What EXPATS need to know when moving to Saudi Arabia for WORK
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ธ.ค. 2022
- The experience for expats here in Saudi can be absolutely fantastic, but there are also a handful of horror stories that I have heard over the years when it comes to working life here.
The purpose of this video is to give clarity to any potential expats. The stuff I wish I knew before moving!
I wanted to bring in an expert legal adviser, Ibaa, who could share his advice on what you need to be aware of it considering the move to Saudi. In short, the good news is that in the last few years, everything has become so much better for expats working here for a whole number of reasons.
We cover everything you need to know…
- When you receive your offer letter and key things to consider
- When you have landed in Saudi and what you need to be aware of
- When you are considering transferring your sponsorship, resigning or not renewing your contract
We also cover…
- The big things to check in your contract - probation periods, non-compete clauses, compensation, notice periods
- What to watch-out for if your employer wants to bring you over on a visit / tourist visa (!!)
- What is Saudization and why it matters to you
- How the sponsor transfer process works
- Earning extra income which is outside of your contract income
- The importance of knowing your job description
- How to file a dispute with your employee, without even needing a lawyer
- The best way to terminate your contract
- The maximum weekly hours you’re legally allowed to work and how overtime works
I know there’s a lot of terms we use here, so I thought I’d share a bit of a glossary for anyone who’s watching...
- Iqama - this is your residence permit issued to expats who come to Saudi on an employment visa. If you're coming with family members, they will need their own visa (Expat Dependent Iqama)
- Jawazat - The General Directorate of Passports - this is the department responsible for the issuance of Iqama, plus deal with exit/re-entry visas as well as final exits.
- Nitaqat - this relates to Saudization, an initiative launched to encourage the private sector to hire Saudi nationals. Each company will be given a classification based on the number of expats vs the number of Saudis, from which they will either receive benefits or penalties.
Important platforms you need to be aware of...
- Absher - an app that allows citizens and residents to use various governmental services. It holds your digital ID, vehicle registration etc. A must-download if you're a resident. There are also Absher stations you will need, for example to activate your account (e.g. Red Sea Mall in Jeddah).
- QIWA - The Human Resources and Social Development platform that enhances the services for the labor sector - streamlining process for employee and employer. Among many other things, digital contracts will be housed here, Iqama transfers are done through this platform, and employment disputes too.
If you need a bit of legal guidance, hit Ibaa up on Instagram @ibaa_fit
For anything else, give me a shout @pete_kami_
Thank you for this video,very helpful 🙏🏻 👏
No problem, happy to help!
I am glad that I have watched this video before going to the 2nd interview. Thank you so much guys for this, I wish you all the best!
I’m glad it was useful - good luck!
Thank you do much for making this video. It summed up very much of what I've needed to know, as I'm preparing to travel to KSA, for a job.
That’s awesome! I’m glad it helped ☺️ Good luck in your move!
Very useful video.Thank you and your great guest!!
Thanks for sharing Ahmed! 🫶🏼
Thank you for doing this . Really helpful . I have just received my offer and I am waiting for the visa now . Thanks again.
Thanks for the kind words 🫶🏼 I appreciate the support. Good luck in your journey, you must be excited?
Thank you for the helpful video and informative topic
Thank you to you both for doing this. I’m in the process of looking for an opportunity in Saudi coming from Southern California and this entire video was very informative. Hopefully it all works out and I work with Ibaa when I get a contract.
That’s awesome and quite some way! Good luck and please do reach out if any questions.
Great video and information, Thank you !!
Thank you for the kind words 🫶🏼
Really helpful video. Wish I had seen it before moving to Jeddah.
You and me both 😂 Hopefully there are some bits in there that will remain useful for you as you contract goes on?
Thank you for this!!!
I hope you found it useful 🫶🏼
Helpful information, Thank you for Sharing
Thank you for sharing that, I’m glad it was useful!
