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Did you know that ex-pats make up 88% of the Middle East population? With a number of professional opportunities, high living standards, and a stable economy, Middle East countries have been attracting ex-pats from around the world.
Whether you are planning to move to the Middle East for personal or professional reasons, it is going to be a good choice. However, adventurous as it may be, relocating to Middle Eastern countries can be daunting. There are a lot of things to consider, right from budgeting and transportation to accommodation.
Thus, here we have prepared a guide that can help you streamline the entire moving process. Read on to learn more.
If you’ve never been to a Middle Eastern country before, you need to know that there’s a tremendous shift in culture. That’s why make sure you start researching about your chosen country before setting foot in it. This means that you need to learn everything from currency and language preferences to climate and economy.
Suppose, you’ve chosen one of the cities of UAE for the move. In that case, you need to know that there are certain laws you will have to follow during your stay in the country. For instance, public display of affection is strictly outlawed. You may even have to serve a sentence in prison for gossiping, raising charity money without permission, or carrying food infused with poppy seeds. Taking someone’s picture without their permission and swearing (online and offline) is also a serious criminal offence. Know that it is really important to abide by these laws and breaking them can further lead to arrest and even deportation.
Learning about these things beforehand can help you get a headstart on the Middle East lifestyle, making it easier for you to blend in.
Note: Apart from this, make sure you contact local real estate agents to meet your accommodation needs. Researching your neighbourhood in advance can help you avoid any last-minute surprises.
Before moving to any of the Middle East countries, you should know that banking can feel a bit different from your home country. Thus, ensure having enough money to make sound financial decisions.
For instance, it is wise to choose the right bank well ahead of time as switching is complicated. There are several international and local banks in all countries. Experts suggest looking for your offshore bank branches for making hassle-free transactions. In case you don’t find one, you can consider opening an all-important current account to support your lifestyle.
It is also good to calculate your living expenses in advance to avoid any potential financial problems. The golden rule says that your living expenses shouldn’t exceed 70% of your income.
If you are planning a long-term stay in the country, make sure you start putting your money to work. Investing 20-25% of your income can help you reap some great financial benefits in the long run.
The Middle East government takes pride in its rich road and rail networks. Getting around the city with public or private transportation is pretty convenient. You can go for public transport such as a city bus or metro for a short-term stay in the country. However, for a longer stay, having a private vehicle would be a feasible option.
But before you get behind the wheel, make sure you are well-versed with the motoring laws. Ensure contacting the Roads and Transport Authority to transfer your driving license.
Once you are done with that, you need to look for available transport solutions to meet your needs. And when it comes to cars, everyone knows which city to turn to – Dubai. For this, you can look for popular cars in dubai, find the one that meets your needs closely, and have them delivered to your location. You can also streamline your buying experience by associating with professional car dealers. The industry experts will help you brush off all the confusion and find the best vehicle for you.
Securing your and your family’s health against unforeseen medical conditions is one of the best decisions you’ll make during the relocation process. Although almost every Middle East country’s healthcare system is affordable and accessible, it is better to have health insurance. Also, before getting a policy, make sure you take a close look at what clinics and hospitals it covers.
You can also contact your employer to provide healthcare coverage for you and your dependents. Your salary and designation will determine the extent of coverage. This, in turn, will determine the medical services your policy covers.
Before relocating to any Middle East country, you need to ensure that all your paperwork is in order.
Make sure you have necessary documents such as a marriage certificate, bank statements, and education certificates before entering the country. You would also need to carry an updated passport photo to apply for a work permit. In case you are planning to move with your family, you would need to have to meet the minimum salary bar.
Whether you are considering permanent or temporary relocation, you would need to have a sponsor to enter the country. You can receive a sponsorship from anyone- whether they’re your relatives or existing residents.
Once you have your work permit and citizenship, you are eligible to apply for a country’s ID card. It will help you sponsor your partner and other family members to get their own permits and ID cards.
Note: If you are a student, then make sure you have a student visa. For this, you would need to have a valid passport, a letter of acceptance from the educational institution, and a tenancy agreement. You would also need to undergo a close security check for this type of visa approval and get medically scanned for tuberculosis, HIV and hepatitis B, or C.
In the end
Every Middle East country welcomes ex-pats with open arms, making it a home to dozens of nationalities. So, use this guide, and experience the incredible things they have to offer with complete ease.
Welcome to Birds and Lilies! I'm Lou: mother, blogger and freelance writer. This is my lifestyle blog, where I talk about motherhood, infertility and IVF, beauty, my love for food and wine, as well as my thoughts about stuff, and our real-life and travel adventures.
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