Saudi Arabia Construction & Driver Jobs Visa 2026
Do you want to get a well-paying Construction or Driving position in Saudi Arabia in 2026? The Kingdom is employing hundreds of thousands of workers with the fast growth of mega projects such as NEOM, The Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya. The regulations have however changed.
The Saudi Arabian labor market of the Construction and Transport (Driving) sectors is strictly regulated in 2026 under the Skill Verification Program (SVP) and Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations (SSCO). You could be a heavy-duty driver or certified, but you will not be able to get away with years of experience anymore, you will require Certified Competency.
Construction Sector: Finding Your Way in the Advice-Knowledge Age
In the case of construction workers, the year 2026 is the year during which the Professional Verification Program (PVP) will be fully implemented. These jobs are either in the Skilled or the Basic (Blue-Collar) categories.
The Trade Testing Process by the SVP
Fit-for-Work skills certificate is now mandatory in recruiting most technical construction trades. This is acquired under the SVP Trade Testing which entails theoretical computer based examination and hands-on practical examination.
- Comulsory Trades Electricians, plumbers, pipefitters, welders, and carpenters.
- NAVTTC Approved Centers In Pakistan, you will have to go to particular testing centers and your SVP activities in places such as Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad before your visa will be stamped.
Safety and Compliance (HCIS)
The most important priority of 2026 megaprojects is safety. Positions like Safety Officers and Riggers should be certified by Saudi High Commission of industrial security (HCIS). In the absence of these even high-experience candidates will be rejected on the visa front.
Driver / logistics: the golden key to recruitment
One of the most stable and demanded jobs in the Kingdom is driving. The 2026 environment is very digitalized though.
HTV License: Your Sign of Best Value
Heavy machinery and trucks have a Heavy Transport Vehicle (HTV) License which is obligatory.
- The Re-Entry Bonus: Employers in 2026 will focus on candidates who have a valid or expired Saudi/GCC license. This will prove that you are conversant with the roads and the SAHER road surveillance system.
- Tafwid (Digital Delegation): Your hiring will begin with a digital power of attorney (Tafwid) given by the Saudi employer to your agency in Pakistan.
Public Transportation and Special Permitting
You need to obtain a PTS (Public Transport Authority) Permit in case you want to drive buses or commercial taxis. This takes the form of background check and specific fitness test upon arrival to the Kingdom.
Universal Compliance: The Non-Negotiables of 2026
No matter whether you are operating a crane or a steering wheel, these words will characterize your juridical status:
- Digital Contract (Qiwa): No longer under wraps. You have to sign your salaries, accommodation and Trip Allowances on the Qiwa portal digitally before you get on the plane.
- WPS & Mudad: The wage protection system protects your wages under the Wage Protection System. Even minor contractors will have to be paid salaries through Mudad in 2026 to make the process transparent.
- The 60-year limit: Saudi Arabia has created a tough age restriction on Basic Tier (Laborer) positions. Workers over 60 are rarely given or renewed the visa of manual labor.
- Border Number: When you land you receive a Border Number that is a 10-digit number and that is your temporary name. You should apply it in connecting your medical insurance and driving license on the Absher within the 90 days.
FAQs
Do you mean that I can seek employment as a driver when my Saudi license has expired?
Yes. By 2026, most employers will agree to expired Saudi HTV licenses as it demonstrates that you have worked in the traffic system of the Kingdom before.
What is the price of the SVP test in Pakistan?
By the beginning of 2026, the SVP (Takamol) examination fee at NAVTTC centers ranges around PKR 19,000 to 22,000, according to the trade.
How much will the average Construction Worker earn in 2026?
Simple workers begin with SAR 1,000 -1,200, whereas talented tradesmen (Welders/Electricians) earn SAR 1,800 -2,500 without any overtime.
Are drivers provided with free accommodation and food?
The majority of the big construction firms offer free accommodation and medical to the bachelors. Eating is done either on mess or a Food Allowance is added to the basic salary.
Will the Azad Visa provide security to the drivers?
No. It is a big crime, working as a driver on non-transport visa (Azad), in the year 2026. Once spotted by the Muroor (Traffic Police) it is instant deportation and a permanent ban.
Final Thought
Saudi labor market of 2026 is a Skills First economy. This benefits both the construction workers and the drivers in that it enhances their safety standards, and increases their secure legally regulated wages. To become a successful trader, make sure that your trade is checked by the SVP and always insist on the digital contract by using Qiwa.
Disclaimer
The information in this job is provided to facilitate learning and informational purposes only. Before applying, please make sure that the information on the official employer or government site is verified.