Sanap | ExpatWoman.com
 

Sanap

Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 February 2015 - 08:32
Thank you, that does help. Anyone else have any information which can help?
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 February 2015 - 10:21
Hi All, My OH is scheduled to depart for Doha in 3 days, wondering if you can help confirm the following? 1. Do you find Metamucil there or should we stock up? 2. He likes his Axe solid white deodorant stick, can you find those there? He's allergic to everything else he has tried and wants to make sure he stocks up if not available. 3. Does anyone have a driver or number they would like to share? Will not have a car in the first few days, a reliable driver will be very helpful. 4. Does a Canadian need an international drivers license from Canada or will they issue him one when he goes to the office there? 5. Anyone know of any reliable rent a car companies he can work with? Plan to get a car ASAP. 6. Will rent a car companies be open on Sport's day? He gets there the night of the 9th and 10th is a holiday. Well that is the list for now, would really appreciate any help or insight you can provide. Best regards, Sanap
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 December 2014 - 05:58
Hi All, Anyone know an electrician that can rewire lamps? We have some really nice lamps that we want to bring along but will need to be converted from North America to U.K specs. Thank you.
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 December 2014 - 04:37
Hello Ladies, Apologies for the late reply, got busy. We'r moving from Toronto, Canada early February. I just got off maternity leave so will be quitting my job to move. We are currently in the process of selling our furniture which is getting to be quite a lot of work. Since no one is from Toronto it would be great to meet up once we all land there. Stay in touch and look forward to meeting you all one day.
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 September 2014 - 22:59
Hi All, Wondering if someone can share their most recent visa processing timeline? We have been waiting for the past 3 months and still no news. It would help if you're scheduled to start at HMC. Thank you in advance.
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 July 2014 - 07:44
Hello All, Question - Can you find Organic Milk in Qatar? We're not so crazy about everything organic but prefer Organic Milk. Can you find it anywhere?
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 July 2014 - 23:00
Hi Fauna, Reached out to two. One was fairly expensive, other quoted around $8K. We will probably be going with Brytor who quoted us $8k. We were initially going with 300 cubic feet and a separate boxed solution but once they did the estimate a container was going to be cheaper. Hope this helps, lets keep in touch.
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 July 2014 - 08:09
Thank you mdbs! We do get an allowance but I would not call it a shipping allowance, more like a "bring some bags" allowance :) We were planning on only bringing essentials but with everything in, including baby toys it seems we will need a container. We were told the container will be half empty so are now stocking up on more baby toys etc.. she will have stuff she will need until she goes to university!! Trying to get things we may not find there or might be very expensive. I understand new items have 5% duty applied so will use them before we leave :) We are getting company provided accommodation, furnished or not is a mystery. We were told it depend on availability and if unfurnished, will be given a depreciating allowance to furnish it. We're not bringing any furniture but other smaller stuff which will make it a home. It's a journey... that is what I keep telling myself! Will probably not end up leaving until November based on where things stand today, will be more than a year since my OH's interview.. imagine! Thank you again for the advice, keep in touch and hopefully we will meet some day. Do let me know if there is anything "Canadian" I can get you from here... got loads of space in the container :)
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 July 2014 - 22:17
Believe it or not still waiting on our visa, would love to hear about your experience and any advice you may have.
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 July 2014 - 07:33
Hello Ladies, Can someone please share your experience in Barwa City? We might be located there and I have been told I do not want to live there (it is far from the city and the quality). We're willing to take a risk on anything but housing. Housing might be the deal breaker which is why I am desperate for your honest feedback. Any information you can share will be much appreciated. Thank you.
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 July 2014 - 07:49
Hello Ladies, Thought I would check in on the visa timeline. We're still waiting, been told it has been applied... I don't believe them. :) We've been talking to movers and seems based on the stuff we have (with a baby) we will need to pay for a full container which will be 50% empty! Question - Has anyone moved with a container loaded with stuff (no furniture) for HMC, if so, where did you store your things until final accommodation was worked out? We will initially be staying at the Guest house until we get our final accommodation, wondering what to do in case stuff gets there while we are still in the guest house? This keeps getting more interesting every day... :) Look forward to hearing from you all.
