Dubai- I keep hearing conflicting information

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I'm having some trouble understanding the working conditions in Dubai. Everyone I ask seems to have a different answer for me, so I'm hopeful a nurse here will be able to clarify some things.

I'll be entering my 4th year BSN (Canada) very shortly and have been considering Dubai as a place to work abroad while I'm young.

I've read you need to have approximately 4 years of experience before an agency will hire you there. I've heard A) there is no tax, B) taxes are extremely high, C) pay is $1200 US per month, D) pay is double that of an RN in Canada.

Would anyone be able to elaborate on tax, pay, work experience before eligibility to work, and anything else pertaining to life in Dubai involving the nursing profession? I'm familiar with much of the culture- living conditions, marriage/single contracts, restrictive laws etc, I'm just unsure about working details.

Thanks very much. :)

Depends on your country that you are from. If a US citizen, you pay taxes on it.

According to US Tax Form 2555 Foreign Earned Income, income up to $85,700.00 per year per person beginning with 2007 is excempt from income tax. What are your sources for information?

RBF

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Specializes in ITU/Emergency.

I have spent alot of time in the middle east and worked for 2 1/2 years in Bahrain. I have visited Dubai on several occasions and love it there. i would return there in a flash. It is a great place but you either love it or hate it so I would strongly recommend a visit before signing a contract. If you are a city person, who likes to party, shop, eat out in great restaurants, etc... then you will love dubai but if you are into the more quieter side of life and enjoy culture, museums, broadway, etc..then Dubai might not be what you are looking for. As for having to cover up and not having any freedom as a woman, thats just not true. Dubai relies too much on the tourist trade to have strict codes of dress. You can wear what you want but any one with any common sense, would not wear shorts and a vest down the souk. If you do, you will be stared at and feel very uncomfortable. You do need to respect the local culture after all. However, at the beach amd water park you can wear a bikini...no problem! Also, going out in the evening you can wear what you would wear at home.Nor will you be restricted on travel. Dubai has amazing restaurants and you really do live a 5star lifestlye, champagne brunches are the thing to do on fridays(the weekends are thurs/fri). Someone else mentioned Ramadan, but its only a month or so and its a good time to give your wallet a rest by not going out! In Dubai, alcohol is only served in hotel restaurants and bars and you need a licence to buy alcohol for your home but this doesn't stop anyone from having a good time. Dubai is in a fantastic location for travelling as its only 8 hours from london and Europe, 6 hours from Thailand, 10 hours(?) or so from oz...some of those timings mightnot be quite right but you get the idea!

As you can tell, I love it over there but I haven't worked there as I worked in Bahrain, which was fine. Thats not what it was about though!!!!

Good luck with your choice.

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As far as I know, from past experiences, we (Canadians) cannot work "tax-free" anywhere. We must report income from all sources and be taxed accordingly. There's no exemption for Dubai or any other jurisdiction. If I am wrong, please correct me, so I can start planning my move :-D

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As far as I know, from past experiences, we (Canadians) cannot work "tax-free" anywhere. We must report income from all sources and be taxed accordingly. There's no exemption for Dubai or any other jurisdiction. If I am wrong, please correct me, so I can start planning my move :-D

I have no idea about Canadian law---US law tax laws give excemptions if you reside in a foreign country for a period of time each tax year. You'd have to consult someone there.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
I have no idea about Canadian law---US law tax laws give excemptions if you reside in a foreign country for a period of time each tax year. You'd have to consult someone there.

I know US does have some agreements with some countries and paying tax but even then as I believe it from reading another site I go on frequently you still have to file US taxes and declare on there what you earn even if abraod. Does not necessary mean you will pay more tax

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I know US does have some agreements with some countries and paying tax but even then as I believe it from reading another site I go on frequently you still have to file US taxes and declare on there what you earn even if abraod. Does not necessary mean you will pay more tax

It does not matter where you are outside the US...you must file if you meet certain income levels.....but you can be excempt from tax on a portion of your earnings if you meet criteria for residency.

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As far as I know, from past experiences, we (Canadians) cannot work "tax-free" anywhere. We must report income from all sources and be taxed accordingly. There's no exemption for Dubai or any other jurisdiction. If I am wrong, please correct me, so I can start planning my move :-D

I am pretty sure you are right. My husband and I are currently living in the US. Since I went to school in the US we were still deemed as Canadian residents even though living in the US and we also benefited from Canadian benefits like healthcare. For Canada I think what matters is where you consider yourself a permanent legal resident not where you reside. And yes we paid taxes in both Canada and the US while living here in the US.

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HI,

I am working in the UAE, here whole what u earn is tax free, no any single cent you have to spent on your taxes. Salary is around $ 1700-$2500/ month and it depends upon your experience.Working conditions are quite good here, as i am working with a hospital which is affiliated with John Hopkins, Baltimore, US. All the policies and other things are all as US standards.Secondly here very good chances for the western educated nurses, till now gulf nursing jobs are dominated by Indians and Fillipinos but now and in future they are giving preferance to western educated nurses. However you need some experience to join this growing region but some agencies also give oppurtunities to fresh graduates.

If you earn here good money than life is quite good and very fast.

Before coming here you have to get your certificates like Nursing degree and your 10 th standard certificate attested by the UAE embassy in your country.

Thats all about here. if you want to know something more mail me.

Mahirn

hi, can i have your email address? i'm interested in applying at your present workplace. thanks.

ilona13

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