Are you a good worker from another country? Do you want to work in Saudi Arabia? Many people from other places live and work there now. The country changes a lot because of Saudi Vision 2030. This plan makes many new jobs in big cities. The cities are Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Good jobs are open for skilled people.
But you need to follow the right steps to get work there. This guide is simple. It follows good rules. It tells about the work visa for people from other countries. It talks about the work permit and the Iqama. It also tells about the main government offices. This helps you be ready for jobs in the growing private companies.
Vision 2030: High-Demand Jobs for Skilled Workers
Saudi Vision 2030 is a big plan. It helps the country grow money in new ways. It makes some jobs short of workers. This is a good time for skilled people from other places to apply.
Key Sectors Actively Hiring Expatriates
- Giga-Projects: Big new places like NEOM, The Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya make many jobs. You can work as a boss of projects, builder engineer, or skilled builder.
- Information Technology (IT) / Digital: The country wants computers and internet everywhere. Jobs like computer coder, safe from hackers expert, number checker, cloud storage expert, and money tech worker are needed much.
- Energy & Industrial: Oil and gas jobs are still there. But now more jobs in sun and wind power. Also jobs in factory machines that work alone.
- Finance & Investment: Riyadh becomes a big money city for the world. They need money checker and bank deal expert.
The Saudization Factor (Nitaqat Program)
Companies must follow Saudization rules. This is the Nitaqat Program. It says hire some Saudi people first.
- Companies with good Nitaqat color (Green, High Green, or Platinum) can hire foreign workers easy.
- This rule means only special high skill jobs for people from other countries.
The Two-Step Process: Work Visa and Iqama
To work long time in Saudi, people from other places need two papers. First is work visa. It lets you come in and start work. Second is Iqama. It is paper to live and work long. The boss does most of this.
Obtaining the Work Visa (Before Arrival)
The boss starts with Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
- Job Offer & Contract: You sign a real work paper. It must be checked.
- MHRSD Approval: Boss asks for group visa and your work permit on Qiwa site. Qiwa is online place for work things.
- MOFA Authorization: Boss gets visa number from MOFA.
- Visa Stamping: You go to Saudi office in your country with papers. They put visa in your passport.
Obtaining the Iqama (After Arrival)
You come with work visa. Then get Iqama.
- Medical Examination: Do health check at Saudi place.
- Biometrics & Registration: Give finger prints and photo to Passport office. It is Jawazat.
- Iqama Issuance: Boss sends last papers. Like health paper and finger data. Jawazat gives Iqama card. This card shows you can live and work.
Important Document Tip: All school papers and work skill papers need stamps. Get from your country offices and Saudi office before you go.
Protecting Your Rights: Key Labor Regulations
Work rules in Saudi protect workers and bosses.
- Wage Protection System (WPS): Boss pays money in your bank. Tells MHRSD. So you get pay on time with proof.
- End of Service Benefits: When work ends, you get money. It depends on years you work.
- Police Clearance Certificate: Paper from police in your home. Says no bad crime. Need for visa.
- Flexible Labor: Old boss own you rule is gone. New rules let change job if follow steps.
Checklist for a Smooth Visa Application
| Task | Responsible Party | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Get Job Offer & Sign Work Paper | You/Boss | Done |
| Boss gets Work Permit on Qiwa | Boss | Doing |
| Get Police No Crime Paper | You | Ready |
| Get Stamped School Papers | You | Ready |
| Visa in Passport at Saudi Office | You | Done |
| Health Check when come | You | Doing |
| Iqama from Jawazat | Boss | Done |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
How long for Work Visa and Iqama?
From first MOFA okay to Iqama, 4 to 8 weeks. Slow if papers wrong or boss not follow Nitaqat.
-
What is Qiwa?
Qiwa is online place by MHRSD. Boss use for work permits, papers, and Saudi hire check.
-
Boss pay all visa money?
Yes, law says boss pay for work permit and Iqama.
Actionable CTA
Ready to go? Check your things. Get real job offer. Start stamp papers now.
Join our news letter for new MHRSD changes and jobs in Riyadh and big projects!
Disclaimer:
This is to learn only. Check true news from government. Like MHRSD, MOFA, and Jawazat. For visa money, time, and papers.