Hi, Am new to this channel. Very useful information and great content. Hope to see you more with new content about Jeddah. Watching from Australia 🇦🇺
Thank you for the kind comment, I’m glad it was useful for you! Good luck in your journey 🙏🏼
Thanks a lot, very helpful information, my husband and I are moving to Saudi in a few months… looking forward to it
No problem! I’m glad it helped 🫶🏼 Exciting times for you, where will you be moving to?
@@petedoessaudi in Riyadh
being legally oriented is a must for everyone. very nice video and hopefully when all goes well, ill be in Khobar in 4 weeks time. thanks and God bless.
Thanks for the kind words. Good luck with you move, just be an exciting time for you 🫶🏼
Very helpful video guys, thank you Ibaa end Pete for putting this together. I am at the phase of awaiting a offer for work and this has definitely given me lots more information with regards of things to be aware of.
That’s awesome, congrats! And thank you for taking the time to share this - we appreciate the feedback 🫶🏼
his arms are amazing is he single?
Thank you guys so much for doing this. One of the best videos on this topic on the internet. It has made my upcoming move to Riyadh less stressful :)
Thank you for the message mate, I truly appreciate that! Good luck and hope everything goes well with your new adventure 🙌🏼
Im moving to riyadh soon, how was your experience if u dont mind sharing?
Really , what am looking for in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 past 4yrs 7 months I.e, transfer but am really confused by rules and regulations of Ksa , and company’s dominant power also but finally I got clear idea about video thank you so much guys ….this is Informative video ❤👍✅
I’m so happy you’ve found it helpful! Good luck with everything 🫶🏼
Thanks, good information
Thank you! 🫶🏼
This is pure gold
I’m glad you found it useful!
@@petedoessaudi tbh there is so little information coming out of Saudi Arabia beyond the PR for vision 2030.
Thanks for sharing. Really helpful. Moving to KSA in 3 weeks and this was very helpful. Moving to Riyadh!
That’s awesome! Congrats on the move. Excited?
@@petedoessaudi nervous…. We are moving from Australia…. So a big whoppa change! So bracing ourselves mate
@@harpingatune that’s awesome! Huge change 🙌🏼 Nervousness is totally justified, but I guarantee after the first couple days that’ll be gone
@@petedoessaudi shall keep following your channel. Stay in touch mate! You have no idea how much I have benefitted from watching your experiences 😀.
@@harpingatune this means so much to me 🫶🏼 Good luck and let me know how you get on!
Thx 🎉
Very informative video
Thank you!
Excellent info
Thank you! Appreciate the love 🫶🏼
@@petedoessaudi I'm moving to KSA as a physician (ICU Consultant) in a couple of months, wish me luck!!
@@marianosantopinto that’s awesome! I wish you the best of luck, I’m sure you’ll have a fantastic time 🫶🏼
Very helpful video! Thank you. Do you know by chance any recruiters for English teachers in Saudi?
This was very informative! Thanks! I myself just received and offer from a company in the oil&gas sector.
Now that I am reviewing it, I would like to know if someone might be aware if Saudi regulations require the companies to distribute earnings or “profit sharings” to their employees (which %). Or if this is left for a decision of company directors.
Hope anyone can help or refer me to supporting documents!
Thanks!!
Hey Pete. Thanks for the excellent content. Well done!
Need some advice on verbal amendments to contract. Who could I contact in this case?
No problem at all, I hope you found it useful! Verbal amendments? I would suggest you always get them in writing and they can be added as amendments to the contract. Can’t be trusting verbal agreements of anyone, regardless of country
It was really to the point, informatical and best video i have watched about rules and policies in KSA . Thanks a lot both of you.
I have got job opportunity from one of the big IT company from KSA(Riyadh) , could you please make one video on living and lifestyle comparing the average salary of 15-18k SAR . 😊
Hey, can you please share the name of the company?
