In case you are a foreigner moving to Saudi Arabia to get a new job, this guide will introduce you to the critical aspects of preparing your move to popular expat cities such as Riyadh. About 70% of workers in popular expat cities like Riyadh are foreign nationals. The majority of Saudi nationals are employed in the government sector and almost 90% of the private sector employees are foreigners.
Types of works
Due to the excellent competitive salaries and working conditions, many people from abroad are interested in moving and working in Riyadh. With its wealth, vast oil reserves, and good expat job offers in the fields of oil extraction, natural gas, and mining, Saudi Arabia is one of the most attractive nations for foreign job seekers. Other important industries in Riyadh that employ large numbers of expatriates are real estate, construction and education.
There is regularly a shortage of local skilled workers for certain occupations in Riyadh. Some of these jobs and occupations are in high demand for foreign workers and are sectors where expatriates find work easily.
Construction workers
The construction and building industry is one of the fastest developing in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, there is a constantly high demand for construction workers.
Engineers
There is a long-term absence of premises for engineering-related occupations. Therefore, expats have an extraordinary opportunity to find a new job in this industry.
Maintenance workers
They are generally employed by oil companies and oil drilling equipment companies.
Medical assistants
Jobs in the healthcare sector are permanently considered as scarcity occupations in Saudi Arabia. There is a great demand for emergency clinics and medical centers for clinical staff.
Interpreters
Foreign interpreters are often hired by large oil exporting companies in Saudi Arabia.
The normal working week in Riyadh is Sunday to Thursday, and some shops and workplaces are open for a couple of hours on Fridays, rarely on Saturdays. The average working hours each week is 48 hours, 30 hours during Ramadan, for Muslim employees.
How to get a work visa
To work temporarily in Saudi Arabia, foreigners must acquire a non-permanent Saudi Arabian work visa prior to departure. A work visa and valid passport are required to work in Saudi Arabia. The duration of the work visa is based on the term referenced by the supporting organization in the letter of invitation to work. It is suggested that a work visa candidate apply for correspondence in Saudi Arabia to obtain the highest possible validity.
The documents required to obtain a Saudi work visa are valid passport (without Israeli stamps), 2 passport size photographs, visa application, receipt of payment, an invitation letter from the Saudi employer legalized by the Saudi Arabian Chamber of Commerce, permit of work (employer in Saudi Arabia provides it to you), medical certificate and blood tests that are not more than a quarter of a year old and identification card.
Food to go
Getting a job in a new country can be a stressful experience. Knowing where to look and what to consider beforehand will make this process much more efficient and hassle-free.
