Due to high wages and good working conditions, more and more foreigners are interested in Saudi Arabia’s jobs. Almost 30% of country’s population are people from the outside, and the majority of this group are labor immigrants. Most of the foreign workers live in large cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam and this is where we will find the most job offers for foreigners. However, it is worth checking in which industries it is easiest to find employment, as well as the costs and living conditions in this country.
Most of the citizens of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are employed by the government. On the other hand, the private sector is dominated in almost 90% by foreigners. That is why it is in such companies that it will be easiest to find a job.
Best job offers
New buildings and the surrounding infrastructure continue to be built in the rapidly growing cities of Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the construction industry there is very extensive and there is still a shortage of employees. For example, there is a great demand for specialists: experienced real estate agents, construction and electrical engineers, as well as architects and surveyors can successfully look for a job in this sector.
The largest employers in Saudi Arabia come from the oil industry and the oil export sector. Among the most famous employees we can find, among others brands such as Saudi Armaco, Ma’aden, Saudi Oger, ICT Services and Al Tazaj. Technical education will also be an asset in this sector. The machines necessary for oil extraction and processing require constant necessity; therefore the skills associated with their operation are highly valued. Both highly qualified and low-skilled mechanics are in demand in this area.
There is also a shortage of employees in medical care. However, in this case it is easiest to find a job as a nurse. As for doctors, dentists and veterinarians, these professions are regulated by the state and in most cases, before starting work in these professions, it is important to confirm your qualifications.
How to get the job in saudi arabia for foreigners
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has liberalized its visa regulations. Even until 2020, it was very difficult to obtain a tourist visa to this country. Now it is possible after paying the $ 80 fee. As a result, the demand has increased not only for English-speaking tourist guides, but also for certified English teachers who will help train travel agency staff.
It is impossible to come to Saudi Arabia as foreigner to look for a job, because a letter of recommendation from the employer who wants to hire us is required to obtain a work visa. To submit the application, you need an identity document, passport photos, and a medical certificate of good health. After submitting these documents and paying $ 350, the visa is issued within 5 working days.
The easiest way to find a job in Saudi Arabia is to transfer between subsidiaries of one company. Another way is to use one of the online comparison websites.
The work culture in Saudi Arabia is slightly different from the European one. In many local companies there is a strict hierarchy, and the relations between employees at subsequent levels are highly formalized.
The average salary on jobs in Saudi Arabia is lower than in the United Arab Emirates or Qatar, but still not less than in France or Great Britain. Average earnings are approximately SAR 16,700, but depending on the sector and a specific industry, average salaries can change.