Saudi Arabia’s oil industry, which remains the nation’s biggest employer, makes it a tempting destination for international workers looking for a job. Still, a burgeoning population, substantial cultural and social growth, and the 2030 strategy are driving the Saudi economy toward more lucrative industries.
Again, there are more and more opportunities for new businesses and employment because of large-scale construction and infrastructure projects like NEOM, a high-tech cross-border metropolis in Tabuk, northwest Saudi Arabia. The entertainment sector is also in high demand; rather than being prohibited, movie theaters, concerts, and festivals are widely welcomed and supported.
How to Look for Employment in Saudi Arabia
To work in Saudi Arabia, you need to apply for an iqama, often known as a work visa or residency permission. One of the prerequisites for obtaining a work permit inside the country is having a valid job offer from a Saudi business. This is essential since your prospective employer will actually submit the iqama application on your behalf. This suggests that you should begin your job search in Saudi Arabia long before you travel there.
Searching online is, of course, the most obvious way to start your job search. Start by looking through some of the most well-known employment websites in the area, such as Layboard, Bayt, GulfTalent, Naukrigulf, Mihnati, and others. Global employment platforms like Glassdoor, Indeed, MonsterGulf, and others are great starting points.
Another way to get a job is to go through job postings on professional social networks like LinkedIn or in expat forums and groups in the areas you are interested in moving to. Additionally, if you already have a company in mind that you would like to work for, It is not harmful to submit your resume. and cover letter directly to the recruitment manager.
How to Apply for Saudi Arabia Jobs
Due to the Saudization strategy, when Saudi companies receive an application for a post, they frequently employ foreigners who meet very rigorous requirements. Job postings will make this clear; if it says, “Saudi national,” or “Saudi Arabia only,” you can presume that it is not an option.
Be aware that some companies might be hiring for many roles; even though a particular position might only be open to Saudi nationals, it’s likely that they have an equivalent position that is open to foreign candidates. Usually, employers will have to defend their choice to select a foreign applicant over a Saudi national.
It is imperative that you highlight in your cover letter and CV the specific skills required for the job that you are applying for. For example, use https://layboard.in/vacancies/jobs-in-saudi-arabia/speciality/chef to increase your chances of getting hired as a chef.
How to Write a Cover Letter and Resume for Saudi Arabia Jobs
- Writing your resume in English is standard when applying for jobs overseas. If the job you’re applying for requires you to have a strong command of Arabic, or if you know your potential employer doesn’t speak English, ideally, you should supply copies of your resume and cover letter in Arabic as well.
- A standard Western-style resume can be sent in one of three formats: chronological (which lists your work experience in reverse order, beginning with your most recent position), skills-based (which organizes your resume around the experiences and skills you want to highlight), or hybrid (which combines elements of both resume formats mentioned above).
- Ensure that your cover letter is customized as precisely as possible to the position you’re seeking. As we’ve already indicated, because of the Saudization strategy, it’s imperative that you emphasize experience and abilities relevant to the position you’re seeking. This is what your employer will cherish most of all.
- When writing your resume, take local restrictions and peculiarities into consideration. For example, it is very discouraged to bring up countries such as Israel and Iran. It’s also best to avoid bringing up any references to religious organizations or institutions.
- Finally, before submitting your job application, make sure you have done your research on the company you are hoping to work for. Look over the job posting and try to apply in a similar way, emphasizing the skills and qualities that best align with the offer of employment.
How to Apply for a Saudi Arabian Work Visa
One must apply for an Iqama, or resident visa, in order to work legally in Saudi Arabia. An Iqama is a national residence permit that takes into account your employer, the type of work you can do, and your presence in the country for foreign nationals living and working in Saudi Arabia.
Your Iqama, which is similar to an ID card, contains information on your employment title, employer, date of birth, nationality, religion, and legal name.
Important
Your Iqama card must be carried at all times. If your Iqama card is not with you when you are pulled over by Saudi Arabian authorities, you might face a fine of up to SR3,000 or perhaps six months in jail.
You must report any loss or theft of your Iqama card lost immediately. If you fail to report your card as lost within a reasonable timeframe, you may additionally face fines of up to SR3,000. Overstaying an expired Iqama may result in deportation.
The process of filing for an Iqama, which comprises a number of steps like seeking a visa approval number, finishing a medical examination, and applying for a permit to sponsor a foreign employee, among other things, will be handled by your company in Saudi Arabia. After the date of your arrival, your employer will have ninety days to apply for an Iqama visa. You can then apply for Iqama for your family members after you have it. The iqamas you have been awarded for your husband and kids have nothing to do with your employment.
Crucial
A work visa must be applied for and approved in order to work legally in Saudi Arabia. Penalties could be harsh if you attempt to work illegally in Saudi Arabia and are discovered. In addition to the possibility of being imprisoned and deported, you could also face a fine of SR10,000.
Advantages of Employing in Saudi Arabia
The perks of working in Saudi Arabia are numerous. First of all, expats may typically anticipate quite good job packages, which frequently include the following, whether working for a local or foreign company:
- A minimum of one round-trip ticket (including dependents) to your nation of origin.
- A place to live or a housing allowance; comprehensive health insurance (including for dependents).
- A longevity bonus or an annual pay bonus.
