 How was it for you? You're first year now working, you've gotten to work, also I want to know what is different when you report to work in Doha as compared to Kenya. Is there any notable difference? Notable difference is the week starts from Sunday to Thursday. That's a big one. Weekend is Friday and Saturday. And then another one, also the working hours are a bit longer, 19 hours. Not here like 8, yes. On matters of security, you are just shocked how you can work on the streets at night, there is no one who will touch you, there is nothing that will happen to you. I use this, yes. I remember you told me that salaries depend on your passport. Yes. How is that? I didn't get that point. S.P.M.Buzz Thank you so much. We promise you we are not disappointing you because even what I'm bringing you today is worth your time now. Ume subscribe. Thank you for subscribing. My guest for today is someone who is going to be enlightening us on a very great story. We've seen online so many times and we thought let us bring her and just get a small insight or rather just an insight or not we're just about to talk about. Now, have you ever wanted to live in any Arab country or even work there? And I'm sure you asked yourself so many questions like am I going to stay there? How is it working there? Are there any culture shocks that I don't know about? And to enlighten us on all that today is Beth and we know who has worked in Doha, Qatar for five years as an accountant. And you know, I bet she has an experience on and can share with us some of the information that she knows. Hi Beth. Hi Miss Getshenji. Hi. I'm fine. Karimustana. Asante. I love the big smile there. I have too. Thanks for the opportunity. That introduction is amazing. Thank you so much. Now let's get into it Beth. Do you call you Beth or do we call you a Wino? Which one do you prefer? Beth. Beth. Alright, I'm Betty guys. So it's like we have some matching there. You know going on. Now Beth, let me know when did you go to Qatar and why did you choose to go there? I went to Qatar, it was in 2017 and I went there purely for work. I left here knowing that I'm going to do accounting and that's what I found and that's what I'm doing today. Ah. Yes. Okay so how was the process for you to get there? Because I know you didn't wake up today and decide okay now today I'm going to Qatar unless you have so many connections. How was the process from getting to Kenya now you know the final process of now I'm going to Doha? Ah it was through an agency. Ah. Where I made an application and they reached out about the process, the interview. People came from Doha from the company that I was going to and they came here. We did a face to face interview then the process started. Yeah. So what are some of the requirements that were needed for you to know just finish the process? Ah you need to have a passport, you need to do your medical, you need to certify your certificate. For education? Yes. Oh so you have to have gone to school? Of course, I must. Okay. What level of education, not necessarily for you because I know you have information. What level of education did you need for people to actually get there? Niza kwa ni kuna certify kechangwa klazei tiniende? Ah. Mostly okay. Inavari ni kazi ganyu nenda kufanya. Okay. Yes. But mostly for professional work degree. Oh. Yes. But other, I think foam fo if you are going to do maybe less time, waitress, maybe cleaning or house manager. I think foam fo can do. Ah so there is a chance for everyone. Yes, there is a chance for everyone. Even I think without the certificates as long as you can get the passports. Okay. Yeah then that's fine. And your medicals are okay? Yeah. And when you reach there, you have to know the medical here is not the final one. Yeah. They have to do theirs there to confirm everything is fine. Yeah. Yes. So now Beth, I want to know because we always hear stories of you know it's not safe or you get there nga nga niwa passport kwa airport. We've heard those stories. I want to know. We are going to get to that later on. But I want to know. Are you worried about those stories that you know we over here about the Arab countries before you went there? Yes. I was so, so worried but because we were a group of many, I think we were around seven. So we did our background checks and that time also we heard this some disagreement in Arab countries. Doha, UAE, Saudi, Oman. No, no, no, no. Those countries, they are in the same Arab countries. So they had some issues. So we were so worried even our parents were so worried. Why are you going there when you have this? But we did some background checks. Also our agent assured us everything is fine. And also something also that at least lowered our pressure when the people from the company we are going to came here physically. Also that really helped. Yeah. Yeah. So we just went with faith and everything turned out so perfectly. Yes. Yes. Oh my God. Yeah. Coming from now Kenya, taking a flight to Qatar, how was that moment for you because now was it a contract that for a couple of years