Qatarisation in key public and private sector companies in the country is an ongoing process. It was not very long ago when thousands of expatriates had to move out of their jobs to make for local Qatari talent.

Now, the government’s moves seem to be paying off and there are signs that it is set to continue in the coming days.

The number of Qataris employed by the country’s oil and gas industries has tripled from 2,900 to 9,300 in 16 years, according to HE Dr Mohamed bin Saleh Al Sada, Qatar’s Minister of Energy and Industry, reported Gulf Times.

The minister, who was addressing the 17th Annual Qatarisation Review Meeting, said this was around 29%, with the country targeting a 50% Qatari workforce in the near future.

The minister said the number of companies implementing the Strategic Qatarisation Plan — the policy of replacing foreign workers with locals — has grown from 18 to 36.

"We’re on the road to reaching our goal of 50% Qatarisation in the energy and industry sector,” Al Sada was quoted as saying by Qatar Tribune. At the meeting, a number of companies were awarded citattions for their accomplishments in the field of Qatarisation.

Qatar Petroleum President and CEO Saad Sherida al Kaabi, as well as senior officials and representatives from the 36 companies implementing the Strategic Qatarisation Plan in the energy and industry sector, attended the meeting.

“Process operators, maintenance technicians and vocationally-trained staff are vital to our industry. It’s crucial we place greater emphasis on making those positions more attractive and equally rewarding for Qataris. We must find innovative ways to raise awareness of the importance of these positions,” added the minister.

The 9th Annual Qatarisation Awards went to Qatar Petrochemical Company (Support and liaison with the education sector); Nakilat (for supporting Qatarisation); Qatargas (Support for training and development; RasGas (Supporting student sponsorships); and Woqod (Best Qatarisation Progress).

Photo credit: shell.com.qa