How to Get job in Saudi Arabia ?
Saudi Arabia's oil and gas industry is its major base of economy. Jobs are also be available in IT, banking and telecommunications. The current concern as part of its 'Vision 2030' is to diversify the economy and reduce the ownership restrictions on foreign firms so as to open up opportunities in healthcare, education, tourism and engineering. Most jobs will be found in Riyadh, the capital city, or Jeddah, the second-largest city.
Opportunities are more available for experienced employees than to fresh graduates. Arabic is the country’s official language. However, English is widely spoken too especially in business sectors.
What's it like to work in Saudi Arabia?
Working hours: official working days are usually from Sunday to Thursday whereas weekend fall on Friday and Saturday. Employees are legally limited with 8 hours of working a day as maximum. Working hours are reduced to six hours a day during Ramadan. Many businesses stop working during prayer times.
Holidays: Employees in Saudi Arabia are given time off for the three public holidays each year: Saudi National Day, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha.
Income tax: Overseas workers are not required to pay income tax in Saudi Arabia.
Do you need a visa to work in Saudi Arabia?
You will need an employment visa if you want to work in Saudi Arabia. You can’t get a work visa without a job offer, as your sponsor or employer must apply for the visa on your behalf. You will get your employment contract in both Arabic (the official contract) and English (the translation). Your passport needs to be valid for six months minimum from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia in order for you to be granted a visa.
The most efficient way to find a job in Saudi Arabia is to
start your job search online. DrJobs is the number one search engine among the Arabian Gulf. Upload your CV on your profile and make your experiences as clear as possible to simplify the mission for employers in finding the best job for you. Also, make sure to create alerts for the job title you are looking for, to notify you daily of the new jobs1
Completing a medical test that ensures you don’t suffer of contagious diseases like HIV/AIDS is an indispensable requirement of visa application. If you do have a contagious disease, you will not be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, Healthcare is of a high standard in Saudi Arabia and it is compulsory for non-Saudi nationals to have medical insurance. Your employer is usually responsible for providing this.
You should also be aware that you are strictly prohibited to overstay your visa, this will subject you to a fine of 10,000 SAR and to potential imprisonment. Dates are calculated in accordance with the Hijri calendar, which is 10 or 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.