before you come back to Kenya or were you able to like leave, ask for leave and come back to Kenya to meet your family? First time that moment of flight, first time flying. Oh it was the first time flying. Yes, first time flying. Oh my God. The excitement. The excitement. Okay mixed reaction. Let me say mixed reaction. Yes. Then my job was not a contract. It's indefinite. Yes indefinite. And as per the offer letter you have 30 days and you leave. Yes. And pay tickets from the employer. Every you have 30 days assured. Yes. That was a nice one for sure. Yes. That was good. Now when you go to the airport, how was it there? Because now you're in another country. It's your first time outside your country. How was it? Let me say it was nice because everything was well arranged. We already found there people waiting for us. We just reached there. They pick us. They take us to the hotel. The following day they take us to the office. We do the orientation. And everything just flowed perfectly. Yes. No hassle at all. Yes. Let me ask you. Have you ever encountered someone who's now experienced was different from yours? Yes. Where by Amethita Ila agency Limpeleka. Passport ya ke mechukuliwa. To join nini. Because we've had those two really. True. Have you ever had an experience with Tachapaka? Not really. Really not on a personal level but also hearing. Yes. Also hearing. People have heard bad experience. There is no one to pick them. Or maybe their passports are taken away. All their documentation. Even their phones. I have heard but not one on one with anyone. Yes. So probably it feels like maybe it's the agency that you approved. Yeah. Agency and also what you're going to do. Okay. Yes. So that's also a factor to consider. Yes. It's a very big factor to consider. According to you what are some of the factors you feel like looking at an agency. You might feel that indeed this is okay. I think you should check with the register of something here in Kenya. I think labor or something you have to check if they are really registered. Yes. I think there is register of something. I'm not very sure but there is an agency or a body here in Kenya where all agencies are there. So that should be a first check. If you really need to be safe. First check there then you can proceed with other processes. Just don't just go with an agency because there are so many agencies here which are just after money. Nothing else. Yes. So that is important too. Just check on some of those things. Just to be sure you know. Uziende wukotena mamburiende ribaya. Yeah. Now let's talk about your experience now. You know your first tier there. Yeah. How was it for you? Your first tier now working, you've gotten to work. Also I want to know what is different when you report to work in Doha as compared to Kenya. Is there any notable difference? First notable difference is the week starts from Sunday to Thursday. That's a big one. Weekend is Friday and Saturday. That's a big notable share. Because it's a Muslim country. Yes, a Muslim country. Then another one also the working hours are a bit longer, 19 hours. Not here like 8. Yes, working hours are longer also. And also something that was big, the culture shock. Okay. Yes, the culture shock you reached there. Okay. Like personally I think because of staying in Ushago so much I knew anyone who is light skin is muzungu. I didn't know they are Indians. Yes. Bangladesh. I didn't know that. So culture shock knowing not everyone who is light skin is muzungu. Muzungu is twice person. Yes. Yes. That was a big one. Then also about food. Hey. I see chili. Everything is chili. Yes. Everything, all the food is chili. And then the main food here must be rice. Yes. Then apartment so ya kawugali. Akuna kawugali. Akuna kawugali. That time. Yes. Now it's there now. Yes. That time. Then also on matters of security you are just shocked how you can walk on the streets at night. There is no one who will touch you. There is nothing that will happen to you. Are you serious? Yes. You can forget something somewhere maybe in the cub. Maybe you have gone to a restaurant you forget something. Then imagine you come back and find it. How do you feel they are able to achieve such level of security? Systems. Okay. Systems because it has developed country. I think they have very, very, very top-notch system. That's what I can say. So like surveillance cameras. Cameras as in the policemen they are always with systems. They have machines so they can. You can't hide anything. Let me say you cannot run away. I remember you mentioned that sometimes they don't even carry guns. They carry machines. Ya they don't because that is against their sharia law. Oh. Ya so they don't walk with guns. They walk with machines. They find you. Finger prints they just can then they will get all the information. Ya. Yes. So every point that you got into trouble. Not like much trouble. But this is a small trouble because you didn't know how to operate in their ways or do something in the way they supposed to be done. Is there a point? That will be like