DOHA: A chunk of the expatriate workforce in the Gulf and the Middle East — 36 percent — sees no reason to leave the country of residence on the back of the global meltdown, according to a survey conducted by a leading job site

in the region.

The online poll titled ‘reactions to economic conditions’ was carried out by Bayt.com to assess how employees feel about the impact of the economic crisis on their lives — in terms of work and finances — and elicit their opinion on the likely longevity of the crisis in their country of residence.

The survey conducted between February 8 and March 30, had a total of 22,708 respondents from across the Middle East. Twenty eight percent of the respondents felt that they may have no choice but to return home as a result of the current conditions. Twenty one percent said instead of going back to their country of origin, they would consider moving to a new country, seeking a job.

Unlike previous polls which suggested employees would like to move jobs relatively quickly, the latest data suggested that employees are more willing to stay put, perhaps given the instability. Thirty percent said they would stay for more than 36 months, compared to 22 percent who said they would consider moving in the next three months. Additionally, 15 percent saw themselves staying at their present job for six to 12 months. Interestingly, the economic crisis is having a positive affect on some residents in terms of their savings.

A total of 69 percent said they were saving more money — of which 37 percent said they were saving considerably more — apparently to secure their family’s future in case of further economic instability.