Jobseekers eyeing UAE have unrealistic pay hopes

Nearly four-in-ten overseas candidates applying for jobs in Dubai have unrealistic salary expectations, according to a survey released on Wednesday.

The poll of 75 Dubai-based human resources directors by recruitment consultants Robert Half UAE found that 39 per cent of overseas candidates had higher salary expectations than those found in the current market.

The firm warned those from other countries thinking of upping sticks from their home country for megabucks in Dubai to do some research first.

“It is important for overseas candidates to develop a thorough understanding of prevailing market conditions before orchestrating such a significant move,” said James Sayer, a director of the company.

Asked whether they thought firms were hiring from abroad in greater or lesser numbers than in recent years, the HR directors polled by the firm gave conflicting responses.

One-in-three felt that lower compensation and tougher immigration regulations led to a reduction in expatriate workers. However nearly half of them said the number of overseas hires being made had remained the same.

Sayer said companies could do their bit by being more open about the pay and conditions that are available in the local market.