kuchumari. Ya. Kuchumari. Kuchumari. Kuchumari. Kuchumari. Kuchumari. One thing is going out of your house without your residence permit. The ID. Ya. That one you have to go. Even if you are going to throw the taka taka on the way please put it in your pocket. Are you serious? Ya. If they find you without that one it's crazy. Then my personal experience was when we were just going there now you are hyper. You want to know about the places. Ya. We went. Then you went to a club. Ya. Yes you went to a club. Then I think we forgot. We forgot some because we were in a group of people. Okay. Here there. You know club how things happen. Then we were. Then the police were following us on the way. Yes. Following us. Following us. Hey. Then they had to stop us. And I think we were like one month old in Doha. My friend. I think we ran like crazy people. Ya. We ran. There were a few people who were caught. I think but nothing happened to them luckily. They just asked them questions. And then they were left. Yes. That was a very scary experience. I mean I heard about it. Yes. Especially it's a country that it's not yours. Yes. What about language barrier? That's a big one. Because most of people there the English is not okay. Okay. Ya. So. Zero. Zero. So mostly if they are Kateri they will speak Arabic. Then if they are from other countries also the English is so broken. You cannot understand also how the pronunciation is so different. So the first time in fact I struggled. It's really get what someone is saying. It's a struggle. Did you like use Google translator or something? No. It's just you just have to keep saying pardon, pardon, pardon, pardon. Then for them they see as we are too loud for them. Yes. We are too loud for them. So you are speaking normally but for them they will tell you please stop shouting. Stop shouting. Keep quiet. Really? Yes. I remember you told me that salaries depend on your passport. Yes. How is that? I didn't get that point. You didn't get. Yeah. Passports depends where you are coming from, which country. You see a passport carries you are from which nationality. Yes. That's what basically means. Like for example you will find like us mostly let's say Africans. Mostly they view us as poor. So and they know they are helping us basically. We came from our country because we had nothing to do. We had no money so we went there just to get help. Yes. To look for basic need. Yes. To basic need. Food, shelter. Yeah. So whichever they are paying you for them it's like it's a favor. They are lifting your living standards. Wow. Yeah. So you'll find if like us coming from Africa and someone coming from another country doing the same job everything the same but salary will be different. Really? Yes. It's not even the level of education. No. It's your passport. Your passport will determine how you'll be treated, how you'll be paid. Yes. Did you guys know about that? I knew all my things. I know there are some other things that people need to know. As you decide you want to go to this Arab country especially doha kata. These are some of the things you need to know. I mean so that you don't get into trouble. You relate well with people. What are some of those pointers? I remember you had mentioned some of them and I was like oh wow. Yes. So first you have to do your background checks before leaving here in Kenya or any other country. Do not just wake up. Maybe you had just a glimpse of information from someone and you get excited about going out there. Out there is not a bed of process as you may hear. People have different experiences. It's a different country. It has its own policies and rules and especially it's a Muslim country. You know how Muslims are tight on their traditions and their cultures and their religion. So you really need to be careful. You have to know when you go there. You have to be very cautious about your relationship. Do not go there in such a misbehaving because public display of affection is not allowed. Yes. What? This display of affection is not allowed. It's illegal. Yes. Do not go there, walk on the streets holding hands. Even holding hands beds. Yes. You will hold hands as who? What? No. What do you mean to your brother and sister? No. Brother and sister. How? You are holding hands with the brother and sister on the street. Okay. They are younger. Okay. Carry them then. But they are younger but they are grown really. That against their roles. What kind of punishments do you get when you publicly display affection? I am not so sure but there is a penalty. Either a cash something or imprisonment. Not sure specifically but there is a penalty for that. Okay. Yes. Yes. Yes. Then about while walking around ensure you carry along your residence permit. Always do not forget that. If you are an alcoholic remember there you need to have a license to buy pombay and if you don't have you have to go to a club. You have to drink from there. Do not come out with that. With beer. Yes. If you want to consume alcohol. Yes. Be it wine, be it spirit, be it whatever. Yes. You need to acquire a license. Yes. Where? From