Helpful videos. I flew out from uk Uk to Jeddah few years ago, just hit my 30’s and I feel so bored of it now, do you know any places or clubs for women to attend? Badminton? Pottery? I know you’re not too keen on kids but also anything fun to do with a toddler other than the malls and lavish dining. Thanks in advance!
Im moving to dammam to work as a corporate travel consultant cant wait🎉
Awesome! Congrats on the move 🎉 Wishing you all the best
Really informative video!! This is super helpful as I know someone who just signed an agreement and is coordinating with the company for the visa. However, they informed him that they are in the “red zone” for hiring expats in their saudi office (they’re an omani based company) and informed him that they would have him sign a contract with their sister company to allow him to work in saudi (under the same contract conditions). Is this a red flag? If it is, what are the consequences for the company and the expat? Should this person go through with it?
Heya - I shared this with Ibaa and this was his response…
“Red zone means they are not allowed to recruit expats abroad, and that it a result of not meeting nationalisation requirements.
It's highly recommended not to sign a contract with the company unless it settled any irregularities with (Nitaqat System) which is the color pattern that determine their nationalisation status, he should join with a company that has platinum color or high green.
Also he should refrain from being sponsored by a company and to work for another, the company might pay a fine of 20,000 and the employee will have difficulties in claiming unpaid salaries, benefits and compensation.”
Obviously each case is different, but I would say he needs to be careful as if they are operating like this then what are their standards like within the business - as Ibaa says, there may be issues with compensation or unpaid salaries and a whole host of other malpractices. He should definitely enquire about this and probe deeply with them as what they’re doing sounds like it’s a workaround the laws…
Hope that helps?
Ver information!!
Their system is similar to the uk. Coming undocumented or with a tourist visa you will be stuck . It’s like you won’t be able to do what you need to do. You’re stuck
Fantastic video and information! I do have a question... If you have a job offer, What visa would your employer usually have to apply for, for you to enter and arrive in Saudi prior to obtaining for your Iqama?
My experience is that employees may come over on a business visa but then have to go home to complete the IQAMA process which includes criminal record checks, health checks, qualification accreditation etc).
My understanding is you cannot simply just convert a business visa to an IQAMA once in the Kingdom.
If the company HR you’re going to work for don’t know this and the process that would be alarming?
Hi my husband and I ( with our two kids )wishing to move to KSA from Australia. My husband works in one of the largest flour company as a miller for last 15 years. Do you have any idea that there is any of these type company around KSA looking for miller ? It would be very helpful if you can provide some information.We have very less idea about KSA.thanks a lot
Hy there mate I’m studying sport and exercise science and I’m taking all the qualifications of UK in fitness, I would like to move to Dubai or Saudi or Kuwait after I take all my qualifications, where do you find jobs in fitness for those countries?
Thank you for providing this informative material. I will soon be starting a contract in Saudi Arabia. Could you please inform me about the procedure for bringing my wife and son to join me? My wife does not plan to work there, she simply wants to be with me during the few years that I will be under contract.
Although I’ve never done this, it’s absolutely possible. Your company should help you with the process. If you have a valid IQAMA you’d be able to get a spouse visa and dependent visa for your wife and your son (names of visa type might be different now) I’m not too sure on the process so you’d have to give it a google / speak to you HR, but this is what all expats do if they have families with them.
I am from France 🇫🇷 with French nationality.
Everyone is telling me to study engineering in order to live in KSA.
Is there another field of studying ? And if not, then what field of engineering should I choose.
What about maintenance engineer ?
Thank you for the enlightening session; I truly value the information shared. I have a situation I'd like to discuss. I'm from Canada and, over the past month, I applied to several positions and underwent multiple interviews. Recently, I accepted an offer from a consultancy firm. However, another company has also expressed interest and might extend an offer in the next 3-4 weeks. I'm contemplating starting with the consultancy but considering transitioning to the second company if they make an offer within my initial three months. Would it be feasible, especially if I haven't applied for an Iqama with the first company yet? Does securing an Iqama during the probationary period complicate the transfer process?
