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Why it is getting so difficult for Pakistani HR professionals to get good HR jobs in Gulf generally and UAE specially?

Couple of my friends with more than4 years of HR experience in gulf region (one of them based in Dubai) are struggling to find something good. And I know I have developed one of them, they are good HR professionals capable to manage operational side of HR effectively. Is there any new Law approved to discourage new appointments for Pakistani HR Professionals?

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Question added by Farhan Tariq , Manager HR Transformation , Wateen Telecom
Date Posted: 2013/07/25
Shobha Jaison
by Shobha Jaison , Senior Manager- Human Development , Bayt.com

I would definitely agree with Abhay.
Unless preference for a particular nationality is clearly specified in the job advertisement, I doubt there would be a bias against any particular nationality for HR positions.
Most companies in the UAE have a very diverse work culture.
And No, there is no law discouraging the appointment of Pakistani HR professionals.
However, some HR positions may require candidates who have very good communication skills in Arabic (both written and verbal) and this is clearly stated in the job posting as well.
There is no dearth of HR professionals in the UAE and that perhaps could be one of the forces your friends are up against.
Hence it is really important to ensure that their profiles stand out when applying for various positions.
I would recommend that they ensure that their CV’s highlight their qualifications, relevant experience and other significant achievements (both personal and professional).
A competitive job market is inevitable and that is something they should be equipped to handle positively and patiently.

Deleted user
by Deleted user

But there is some point as well because GCC and UAE blindly hire Europeans and Western people so there is some biased nature to them in any job. Sorry i m not offernding any region or race this is pure fact so I hope people will agree with it. So some places countries which are less developed are not looked upon to give a higher positioned job

Abhay Yadav
by Abhay Yadav , Asst. Manager - Projects & Coordination , Vibes Communications Pvt. Ltd.

I don't think getting a job depends upon your nationality.
every job have its descriptions and specifications and and if the candidates fulfill all the criteria he will get the chance.
I think Pakistani professionals always have a good chance to get selected as there social culture is very much similar to Gulf countries.
specially in case of HR professionals, every company prefers the local person, otherwise it's a equal opportunity for everyone.

Shahzad Khan
by Shahzad Khan , Deputy Manager - Human Resources , The Searle Company Limited

Mr. Farhan, let’s put this question like that "Do Pakistani organizations prefer UAE/Arabic speaking candidates over local nationals?' What i found from most of the candidates and friends working in Middle East that in they prefer locals. Reason being language and due to laws. Well, as far as technical positions are concern i believe that Pakistani candidates from engineering, finance and IT background doing wonders in their country.

Kathy Mustafa
by Kathy Mustafa , Personal Assistant to CEO- Managing Sales and Marketing Departments , Saudi Kinda Real Estate

Truth be told, Pakistani's in the HR field have dominated the Gulf region and especially in Dubai. I would look for other countries rather than focus on one. Qatar, Kuwait, etc.. These countries are in high demand for HR and engineers.

Joefil C. Jocson
by Joefil C. Jocson , CEO/President , Dyas Construction and Management Consultants

I guess, qualification, exprience, degree or educationa achivement are factors here. if you really are expert in your field of human resourcing and fit with the qualification of an HR then the job is for you unless otherwise there is a stiff competition on the job. BUT dont worry there are lots of oportunities in the gulf region, so keep on tryin. Better luck next time!

Rahmat Ullah Khan
by Rahmat Ullah Khan , Administrative Asst , Trojan Holding

No way...   This is your wrong perception. In our group of companies2  admin officers are working under the management of a Arabic. I think, HR Manager should be Arabic speaker. . This is because... They can negotiate with locals. . .as well as with the Engineering staff belong to Arabic countries.  

Talha Zamir
by Talha Zamir , Sr People Manager , Bazaar Technologies

The only thing i figured out after having a very little experience in UAE, that nationality does matter but it also depends on the profile you have decorated for the employer.  With no offense lobbying system is all over in UAE now. We as a Pakistani busy in pulling each other legs while other nationalities help their natives

Kokab Rahman
by Kokab Rahman , Managing Director, Head of Business Development , Radeya Business Services http://www.radeya.biz

There may be several reasons:1.
Their English may not be good enough2.
The company may prefer personnel from other nations such as people from Western countries.3.
The upper management may be made up of Indian nationals and so they will prefer Indians to Pakistanis.4.
It may be due to distrust; management may not trust the Pakistanis to hire people on the basis of qualifications and so they will be afraid that unqualified or dishonest individuals will enter the company.
This may be due to the wave of stories about Pakistanis committing crimes and fraud.
The above are just my assumptions.
Others might be better able to shed light on this matter.

SAGHEER AHMED
by SAGHEER AHMED , Operation Manager , Protecta Guard (Pvt) Ltd

     First, nationality does  not play a role in selection and not compare to knowledge. your perception is not comperhansive according to my mind.

Second,my thinking ,Every country try to develop national students for the development of country .

 

 

 

 

Mohammed Salim Allana
by Mohammed Salim Allana , Compliance and Assurance Manager , United Arab Bank

Nationality does play a role in selection but not critically. Its your wrong perception. 

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