How much does it cost to hire a skilled worker in Saudi Arabia?

The mean pay differs significantly according to the position and experience. As an illustration, the wage of a general worker may be between SAR 2,000 and SAR 4,000 monthly whereas a specialized welder or electrician may receive much more and usually begin between SAR 6,000 and SAR 8,000 or even more. Most of the contracts are supplemented with other benefits such as housing and transportation, and this increases your savings.

Do Saudi Arabia have high cost of living?

Prices of commodities in large cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah are moderate as compared to the west. Although rent may be a huge cost, particularly in urban centres, utilities are usually subsidised and the day to day costs such as food and transport are fairly cheap. The only way to save money is to reside in housing provided by the employer or in more suburban places.

Can one get hired without any experience?

Yes, one can get entry-level jobs in Saudi Arabia, especially in the service and construction industry. A lot of firms provide on-job training to new workforce. Cleaners, civil laborers and catering staff are high demand jobs where the past experience is not required.

Should I know the Arabic language to work there?

Although a basic knowledge of Arabic would be an added advantage, most jobs do not require one to know Arabic. English is in the business language and your co workers will be international expats in most of the businesses. Nevertheless, knowing several important phrases can help you live your everyday life much easier.

What is a sponsor or Iqama?

Your Saudi employer is a sponsor, and this employer has a legal duty of employing and sponsoring you. The official residence permit that will enable you to live and work in the country is the Iqama. It is the main document of identification and is a vital document to all foreigners in employment.

Finding a Job In Saudi Arabia Without a Degree

Having a dream of a new profession and new start? The economy of Saudi Arabia is booming and is offering unprecedented opportunities and you do not need to have a university education to join the bandwagon. The national plan of Vision 2030 is diversifying the economy of the country on the basis of oil and this is resulting in humungous projects and the demand of skilled and semi-skilled labor force worldwide. This ultimate guide will make you know how to locate, apply, and get hired in Saudi Arabia without a bachelor’s degree.

The New Saudi Arabia Land of Opportunity for Skilled Workers

Saudi Arabia will be going through a transitional phase. Mega-projects such as NEOM, The Red Sea Project and Qiddiya are not only transforming the landscape, but they are providing hundreds of thousands of jobs in construction, hospitality and logistics. This economic trend implies that practical skills and occupational training have never been as useful as today.

Indeed, as the latest statistics of Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development show, the non-oil private sector is the most important source of new positions, and the construction sector, manufacturing industry, and services are the most in demand. The wage of the skilled foreigners may be rather competitive, usually with benefits such as housing and transport allowances that make it a good place of destination by those who want to enhance their financial status.

In-Demand Jobs for International Applicants Without a Degree

If you have a specific trade or skill, your chances of finding a job in Saudi Arabia are excellent. Here are some of the most sought-after positions for international applicants without a degree.

Skilled Trades and Technical Roles

These roles require specific technical skills and are foundational to the country’s development projects.

Electrician: With new buildings and infrastructure constantly being built, skilled electricians are in high demand.
Welder: Critical for construction and the oil and gas industry, a good welder can find a well-paying job.
HVAC Technician: The extreme climate makes heating and air conditioning experts essential.
Automotive Mechanic: With a massive car market, mechanics are always needed to keep vehicles on the road.

Plumber: Essential for both residential and commercial projects.

Construction and Industrial Labor

These roles are the backbone of Saudi Arabia’s large-scale construction boom.

Construction Worker/Civil Laborer: Essential for all major projects, from skyscrapers to residential buildings.
Heavy Equipment Operator: Demand is high for experienced operators of cranes, excavators, and bulldozers.
Mason/Steel Fixer: Specialized roles that are key to the structural integrity of new developments.
Factory Worker: The push towards industrialization is creating many jobs in manufacturing plants

Service and Hospitality

Service sector is a booming industry with the increase in the tourism and entertainment industry.

Waiter/Waitress: Riyadh and Jeddah and other urban areas are always in need of service personnel in restaurants, cafes, and hotels.
Hotel Employees: Jobs in housekeeping, front desk and maintenance are common.
Security Guard: Security personnel are important with large events and new places of establishment opening.
Retail Sales Associate: Retail business is on the rise and it can be said that the malls and shopping centers are growing.
Cleaner/Janitor: These are very fundamental positions that are always required in all.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Hired

Get ready your Documents: You do not need to have a degree but you must demonstrate your ability. Collect any professional, vocational certifications, convincings, or professional references that you have.
Prepare a Professional CV/Resume: Emphasize on your practical abilities, experiences and certification. Make it brief and to the point of the job you are applying.
Search Job Portals: Exploit the best ranking job search sites and employment agencies that are dedicated to taking up overseas placements in the Middle East. Bayt.com, Naukrigulf and GulfTalent are some of the best.
Know Visa Requirements: When you get a job offer, then your employer will take care of the work visa. This involves the application of an Iqama (residency permit) and getting the required sponsorship. Note that a medical check-up and a police certificate are the standard ones.
Watch out against Visa Fraud: This is because you should only deal with well known and licensed recruitment agencies. Do not pay proceeds to an agent until you are sure. All lawful charges are done under the employer-sponsored visa process.

FAQs

How much does it cost to hire a skilled worker in Saudi Arabia?
The mean pay differs significantly according to the position and experience. As an illustration, the wage of a general worker may be between SAR 2,000 and SAR 4,000 monthly whereas a specialized welder or electrician may receive much more and usually begin between SAR 6,000 and SAR 8,000 or even more. Most of the contracts are supplemented with other benefits such as housing and transportation, and this increases your savings.
Do Saudi Arabia have high cost of living?
Prices of commodities in large cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah are moderate as compared to the west. Although rent may be a huge cost, particularly in urban centres, utilities are usually subsidised and the day to day costs such as food and transport are fairly cheap. The only way to save money is to reside in housing provided by the employer or in more suburban places.
Can one get hired without any experience?
Yes, one can get entry-level jobs in Saudi Arabia, especially in the service and construction industry. A lot of firms provide on-job training to new workforce. Cleaners, civil laborers and catering staff are high demand jobs where the past experience is not required.
Should I know the Arabic language to work there?
Although a basic knowledge of Arabic would be an added advantage, most jobs do not require one to know Arabic. English is in the business language and your co workers will be international expats in most of the businesses. Nevertheless, knowing several important phrases can help you live your everyday life much easier.
What is a sponsor or Iqama?
Your Saudi employer is a sponsor, and this employer has a legal duty of employing and sponsoring you. The official residence permit that will enable you to live and work in the country is the Iqama. It is the main document of identification and is a vital document to all foreigners in employment.

Final Thoughts

Saudi Arabia is a state that is in motion, and its economic progress is the golden ticket to talented and diligent people worldwide. The Kingdom holds a bright future of international candidates with no degree, as it has a specific focus on the workforce diversification.

Saudi Arabia Jobs For International Applicants Without A Degree