an office. A government office. From a government office but the process starts with your employer. Because the employer has to approve. Has to approve. But you can drink alcohol. Yes. And that approval also depends with the level of your salary. Yes. Because there is a limit. So how much you earn also will determine how much the extent they will allow you. You need to drink to buy alcohol. Yes. Because that license will have specification you can buy up to this time. But if you cannot buy, if you maybe not all people are employed, so you can go to a club. And drink as much as possible. But do not be caught outside drunkards. Wuki misbehave. Yes. Yes. You will be reported straight. Yes. Let me ask. What if, okay now, that is purchasing in any mall? No, it's not a mall. It's a centralized place, a government central place. It's called Qatar Distribution Center. It's not a mall. There are no alcohol in malls. What? No alcohol in malls. Never ever. It's a central government place where even if you have a license, you need to book. You need to book an appointment. And this time when to buy this amount. Yes. And if, but if you have the license and then that's pombe because they sell with codes. You will have a code when you buy. So if that pombe will be found somewhere with someone, they'll just come and they'll find who bought this. Then they'll come. So it's like possessing a gun. Yes. A gun has a license. Yes. So it's got a receipt and it's not sure that the owner can be trapped. Yes, can be trapped. So you really need to be careful with that. I do have that. Yes. I can't find the alcohol, drinkers. Is it the same like in Dubai? Dubai before but now rules have, yeah it's a bit flexor because of the tourist stuff. Yeah, but you go to Saudi, I think Saudi is the worst. Okay. Yes. So do you buy, you get a license but you buy the license? No, not buying. Oh, you're just given. You're just given. Yes. I am. After approval of your boss or employer. Yes. Hate when they live. Okay. Another thing also on traffic rules. Hey, yuko, imagine they don't follow you. No one will follow you. As in itself, if you go there, if you are used to misbehaving, you are, I don't know, you're just not molded well. The country rules will just mold you. You'll just be disciplined, natural. No one will force you, no one will follow you because the system, like on roads, if you're driving, if you skip the lights, camera will just capture you. You'll get a message, they will give you instructions. You need to pay this fine by this one. If you fail, it's up to you. Whenever you'll find your way to... To your back to your country. Yes, or to the office to pay the penalty. Or they'll come for your car and they take out your send and everything. Yeah. As in rules, it's a self-disciplining country without being followed just by the rules. Okay. Yes. Then another thing, churches are centralized in one place. All churches. Oh. Yes. And mostly prayers are held on Friday as people go to Mosque, Christians will go to church. So you need to note that. Are there places that hold services on Sunday? No. No. Is it illegal or is it because people are used to going on Friday? Yes, because of the country rules and laws. Okay. Yes, because you have to operate under their rules. It's a Muslim country. So in fact these churches, it just came recently. It was not used to be there. So you have to follow. If you don't follow, then they will just... They won't give you the permission. Yes. Yes. They have allowed you so you have to follow. Okay. Because... Yes. You know, church is being held on Friday and then... Of course, then we can start on Sunday. Friday and Saturday. On Friday and Saturday. Yes. Okay. Let's continue. Another thing is about separation of male and female places. Like for example, if you go to a hospital, you'll find there is a male place, there is a female place. And for you to be served, if you are a lady, for you to be served with a male, you really have to... They have to ask you... No, no, no. They have to ask you if you are okay to be treated by a male doctor if you are a female. Okay. Yes. Yes. And then another thing, if you are going to a book for a hotel and you are in different steps, you are going to book, they have to ask for money certificate. Yes. You cannot just go to a hotel and start saying, we are booking, we are to the last queue. Who are you? What's your relationship? You are saying you are married? Okay. Produce your marriage certificate. Yes. Okay. So you just need to carry your marriage certificate when going to Doha. Yes. Doha. Please. You have this nation or stay single? Stay single. Stay single. Yes. With their room. Okay. Then also another thing that I really feel that if you are a single man, they are called bachelors. Okay. I think they really face a hard time. Why? I don't know. They just face a hard time. That country favors married people which are called family and ladies. Okay. They are really... The treatment is top notch. What are some of the challenges that you feel like the bachelors face? For example, if