Living and working in Saudi Arabia could be very hard for expats. Not only that you are moving to a new country, but you are also moving to the Middle East. It presumes changes in behavior and outlook on life. You should go there respecting their religion and have some understanding of their lives. Only open-minded persons should go to live there.
Who are the foreign workers in Saudi Arabia?
Most foreign workers in Saudi Arabia are manual labourers and semi-skilled workers from Africa, South and Southeast Asia and other Arab states, many of them working in the country illegally. Saudi authorities have been clamping down on these illegal workers in recent times.
What are the working hours in Saudi Arabia?
Working hours will also be reduced during the holy month of Ramadan. Arabic is the official language in Saudi Arabia, but English is widely spoken and understood in business circles. Nevertheless, expats would do well to learn Arabic if seeking to fully establish themselves in the Saudi working world.
Why are there restrictions on foreigners coming to Saudi Arabia?
The government in Saudi Arabia has implemented a policy called “Saudisation” in a bid to regulate the flow of immigration to the Kingdom and encourage more job creation for the local population. It has also implemented restrictions on hiring foreign labour, with Saudi companies facing penalties for hiring too many foreigners.
How many foreign people live in Saudi Arabia?
According to official information, even 33% of people that currently live in Saudi Arabia are foreign. These numbers could courage you for international moving. However, do not be fooled by these numbers. They could be very unpleasant toward strangers. You should prepare yourself for living and working in Saudi Arabia seriously.
How to be an expat in Saudi Arabia?
Expat guide for living and working in Saudi Arabia 1 Firstly, they are a deeply religious nation, so living and working in Saudi Arabia must include your understanding and knowledge about Islam; 2 You will need a visa for Saudi Arabia, but it is not easy to get; 3 Living in Saudi Arabia includes unusual and very strict prohibitions;
Where does Tony live and work in Saudi Arabia?
Tony worked across Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, Al-Khobar and Jeddah, where he met his wife who has worked there for twelve years. Living and working in Saudi Arabia (officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, or KSA) is like nowhere else in the world that I’ve experienced. They enforce their rules to the letter, and the punishments are severe.