I’m still in Canada and didn’t start the visa process yet. Thank you so much for your advice!!!
Hey if you don’t mind me asking how do you go about finding jobs and landing interviews? I am a fellow Canadian as well and looking for options in GCC. I have tried linkedin, indeed and naukri gulf for months but no leads and no response. Any insight will be appreciated. Thanks.
Hey! Thanks for the comment and really glad you found it useful!
It’s been two weeks so apologies for the delay - what did you decide on?
It may be feasible, but a lot of expense will be incurred by the initial company to bring you over and start the IQAMA process so it wouldn’t be very professional to then turn around and jump ship in my opinion.
Is requesting a 3 month notice period from your employer even during probation period a unreasonable request?
I signed online contract and started processing my work visa (medical, etc). In case I made my mind and don't want to proceed any further (biometrics not done yet), is there any consequences or compensations that I should pay?
Great video 🎉.
The new uk waver visa, it says there is a business option, does that mean one can work in ksa with that?
I’m not too sure mate, you’ll have to read the fine print on that one
Thank you for doing this. This was very helpful. I am thinking for moving to Saudi but I don't have an offer letter. What would be your suggestion should i get a visit visa find a job there and then convert that visit visa to work visa or is there any other way like getting a job seeking visa.
Big question sad no one yet replied. I aslo has doubt on this
Thank you for this video! is there a video regarding income tax or taxes in general?
I’m sure you can find something online, but generally for expats there is no income tax, so you keep 100% of your salary. That’s why it’s quite attractive to work here!
Ya there's no income tax, but there's 15% VAT, silly visa fees everytime you wanna leave the country, high rents and basic groceries...oh & get ready for the plethora of traffic fines that is impossible to dispute.
@@YYZ_777 some outside of the box thinking here, but how about you avoid speeding and being on your phone while driving. Watch those traffic fines disappear
hello, Pete I was wondering do you know of a employment agency or something ?? we want to live in Saudi my wife is in the medical field I was wondering if you knew of somewhere to start? thank you so much this is our dream to go and start as a expat in Saudi and then hopefully to end up staying there your help is much appreciated
Professional connections or MR Canada are agencies
I have lived in KSA my whole life was offered work visa this year as a lady I really appreciate they have started hiring on work permits .I have doubt to ask my company is providing me visa contract is for 2 years can we transfer the visa later to another company ? I need little guidance
Thanks pal i am waiting on a project manager job in residential construction in riyadh the salary is high what visa do i need again
Hi guys, I have a job offer for Medinah, I would like to ask you if you have been there and if you know how open they are to expats, also what would be a good salary?
I have got the valid job offer from Saudi Arabian employer but they are unable to sponsor me the visa because their visa quota has finished. so, what to do in this situation to get the work visa and work legally in Saudi Arabia. any suggestions plzzz
Warm wishes please I have a question for ur guest
Are masters students on a scholarship in Saudi Arabia permitted to work?
Does us citizens that work in ksa get housing allowance or stay in a dorm to work ?
How does this the same for Americans?
Hey pete, I hope you are doing fine. May I ask why wouldn't he recommend resigning? What are the drawbacks of it If I may know?
If you resign before the end of your contract you are not entitled to your end of service payment (which is a half month salary for every year you worked at the company).
Will you please send a apartment site for 1 bed room in Jeddah/Riyadh please 🙏
Whats the difference between offer letter shared before travel and the contract?
I have been shared an offer letter to work in a saudi ministry of health job. The offer letter is a one page doc containing basic info like salary break up and to no of leaves and duration and type of contract.
It doesn't has all the nitty gritty details that you mentioned..
What should I do?
You’ve almost answered the question there yourself. The offer letter is an intention of employment from both parties - it’s gives the basic info for you to come to a mutual agreement. The contract is legally binding and goes into the nitty gritty around all aspects of the work, requirements and includes all labour law details. Does that make sense?