they go somewhere, like they will be pushed back. There will be last one. There are houses where they live also. They are not so nice. And also it's very hard for them to get a place to stay because all the accommodation and houses for rent, flats and villas, they are always seeing either family or ladies. Family that's married, then ladies. It's so hard for them. Any services, for them to get any services. It's a struggle. I don't know why. It's just a struggle for them. Kabisa. That's crazy. Yeah. So now they encourage people to settle down and have a family? Yes. Because that I think reduces misbehavior kind of. So I think that's what they intend to achieve. How do you feel about that, the fact that they are treated that way? I feel for them. Imagine your brother is there. I really feel for them. I think they should look into that. And I think they give them the same. They are human beings. I feel sometimes. Sometimes you might not really want to marry because maybe of financial constraint. Or you are just not ready. Not ready. That's a personal decision. And some people might not even want to be married anyway. Yes. There are people who decide that. Yeah, that's their life. But they are bachelors. If you just hear bachelors, it's crazy for them. What if your wife doesn't live around now? You go with a married certificate to show them that I'm married, but my wife doesn't stay with me? No, that's your teacher as a bachelor. The wife has to be there physically. Yeah. Yeah. Hey, him what has something else we should know? On that, on female, also on the houses also. You'll find if the houses for family now the bachelors are not allowed. You cannot even, they can't visit. Oh. Yeah, they can't visit. It's not the house, but they cannot visit. Yeah, they can't visit. So it's for family and for ladies strictly. Yes. Yes. So they cannot come to visit you. Or if they are bachelors also, you cannot go there to visit them. Maybe you are in somewhere to go meet. Yes. Yes, outside. You mentioned the systems are very top notch. What are some of the experience you've had that you had to use a system that he in Kenya will do it manually and it's normal for us? I will say that one of your information can be found everywhere you go. I don't know where you go to. Even taking a bus, a train, it's your information just by a click, a swipe of a card or a click of your finger, your information is out there. Okay. Everything is just a system. There is no manual anywhere. Yeah. Okay. That is good to know. Yes. We are very enlightening guys. I hope you fixed something from this conversation. I hope you go on something. I will tell us down on the comment section. Niga ni me kushituakabita hafiziki kote. Let's talk about the challenges that we hear living and working in the Arab country because we really cannot ignore that part as well. What are some of the things you feel like this one is actually something that has made people being discouraged from going to those countries? Personally, what I can say is people have different experiences according to what are you going to do exactly, who is going to be employer, what agency did you come with from here in Kenya to Qatar and some of the challenges I can say is before even the challenges you need to know when you are going there you really have just to be focused. No. Sign shows. Yes. What you need to keep there. You know you are there for a reason and a purpose. You will find so many challenges but you just need to be focused. You need to know. Mostly people go there for nothing else. It's just money. There is no any other thing apart from money. So I can say challenges is the language barriers, the treatment because of our skin. Ya. That's what I wanted to ask you. Ya. Kainta a bit of freedom kind of. Ya. That's what I wanted to ask you because if the passport determines your salary then does it mean because you are considered a low class type of person, do you get some bad treatment as well? As I will say again it all depends with the environment you are working in. But there is that treatment because of our skin color or our passport. Ya. But I think for you to survive you just need to ignore that fact and know you are there for a reason and for a season. Ya. And also when you are some of the challenges also about the living standard. Because living standard is too high so when you go there you really need to just manage, learn to manage, learn to manage whatever you are getting versus what you are spending on do not be taken away by the pressure and by the hype of your life in a different country so you need to, you want to like explore too much. Ya. So just live by your means. Ya. Don't overspend. Ya. You know bearing in mind why you came there. Ya. You are looking for money. Ya. Ya. Another challenge is about the weather. The weather is extreme. If it's too hot it's too hot like now it's summer. It goes up to 50 degrees. 50 degrees. If it's too cold it's too cold below 10. 