Frequently Asked Questions about Saudi Arabia
Do I have any rights as in expat in Saudi?
Despite the fact your passport is removed from arrival, and you live in KSA at the pleasure of your employer, you do have rights while living here. Under Saudi law your employer must honour the terms in your contract, pay your the agreed salary on time every month, provide free healthcare, pay for the fee and renewal of the residence permit (iqama). Expats with a legitimate grievance should contact the Expatriate Grievance Cell run by the Ministry of Labour. Write a detailed letter, in Arabic, and fax it to 012104565.
Do I need a car in Saudi?
Yes, a car is essential. Petrol is cheap and there are some great beaches and dunes to explore on the outskirts of Jeddah.
Do I need to learn Arabic?
You don’t need to although most people speak Arabic. If you plan on spending several years here you can greatly boost your career prospects by learning to speak Arabic as this will make you more valuable in the eyes of employers and will be an advantage when dealing with Saudis.
How much vacation time is provided?
Another perk of working here is the large block of holiday: depending on what you negotiate, you can get from 40-60 days leave per year.
What is the salary range for a young graduate in the IT field?
You can negotiate in the range of SAR160,000 to 220,000.