle east

Education