With one of the largest oil reserves in the world, Saudi Arabia has become one of the richest countries in the world, prompting millions of foreigners living and working in Saudi Arabia. The opportunity to work for a company based in Saudi Arabia is highly coveted, as it often includes housing, an excellent salary, health insurance, and top-notch services.
For this reason, thousands of expatriates from all over the world are currently settling in Saudi Arabia, attracted by the excellent working conditions. In the main Arab cities, citizens of the same nation live in the same neighborhood. They can do almost anything they can do in their home country. Saudi Arabian laws do not apply in these areas, and local citizens are not allowed to enter them. But remember that if you are dismissed, you will also be automatically expelled.
What are the working conditions like in Saudi Arabia? That depends largely on the type of work and your nationality.
If you come as an unskilled worker (which I do not recommend), you will probably be paid poorly ($400 per month). These jobs are mainly filled by citizens of India, Bangladesh, etc.) Also, you will have to live in a small, dirty shared room Usually their sponsors take advantage of them by making them work overtime, confiscating their passports, and sometimes not paying their wages.
Mid-level jobs (mainly held by Arab nationals). These include sales representatives, accountants and teachers. The average wage for this type of work ranges from $800 to $1,800.
Finally, there are the highly skilled jobs: doctors, engineers, teachers, IT, etc. The quality and salaries of these professionals are generally very high. The salary is usually start from $5,000 and can go up to $25,000, with many perks such as free housing, health insurance and transportation.
These are the top websites for finding a job in Saudi Arabia:
Living and working in Saudi Arabia – pros and cons
Living in Saudi Arabia, pros
Multiculturalism, people of different origins, from many countries of the world
Security and low crime rate: Saudi Arabia is one of the safest countries in the world with an extremely low crime rate.
The infrastructure, buildings, roads, hospitals and basic services are very good
Low cost of living, prices for goods and services are cheap
Shopping, luxurious malls are everywhere, with ample opportunity for shopping
Good salaries, but the amount depends on your career. Saudi Arabia is one of the best countries in the world in terms of labor supply and salary levels.
No taxes, this is a great advantage, but also a disadvantage. Because as an expat you have no right to health care or public schools
Living in Saudi Arabia, cons
You will never have the same rights as the Saudis, for example, it is not possible to run a business in your name
A very boring place to live, all you will do is work, eat, sleep and go shopping. Except for the shopping malls, there are no other places to go.
Very expensive private schools and health insurance
High bureaucracy, it takes a very long time to complete all procedures
Racism, foreigners from the East and the Indian subcontinent are considered second-class citizens
Lack of religious freedom: if you belong to a religion other than Islam, you cannot pray to your God in a public place. Any complaint related to religious propaganda other than Islam will be severely punished. Religion is the basis for everything.
Women’s rights, separate spaces in restaurants, public facilities, and workplaces for women and men. Women cannot participate in political life or play a role in government. And in a court case, the testimony of one man is equal to the testimony of 2 women. Women are not allowed to leave the house alone, but must be accompanied by their father, brother, husband or other relative.
LGBT rights are not allowed in Saudi Arabia
Living and working in Saudi Arabia, conclusion
In conclusion, I would say that the only positive thing about living in Saudi Arabia, if you have the opportunity to get a good job, is the opportunity to earn some money, but without life, without fun, just work.
It’s a kind of life you can only live for a few years. Suffice it to say that many deeply religious Muslims move here because it is a country whose laws and culture reduce the likelihood of falling into “sin”