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 like Riyadh. Around 70% of workers in popular expat cities like Riyadh are foreign nationals. The majority of Saudi citizens are employed in the government sector and almost 90% of employees in the private sector 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, immense oil reserves and good job offers for expatriates in the fields of oil extraction, natural gas and mining, Saudi Arabia is one of the most attractive nations for foreign job seekers. Other major industries in Riyadh that employ large numbers of expats 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 expats find work easily.
construction workers
The building and construction industry is one of the fastest developing in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, there is a constantly high demand for construction workers.
Engineers
There is a prolonged absence of premises for engineering-related occupations. So expats have an extraordinary opportunity to find a new job in this industry.
maintenance workers
They are typically employed by oil companies and oil drilling equipment companies.
medical assistants
Jobs in the health sector are consistently considered to be shortage occupations in Saudi Arabia. There is a high 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 from Sunday to Thursday, with certain shops and workplaces 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 Saudi Arabian temporary work visa before leaving. A work visa and a valid passport are required to work in Saudi Arabia. The duration of the work visa is based on the term referred to by the supporting organization in the work invitation letter. It is suggested that a work visa candidate apply for correspondence in Saudi Arabia for the longest validity possible.
The documents required to obtain a Saudi work visa are a valid passport (without Israeli stamps), 2 passport-size photos, visa application, payment receipt, a letter of invitation from the Saudi employer legalized by the Saudi Arabian Chamber of Commerce, permit (employer in Saudi Arabia) Saudi will get it for you), medical certificate and blood test not older than a quarter of a year, and DNI.
Food to go
Getting a job in a new country can be a stressful experience. Knowing where to look and what things to consider beforehand will make this process much more efficient and hassle-free.