The third-largest population demographic in Saudi Arabia consists of migrant workers. This is unsurprising, given the country’s status as one of the wealthiest in the Middle East. With its economy experiencing rapid growth and consistently high GDP rankings, Saudi Arabia presents abundant opportunities. However, entering the country can be difficult for foreigners. In this article, we provide guidance on securing employment legally in Saudi Arabia.
Work visa to Saudi Arabia
A work visa is required for citizens of all countries except Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and the UAE to enter Saudi Arabia. For persons from other countries seeking employment in the Kingdom, a work visa must be obtained. This process typically involves securing representation after finalizing an agreement with a company and undergoing a medical examination. The duration of the visa is usually aligned with the terms of the employment contract. It’s the responsibility of the employer to cover the expenses associated with obtaining the work visa and related documentation, such as a work permit.
Necessary documents for obtaining a work visa to Saudi Arabia
To acquire a work visa in Saudi Arabia, individuals need to furnish documents verifying their essential qualifications and professional experience. Thus, when applying for an appearance, the following documents are usually required:
- Valid passport with two blank pages
- Two recent passport size photographs
- Living conditions in Saudi Arabia
- Questionnaire for viewing in Saudi Arabia
- Certificate of Health Insurance
- Job offer from a Saudi company authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Chamber of Commerce.
- Review of financial assets, such as the bank statements and payroll statements.
- Good characteristic
- Visa number received from your employer
- Certificate of employment contract signed by the sponsor and the employee
- Diplomas, certificates or other evidence of your skills and experience.
Application procedure
- Anyone interested in working in Saudi Arabia must apply for a work visa. Obtaining a work visa involves many steps and it is very important to follow the instructions carefully.
- Contact the Saudi Arabian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
- Complete the visa application form and provide supporting documentation.
- Be interviewed at the Saudi Arabian embassy or consulate.
- Just pay the handling fee and get your work visa by mail.
- Start packing in Saudi Arabia.
Getting a job in Saudi Arabia
One of the simplest methods to secure employment in Saudi Arabia is by utilizing recruitment agencies. However, these intermediary services frequently levy fees ranging from 10 to 20% of employees’ annual salaries. Hence, if you possess adequate qualifications and experience, you may opt to pursue job opportunities independently. A portal with vacancies in the Middle East region, such as Laybord, will help with this. Let’s look at a more detailed list of sites for finding work in Saudi Arabia.
- Bayt: This is one of the largest online job resources in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia. Bayt offers a wide range of opportunities for employment at all experience levels and industries, as well as tools for job hunting, candidate profiling and more.
- Layboard.in: This is a platform specializing in job search and career development in Saudi Arabia. Here you’ll find a variety of vacancies in various industries, ranging from the oil and gas industry to the field of information technology. Layboard also provides resume resources, interview tips, and career articles.
- Careerjet: This is an international job search engine that allows you to find jobs in various countries around the world, including Saudi Arabia. Careerjet collects job postings from various job sites and portals, offering a wide range of offers to applicants.
- Learn4Good: This site targets English-speaking candidates and offers job openings in various countries, including Saudi Arabia. Here you will find work and training opportunities, as well as career and skills advice.
- Gulf News: This is a news portal providing information on developments in the Gulf region, including vacancies and job offers. Gulf News also contains sections on business and economics, making it a useful resource for job seekers in Saudi Arabia.
- Saudi Arabian Yellow Pages: This online directory provides information about various companies and businesses in Saudi Arabia, including job postings and employment opportunities. Saudi Arabian Yellow Pages is a useful resource for those seeking employment or seeking information on companies in the region.
Large companies in Saudi Arabia that actively attract foreign workers:
- Saudi Aramco: Specializes in the oil and gas industry, including the production, refining and transportation of oil and gas.
- Saudi Telecom Company: The largest telecommunications provider in Saudi Arabia, providing a wide range of communication services.
- International branches of global companies: These companies include Procter & Gamble, Nestlé and Siemens, which are active in various fields, from FMCG to technology.
The most popular areas for employment
The simplest place in the country to find a job related to oil production. After all, this industry brings the most profit to the Saudi Arabian economy. In the Kingdom, you’ll find the world’s largest mining company, Saudi Aramco, responsible for a quarter of the global oil supply.
Presently, the Kingdom is endeavoring to modernize its economic framework and explore supplementary avenues to bolster its budget. Consequently, skilled professionals from various countries can explore employment possibilities in sectors such as tourism, information technology, construction, and more. Notably, Saudi Telecom Company stands out as one of the largest telecommunications operators in the Middle East.
Work for women
Work in Saudi Arabia for women is only possible in the field of education or health care. In the medical industry, women and girls can only find employment as gynecologists and dermatologists.
In Saudi Arabia, women are restricted to finding employment as engineers exclusively within the oil sector, with Saudi Aramco being the sole company that hires women in such roles. Other organizations do not possess similar permissions to employ women.
In 2015, a limited opportunity for women arose with the allowance to work at checkout counters in department stores. However, a crucial stipulation mandates that women must have their faces fully covered. Additionally, they are permitted to work as storekeepers within these establishments.
Work for men
The majority of the state’s citizens and male expatriates are employed in the oil sector, primarily because over 90% of Saudi Arabia’s revenue is derived from petroleum product exports.
Men without specialized qualifications in this field can seek employment opportunities in sectors such as tourism, construction, and information technology.
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