@@petedoessaudi Thanks for clarification.. And the contract becomes a legal document if its uploaded/shared on QIWA platform?
@@Adil-uq7ph that is how the process should work, yes. They may share a paper one in the first instance with you, but it will ultimately have to be uploaded to Qiwa
❤❤❤❤
I am moving to Saudi as job visa, however can i import goods from my country and get the customers in ksa to pay to a bank account from my country? Is this something that I am legally able to do?
I really wouldn’t be best placed to answer this I’m afraid. Apologies.
A bit of advice if you can. I was offered a contract in Riyadh recently, however, the company said they would bring me over first on a business visa they would then work on my work visa and said I would then go back to my place of residence and go to the Saudi embassy to complete it. Is this correct? Thanks in advance
Yes mate, that’s one way to do it. But you’ll have to ask them how long this will be for as you technically you cant ‘work’ on the business visa, so it should be pretty quick. If it’s months then that raises questions… As without the residency you won’t be able to open a bank account so things will become very inconvenient and frustrating.
@@petedoessaudi Thanks, is it normal to wait over 4 weeks for a business visa, start to finish? Seems to be an issue with mine. Started 24 Aug and been told its on hold.
So what happened if we are in Saudi working a normal day job but occasionally uploaded a video in youtube chanel and earning cash from adsense? the money transfered to other bank in Indonesia though, is it a problem?...😀
hahaha , this is a really something to think about it , but overall don't worry ! if it's not that much of money .
I would say you’d need to ask someone more qualified than myself! However I echo the other comment.
Great video guys. Thank u very much.
Can you advise if a UK resident, British nationality that works remote. Can they reside in Saudi? If so what visa etc? And if you know tax implications?
Unfortunately it isn’t possible - you can come on a tourist visa and stay, but you wouldn’t be able to reside indefinitely unless you paid for your own IQAMA which comes in at about 100,000 a year…
@@petedoessaudi very helpful thank you so much.
On a tourist visa, how many days can you stay?
Just googled it. It says upto 90 days valid for 1 year and multiple entry visa.
Jazak'Allah
Please , is it possible for an expat with a working visa to apply for and attend a university in Saudi Arabia?
I’m sorry I don’t know this information, you’re going to have to speak to a university directly I suppose
Hi Pete and Thea,
Hope you're well. Was your passport kept by your employers when you went to Saudi and commenced work?
All the best,
Matt
Nooooo, this is illegal and shouldn’t ever be done
@@petedoessaudi thanks for replying. I'm waiting on a response from a utility in Riyadh following an interview this week. If there are any compounds you can recommend that'd be great. We've got an eye on the Al Bustan compound. We're a family of 3 soon to be 4 with a girl in transit in November.
Have you both done a video on Banking in Saudi? If not that'd be very helpful for any expats looking to move out there.
Hi @peteandtheadosaudi i stumbled across your videos after i have recently passed an interview for nursing post...dont know where in saudi i will be based yet...their recuitment is really lengthy...not got any contract offer yet.... i had the same question because some companies for nurses i hear people say on youtube they had to hand in their passport after arriving to saudi? Maybe they do this to nurses who are from certain 3rd world countries like asia / africa?
@@Beng4lK1ttenFlash hey, have you managed to go to KSA yet? I'm also a nurse and want to start to the process
@@lilprincess5397 no i havnt....waiting for a second interview...was suppose to be last week but they had to cancel due to no interviewer availability. Are you a mental health nurse?
How if travel with visit visa, then found the job. After that apply works visa. It's ok
As long as you’re not performing any actual work whilst on your visit visa
hello sir i have a question.. i work in Saudia Arabia almost 16yrs im called my branch manager i said i want to work again. my branch manager he said you buy working visa.. I don't how much the working visa?
may be you know how much the working visa thanks have a great day
Hi, thanks for your informative video. I have some few more questions for Ibaa because I recently got a job offer to work in the NEOM project, but I don't have Instagram. Does he have Linkedin or an email address?
