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.com
Module 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 Fee
Medical Examination Fee
Airfare
Climate
Food
Dress code
General lifestyle
Flying time from the Philippines
Major religion
Currency
Immigration 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

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 East
KUWAIT
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 East
KUWAIT
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 East
KUWAIT
COMPENSATION /
EXPENSES
SEMI-SKILLED
(CLEANERS/SECURITY
GUARD)
(KD/USD)
SERVICE/TECHNICAL
WORKERS
(KD/USD)
PROFESSIONAL
MANAGERS AND
SUPERVISOR (KD/USD)
Basic Monthly Salary 120-150/400-500 120-200/400-700 250-1,000/1,000-5,000
Housing Allowances 40/150 40/150 120-250/400-1,000
Minimum Food Allowance 20/75 20/75 20/75
Minimum Transportation Allowance 20/75 20/75 20/75
Overtime Pay
Annual Leave
Sick Leave/ Mandatory Holiday Pay
Total Monthly Earnings 210-241.50/740-850 210-300/750-1,100 435-1,370/1,650-6,450
Less Total Expenses:
Taxes/ Social Security/EI/CPP
Accommodation/House Rental & Utilities 40-150 40-150 120-250/400-1,000
Personal Necessities 50-200 50-200 50-200
Total Expenses
Average Net Basic Monthly Earnings 120-152.50/400-525 120-210/400-750 260-1,070/1,050-5,250
Average Net Basic Monthly Earnings in
Philippine Peso (₱)
17,461.78-22,919.77 17,472.84-32,763.66 45,853.63-229,267.63
Let us see how much your take home pay will be at the end of the day.
1 USD=PHP43.66
1 KD= PHP152.27
(as of July 2014)

Middle East
OMAN
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 East
OMAN
COMPENSATION /
EXPENSES
SEMI-SKILLED
(CLEANERS/SECURITY
GUARD)
(OMR/USD)
SERVICE/TECHNICAL
WORKERS
(OMR/USD)
PROFESSIONAL
MANAGERS AND
SUPERVISOR
(OMR/USD)
Basic Monthly Salary 120-180/312-468 160-220/312-468
270-1,000/700-
2,500
Housing Allowances Free Free Free
Minimum Food Allowance
Minimum Transportation
Allowance
Overtime Pay 10/26 20/52 40/104
Annual Leave
2 day rest (Friday &
Saturday)
Saturday)
Saturday)Sick Leave/ Mandatory
Holiday Pay
Total Monthly Earnings 130-190/338-494 180-240/338-494
290-1,040/754-
2,704
Less Total Expenses:
Taxes/ Social
Security/EI/CPP
tax free tax free tax free
Accommodation/House
Rental & Utilities
2/5.20 (utilities only) 2/5.20 (utilities only)
1,523.00 (utilities
only)
Personal Necessities 40/104 40/104 40/104
Total Expenses 42/109.20 42/109.20 42/109.20
Average Net Basic
Monthly Earnings
(exclusive in OT Pay)
88-148/228.80-384.80 88-148/228.80-384.80
248-998/644.80-
2,594.80
Average Net Basic
Monthly Earnings in USD
228.80-384.80 228.80-384.80 644.80-2,594.80
Average Net Basic
Monthly Earnings in
Philippine Peso (₱)
9,991.09-16,805.55 9,991.09-16,805.55 28,151-113,288.96
1 US$=PHP 43.66
1 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.

Africa
NIGERIA
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.

Africa
EQUATORIAL 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.

ETIQUETTE
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.
ETIQUETTE
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

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