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 July 2014 - 07:16
Thank you for the input. So Big boy pants when visiting government offices but malls etc shorts should be OK. Khokha2 - We're a Muslim family moving in 2-3 months from Toronto, Canada. I am not aware of shorts being a problem either unless visiting a mosque. I will tell him he can pack his shorts, will be happy. Thank you again.
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2014 - 08:08
Hello ladies, Do you know if there are any self storage companies in Doha? We're moving in the next 2-3 months and will initially be put up in temporary accommodation until we move into our permanently assigned housing (after RP etc..). We are not planning on bringing any furniture except for some bar stools, art work - Islamic calligraphy, my vase collection and baby toys. I am wondering if we will be able to store these items in packed boxes for 2-3 months until we move into our permanent housing. Appreciate any help you can provide.
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 June 2014 - 08:09
I do, but am not in Qatar yet, give me 3 more months! Sorry it was hard not to reply to this as this is something I plan to do once there. I have all my stuff packed and ready to go... if only they get the Visa processed already!
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 June 2014 - 07:43
Hello ladies, Some questions I need your help with. We are probably going to be shipping our stuff in a palette as we do not have enough for a full container. 1. Do they apply any duties at the time of pick up? I am not planning on bringing any furniture but really want to bring my art collection and house accessories since we will be putting our house up for rent. I am leaving it furnished but not leaving all my accessories. 2. We have been told we will be put up in temporary accommodation for the first little while. Do you know if there is any place to store some boxes? I would prefer not to open anything until we're at our final location. Appreciate your help.
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 06:54
Congratulations Aspen, see you on the dark side... some day.. when our visa is processed! :) Do keep in touch once you get there, I am hoping I can learn from your experience to use whatever I can. I am really curious to hear about their "Guest House" and Barwa city. We were told our visa was applied in the first week of May but I honestly do not believe them so would rather wait than get my hopes up. We're hoping for a September start date but would not mind it moving to October as I really want to enjoy Toronto summers and Fall before we move. Marycatherine - How I wish we were there in Ramadan. We're a muslim family and the 17 hour fast will be HARD in Toronto. I am home with the baby on Maternity leave but will be a challenge this year... at least all the locals in Qatar will be at the same pace during the month! Over here it can get hard to keep up with everyone even though people are super supportive!
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 June 2014 - 10:00
Hmm I assume everyone is still waiting on the visa? Aspen - Any luck? I remember you were going to be homeless in 3 weeks time, hope things worked out.
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 May 2014 - 21:51
Thanks Rossette. My husband had to get a form filled out before they sent him an offer. They have not asked for anything after he signed the offer letter except for a form "authorizing" them to collect information which was half in Arabic. I do know he told them that Canadian employers will not provide references directly to anyone else and they will only confirm if an employee worked there or not. Have not heard anything for almost 2 months now. We have been told Visa was applied early May, based on your update I guess we should cross off moving in August. This works for us as we get to move when the weather is better. Thank you again and keep us posted. All the best.
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 May 2014 - 21:47
Thanks for the update. Ours was applied early May, so I guess I should cross off moving by end of August.The issue is we're putting up our place for rent starting September, might be homeless in own city. Keep us posted on how things go.
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 May 2014 - 17:42
Hello Ladies, How goes the Visa process? 58834mv - My husband was told credentialing happens before they send in your offer letter; it seems the answer they provide is based on the department and not one policy across the board. They had even asked him for a letter of reference from each employer he ever worked for, which he refused to provide as employers do not provide that in Canada. Even the reference check was via a formal form his old manager had to fill out... so yes it does feel like an investigation. Most recently he was told to sign some forms granting authorization to check background etc.. at which point we gave up trying to understand the process. We were told the Visa process takes about 8-10 weeks which certainly is not accurate considering the time it is taking you as. We are already at the 1 year mark as to when he was initially contacted and interviewed in September, seems will be a 1 whole year recruiting cycle. With Ramadan coming up and things coming to a standstill, I doubt we will be moving any time before October/November. Keep us posted, I am excited for the move but a little scared as well. Hoping I do not have to live through this winter in Canada again... last winter was brutal.