I think you’ll find him on LinkedIn under Ibaa Masri. Good luck!
@leonelnoris3249 Hey, I am being approached by recruiters for NEOM as well, would you mind connecting to agave some experiences as I am very unsure how legitimate it is and what are the working conditions on this project?
@@petedoessaudi I connected with him. Thanks!
@@leonelnoris3249 Great! Glad to help 🫶🏼
@@woziex Sure, we can connect.
Why would a Saudi employer ask you for your Social Security Number?
What happens when you are promoted hence you are doing something additional.
If it’s under the same company and aligns with your certification, all is good 👌🏼
Mabrook
🫶🏼🫶🏼
Can one apply in KSA from his home country? Will they respond? Or they have to first visit on Visit visa?
It depends what you’re applying for? Work?
@@petedoessaudi Yes for work?
Are there any thing particular I need to know as an American?
Probably just that things will be much smoother for you! 😅
How to find Employer and also am I correct that US Citizens get more pay compared to other immigrants..?
I’ll have to have a think of how best to do that as it seems to vary by industry.
I wouldn’t say it isn’t just US citizens, but generally people who have a higher baseline salary. I.e. if you’re coming from London, you’re likely going to have a higher salary (and higher expenses) than someone coming from South Africa so they need to make the offer more attractive for that individual.
I’ve seen this in the gym I worked at, they started with expats from the UK and since then they opted for trainers from Eastern Europe because they could get away with lower salaries for the same work and therefore get more trainers in.
I’m not saying this is right or fair, but is unfortunately how it is.
Hope that helps!
@@petedoessaudi Thank you for the detailed response, when I was transiting through Riyadh airport I happened to talk to various people starting from taxi driver , car sales man , IT Developer and Pharmacy expert all of them are Asian immigrants they all says for the same job if we hold US/Canada/ Europ passport we get almost 3 to 5 time more than what they used to get for the same experience/skill/job/location .. that really surprise me ..
@@10X_Brain_Time that doesn’t surprises me really, white privilege is everywhere, even when these people you spoke to may be more talented and better suited to the job. Its the same in every country.
Ksa employment is shit and work culture is toxic in normal world people resign join other company here slavery system
@@ccm4455 unfortunately not everyone has the best experience and I’m sorry if that’s been the case for you. Hopefully you got something out of it at least
How can you get a job in saudia Arabia with no experience in a job?
That is where you’re going to struggle unfortunately. I’d recommend getting some good experience in the industry you’re qualified in and build your CV from there
@pete_kami_ hey brilliant video! What’s the best when to earn via a side hustle then whilst you’ve got a full time job in Saudi? Is setting up a joint company and bank account with a Saudi a must? I’m thinking of doing some drop shipping or Amazon fba on the side
Thank you mate, that’s very kind of you 🫶🏼
The number one thing you need to be aware of is that you’re only allowed one income (I.e. your salary from your contract) going into your Saudi bank account. Any other activity will be flagged and you risk repercussions. If you had your main job, you wouldn’t be able to set up a company or be employed by this Saudi partner either, you would have to be under that companies sponsorship.
Any info coming up for digital nomads?
I’d say very unlikely for the next few years unless you want to buy a premium residency for 100,000 SAR a year.. 😅
@@petedoessaudi oh I see 🤣
I need job
I’ve been offered a 1-year contract remote working position from KSA. Since I currently work in Qatar, I would continue to live and work in Qatar (as I am under my company sponsorship). Can I accept the remote job position in KSA while continuing to live and work in Qatar? (I am a western expat).
[If anyone knows the answer, please let me know. I tried to find Ibaa’s contact but I don’t have Instagram.
if you don't mind me asking, how did you land your first expat job? im currently looking for IT jobs in riyadh that will provide me with a visa. my goal is just an entry level job to start a saudi arabia life for me (moving from texas to saudi)
Can i have a lawyer number
Sorry, I don’t have this information. Good luck finding one 🙏🏼