For Muslims around the world, including Pakistanis, working in Saudi Arabia is a dream. Because it is the center of Islam, Muslims are spiritually connected to this place. That’s why when Pakistanis think of working in the Gulf country Saudi Arabia comes to their mind at first. Here, in this guide, you will find new Saudi job openings, benefits and challenges of working there, cost of living, top companies to work at, skills in demand, and most importantly visa processing. So, let’s dive into it.
Job Market Trends in KSA:
Although oil (crude oil) is the main source of revenue for Saudi Arabia’s economy, the kingdom has started paying attention to tourism and hospitality. More than 20 mega projects are in line. This leads to more demand for engineers, laborers, managers, and all the creative minds who can contribute to their success.
New Jobs in Saudi Arabia for Pakistani :
Popular Job Position's Salaries in PKR:
The most popular job positions for Pakistani expats and their respective salaries in Saudi Riyal and Pakistani Rupee are listed below. Please note, that these salary ranges are not exact, they may vary depending on the employer, current market trends, and working hours.
Skills in-demand:
Professionals with extensive experience in construction are always in demand in KSA. As oil prices rise slowly, the rapid growth and expansion of infrastructure, high-speed rail links, Airports, Roads, and Bridges are expected to return. Many prestigious projects are to be awarded soon. This means the Kingdom will require more and more construction professionals in the near future.
Furthermore, the fields of information technology, engineering, and geology are also flourishing in Saudi Arabia’s economy.
Top companies to work:
Tips from experts - You need to know:
Average monthly expenses of living:
Your monthly living expenses may vary depending on your family size and working location. However, research shows that the average monthly expense for a single person is between 1,500 and 3,000 SAR. It also depends on how you spend your money and your lifestyle. But if you live with colleagues, as most Pakistanis do in Saudi Arabia, your expenses can decrease relatively.
It will cost more for expats with family members. The average monthly cost for a family of four can range from 4,000 to 11,000. These are not exact numbers; the range may vary depending on current rates and expenses
Challenges you may face as an expat:
Value added tax (VAT) on items:
Living costs have also risen significantly with the introduction of a 15% VAT (value added tax – means when you buy a good, 15% amount will be in addition to the actual cost, and it will go to the government), making it as expensive as living in Europe.
Additionally, the work culture can be challenging, with some locals not being too friendly towards expats from poorer nations like Pakistan.
Limited Growth Opportunities:
At work, expats may find limited opportunities for growth and promotion, as they cannot hold management or higher positions by law. The work culture can also be difficult to navigate, with some locals showing a preference for their own, which may affect workplace dynamics. Unfortunately, you’ll work with people who are less experienced and qualified than you. This is an advantage for Saudi citizens.
Some of the working professionals say that salaries in Saudi Arabia are often based on nationality, with expats from countries like Pakistan typically receiving lower wages compared to Westerners.
Work Visa Process:
In order to work legally in KSA, you’ll need a work visa. Two possible cases exist: the employer sponsored it or you have to manage it on your own. When the employer sponsors the work visa, they handle all the visa application processing and fees. On the other hand, they ask you about the medical certificate, passport, criminal history, and other documents for stamping purposes. Once all is done, you are good to go.
The second case is complicated. If you are new to this, consulting with a Saudi recruiting agency is a good option. They will guide you through each step. It takes more time and demands more proof than in the first case.