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 May 2014 - 09:15
I have a feeling we are all dealing with the same recruiter! We are moving from Canada and would love to keep in touch to understand how the visa process is going. We have also been told that the company will only provide my OH's plane ticket and we will get reimbursed for the others once we get there, is that what you have been told as well? My concern is, since we will be flying in and getting a visa on entry, will the airline let us travel with a one way ticket or will we need to get a return ticket? Also, are you all moving with all your stuff? With a 8 month baby in tow, this should be an interesting move! All the best ladies.
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 May 2014 - 17:40
In the same situation as you and with the same employer. OH signed the offer end of February and sent in the attested documents mid April. We are now waiting on visa which we have been told takes 2-3 months, but it seems will be much longer. His start date is September 1, but it all depends on visa and everything else on the go. We were told the same around housing, that it will probably be Barwa city but were also told that we will be put up in a furnished guest house/temporary accomodation until it is sorted out. OH did not trust the recruiter so has been exchanging emails directly with HR and has even talked to someone in hosuing at HMC to confirm. It was confirmed housing cannot be guaranteed and depends on your grade (we are 113). Once you are there it will depend on what is available at the time. The gentleman in housing confirmed that the guesthouse is furnished down to forks and knives :). Around the place being furnished or unfurnished when we move into a permanent place, he confirmed that it all depends on what is available at the time. If unfurnished, they will provide an allowance amortized over 3-4 years. We have been dealing with the same frustrations as Ali68 mentioned around schooling and other allowances. The allowance is nowhere near the real cost of schooling. Our daughter is only 8 months so we were more concerned around nursery costs etc which are not covered. The furnished down to knives and forks is what he was told as well but did not believe the recruiter and reached out to HR directly. We were at a point where HR stopped replying and he had to escalate to get their attention. To be fair, it is a big move with some major decisions and lots of risk but we're taking it as an adventure! Please do keep in touch and let me know if you have any specific questions I might be able to help with. My OH has been doing a LOT of research (he is THAT kind of a person) so I might already have answers to some of your questions. All the best! <em>edited by Sanap on 16/05/2014</em>
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 May 2014 - 09:09
In the same boat, will probably move in September. We have a 9 month old daughter but I still have the same concerns around how it is and how much time is takes to get into Doha. Any other insights will be much appreciated.
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 March 2014 - 11:17
Thanks, my OH was able to talk to someone from the housing department which was very helpful. We qualify for a two bedroom apartment , utilities paid, and might get a 3 bedroom based on availability. If anyone is in similar situation my advice would be to ask the questions, HR and Housing have been very cooperative.
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 February 2014 - 13:46
Thanks Amaranta, those are the exact questions in my mind. We have sent in the questions but was hoping someone that has gone through the process with them can share the reality on the ground. I believe they show you different properties and then you can choose which is why they are not able to share any pictures or areas as they are spread out... again all based on what I have read. As much help as HR is, sometimes things are different on the ground which is why I was hoping someone here will be willing to help... will continue to wait.
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 February 2014 - 02:24
Hello ladies, Very confused, would appreciate any help you are able to provide. My OH finally got his HMC offer today. The letter says "Accommodation provided" but does not provide any details. Has anyone been in a similar situation and if so, how are things on the ground? We have about a week to make decisions as I really do not want to make any bad moves, especially with a 6 month old in tow. Can someone please help provide details or share any recent experiences? The offer is not what he expected but the final breaking point is accommodation.. look forward to hearing from you. Thank you again ladies... I will be refreshing this page every 5 mins... never knew making the final decision would be so nerve wrecking!
