Working in Saudi Arabia
While the economy has cooled off somewhat, there is still a very healthy job market in Saudi Arabia. Recent research from GulfTalent.com, the leading Middle East online recruitment firm, even go so far as to cite Saudi Arabia as the most likely place for expatriates to secure a job in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
The country’s concerted effort to further develop infrastructure in the face of greater global economic challenge has returned full circle to enhance job creation in a number of sectors. While the oil and gas sectors remain cornerstones of Saudi Arabia’s economic foundations, increases in the logistics sector as well as retail and consumer goods sector provide expats with a larger variety of opportunity to pursue.
Additionally, engineering, construction, IT and telecommunications have been historically active areas of employment. English teachers are always in demand and can earn quite well working in Saudi Arabia. Nurses and doctors are also actively recruited.
When you negotiate your contract ensure you secure a generous package. Try to secure a housing allowance, living costs, tickets home twice per annum, possibly a company car including insurance, medical insurance and school fees for your children. These ancillary costs can completely remove the tax advantage of working here, so ensure you are covered if you hope to prosper.
Visa and Work Permits
To get your Saudi work permit be prepared for a long and convoluted process. It all starts with your contract of employment. Take this to your nearest Saudi embassy, along with proof of qualifications, bank records, copy of your passport and results of a full medical examination with proof of a negative HIV test. As of June 2009 you also require a vaccination against cerebral meningitis.
If all your documentation is in order will hopefully be issued a visa number, which you can use to apply at that same embassy for a residence visa. If this is approved it will converted to a residence permit within a few months of arriving in the Kingdom. The residence permit is called an iqama, and it contains information including your sponsor's name, your profession, your date of birth and dates of birth of your family members. Recently the KSA has issued identity cards rather than the old-style booklet.
A work visa cannot be obtained without a confirmed job offer and sponsorship from an employer. It is therefore not possible to arrive in Saudi Arabia in order to look for work.
Note that once you arrive in the country you must surrender your passport to your sponsor. This means that you will be unable to leave the country without their approval. Even when you have possession of the passport you are unable to leave without an exit stamp – obtainable only with your sponsors approval.