50 degrees. Ya. So if you get here at 30 you will die. It's like you are dying. Like now it's like peak of summer. Now July it's crazy. So you need to have clothes for all seasons extreme and because I think the spring season is maybe a month or two. Ya. But mostly those extreme cold and extreme hot. Extreme cold you mean like it gets snowing? Yes. Ya it does. It does. Yes it does. Alright. Yes. That's something to note as well. Ya. But do I hear that you know the day because it gets really hot in the afternoon so there's nothing much that happens in the afternoon? Ya. That one mostly affects people working for the casual workers. Maybe say people doing constructions. Ya. That's where I think they should work up to 11. Ya. But if for us office people normal. It is me. Ya. It's control. It's control. By all the buildings they must have AC. There's no place without AC. Ya. That is a must. Another challenge when going to government offices. Ya. You really need to dress modestly. Ya. Yes. Yes. Skin. I think no sleeveless. Below the knee. Okay. Below the knee. Okay. No no below the knee. Ya then just you need to be modest while dressing. Ya. Yes. Because if you don't dress modestly when you go to government offices or any government, even some hospitals which are government. Ya. Imagine they will tell you go back and dress properly. Ya. They will not be of service to you. They want. Okay. Alright. Yes. Go to know what you guys want. What you don't know. Go look in aha. Just go look in the way you want. The way you want. Ya. I would like to know you stayed in Doha Katal for five years. Ya. So you look like life is good. But are you planning to stay there for a long time probably trying to invest there? Or do you plan on coming back to your country? I plan on coming back to my country because that's not my country. Just looking for bread and butter then come invest in my country. Ya. Yes. I think even above stayed there. Ya. When I went, when I left here in Kenya in 2017, I told myself only two years. But there is this spirit that comes. When you get the money, you say okay. Washan kake kake kidogo washan kake kidogo. Then the time flies. I think there, I think I don't think we have the same 24 hours really. Because hey, the way time flies. Yes. For me it's just like I just went there the other day. And it's five years even I can't imagine. So I'm planning to come back home. Ya. Yes. Would you advise someone to like, you know, go and live in Doha. Would you advise someone and what are the tips you tell them? These are the most important things you should consider as you wind up. I will advise someone to go to Doha. But you have to go there with one mind. You have to live there here, in Kenya, with a well-written plan. What are you going to do there? What do you intend to achieve? For what period, what ligas are you going to live while there and also here? Because when you go there, you know people here are, they are like, umenda maju. So umenda maju, every time they are asking for money. So also you have to give sparingly knowing you have a life. Even if you help, do not help and live yourself. Bure. Ya. Ya. Alright friend. I really think that was very insightful, you know, informative. Some of the things we don't know because I mean in Kenya we don't practice and we don't go by those rules. So it was important to know. Sure. If anything else you feel you've left out. In case you found in trouble, you have no help, you have nowhere to go. First thing is you have to go to the embassy, the Kenyan embassy in Doha. That is home when you are there. In fact when you are there they tell you you are in Kenya, you are not in Doha. So that is your first contact. So that's the place you should go and explain exactly what you are going through, what help you need, then they help you from there. Ya, that's the only safe place you can go. So guys I have a YouTube channel, it goes by my name Betha Wino. There I mostly show you about Qatar. So if you want to learn more about Qatar and you know Qatar is hosting FIFA World Cup this year. So there is a lot more that is coming up. So please follow my channel, subscribe to my channel so that you learn a lot about Doha Qatar. Thank you. Okay. Yes. Alright thank you so much Beth. Thank you for coming to and giving us that information. Thank you. Thank you for the honor. You dance so well. Thank you. That was Betha Wino. She lives in Doha, Qatar as an accountant. For five years that's quite an experience and no she has shared with us some of the information. She says it's important for you and me to know if we intend to go and live in some of those Arabic countries. She says in some others it could be you know a bit more stressful or rather more tough you know. By in Doha Qatar it's a bit easy, in Dubai it's a bit easier. It's upon you to do the research and find out. But I hope you've learnt something today. If you have please leave a comment down below. On the comment section there is no nini i me kushtua habita. What I surprised you the most. There is no. Thank you so much for watching. Basit staz right here on SPM Bas. My good name is Miski Finchi. And until next time, keep it at SPM Bas.