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 January 2014 - 07:11
Hi Newbie, Congratulations on getting to the next step. We are still waiting on the final offer letter and details, from what we have been told, should have something in the next month or so. You mentioned they are waiting to fly him over, has his visa already been processed? From what I know that takes about a month but I may be wrong. A bit of a tangent but do you mind sharing your process timeline, from initial acceptence to final letter with details? We have no school commitments but I am still curious to know how the process works as we will need to put our place up for rent etc.. wondering if they give you enough time to wrap things up before you move. Sorry I have more questions than answers but you are much farther ahead than us in the process. All the best with everything.
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 December 2013 - 19:15
Congratulations Sassenach... so there is light at the end of the tunnel! We're still stuck in offer letter mode, am hoping will have some good news to share in the next 1-2 weeks, counting on Rossette to represent us and move the process along.. lol! Glad to hear you are liking it there and the temporary accomodation is at a good location... you can be the ambassador for all us waiters now! All the best and keep us posted on how things progress!
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 November 2013 - 22:17
Hi Rosette, My OH has been told he has been selected and will be getting an offer, we're just waiting on the final offer letter to be generated now.... 6 weeks and counting. Have been told HMC HR will reach out directly. He has been dealing with a recruiter out of the U.K and has not yet talked to anyone from HMC... except for the people that interviewed him. I would love to connect on the side for more details, I am not sure if I can private message but will post my email and remove later. Thank you for the update! <em>edited by Sanap on 28/11/2013</em>
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 November 2013 - 02:21
Hi Rosette, Just wondering if you have heard back from them, any luck? We're still waiting as well, at the 6 week mark now. Credit to you, not sure how you have waited so long with no clear answer... the uncertainty is driving me crazy!
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 November 2013 - 17:13
Thank you Dubaistars. As I said, comment came out wrong, sorry but not much else I can do or take it back. Will not try explaining it anymore. Have a great day.
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 November 2013 - 08:44
Hi DebK, my apologies, I do not think that came out right. I was just a bit dissapointed because I have seen posters that are employed by the same organization, all I was asking for was them to share their experience. I understand it is an open forum and not everyone HAS to reply, so my apologies for that comment. Thank you for the answer, we will probably not be selling everything... yet, want to test the waters first. I understand the visa process varies person to person, I was hoping someone that has gone through it recently may want to share their timeline. Thank you again.
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 October 2013 - 22:46
Correct. We're waiting on my husband's final offer and job letter, been told it takes 4-6 weeks. Final decision will depend on the offer. Apparently they share acceptance before the offer letter and details. I hope we get it soon, it's getting cold here... brrr! All the best to your family, maybe we'll meet in Qatar some day. Considering we're a few months ahead in the process, let me know if there is anything I can help with. For some reason not many people replied to my questions even though they have the answers but will make sure I help you in any way I can.
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 October 2013 - 16:07
Hello ladies, My Husband is expecting his offer letter sometime in the next 2-3 weeks. Assuming everything goes well, we will be moving sometime early next year (hopefully). I have some questions I hope you all can help with. 1. Are you aware of any cheap or reasonable moving companies from Canada to qatar? Care to share your experience? I am only aware of AMJ Campbell. 2 how long does the visa process take after acceptance? Does it depend on your employer, if so, how long does HMC take? Thank you, appreciate your help.
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 October 2013 - 06:17
Rosette - Not sure if you're still checking the forum but how did the process go? Any details you are able to share? My OH is awaiting his offer letter, has been told it's a 4-6 week process. Any idea how long the visa takes once you accept?
Sanap
36
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 October 2013 - 06:08
Hello Ladies, In the same boat with my other half. Any recent recruits that are there now? How is the accomodation? Any information you can provide will be much appreciated. My husband has been offered Grade 112, is that OK or enough? Thank you in advance.
 
 
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