What EXPATS need to know when moving to Saudi Arabia for WORK
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Published 2022-12-30
The purpose of this video is to give clarity to any potential expats. The stuff I wish I knew before moving!
I wanted to bring in an expert legal adviser, Ibaa, who could share his advice on what you need to be aware of it considering the move to Saudi. In short, the good news is that in the last few years, everything has become so much better for expats working here for a whole number of reasons.
We cover everything you need to know…
- When you receive your offer letter and key things to consider
- When you have landed in Saudi and what you need to be aware of
- When you are considering transferring your sponsorship, resigning or not renewing your contract
We also cover…
- The big things to check in your contract - probation periods, non-compete clauses, compensation, notice periods
- What to watch-out for if your employer wants to bring you over on a visit / tourist visa (!!)
- What is Saudization and why it matters to you
- How the sponsor transfer process works
- Earning extra income which is outside of your contract income
- The importance of knowing your job description
- How to file a dispute with your employee, without even needing a lawyer
- The best way to terminate your contract
- The maximum weekly hours you’re legally allowed to work and how overtime works
I know there’s a lot of terms we use here, so I thought I’d share a bit of a glossary for anyone who’s watching...
- Iqama - this is your residence permit issued to expats who come to Saudi on an employment visa. If you're coming with family members, they will need their own visa (Expat Dependent Iqama)
- Jawazat - The General Directorate of Passports - this is the department responsible for the issuance of Iqama, plus deal with exit/re-entry visas as well as final exits.
- Nitaqat - this relates to Saudization, an initiative launched to encourage the private sector to hire Saudi nationals. Each company will be given a classification based on the number of expats vs the number of Saudis, from which they will either receive benefits or penalties.
Important platforms you need to be aware of...
- Absher - an app that allows citizens and residents to use various governmental services. It holds your digital ID, vehicle registration etc. A must-download if you're a resident. There are also Absher stations you will need, for example to activate your account (e.g. Red Sea Mall in Jeddah).
- QIWA - The Human Resources and Social Development platform that enhances the services for the labor sector - streamlining process for employee and employer. Among many other things, digital contracts will be housed here, Iqama transfers are done through this platform, and employment disputes too.
If you need a bit of legal guidance, hit Ibaa up on Instagram @ibaa_fit
For anything else, give me a shout @pete_kami_
All Comments (21)
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Thank you for this video,very helpful 🙏🏻 👏
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Thank you do much for making this video. It summed up very much of what I've needed to know, as I'm preparing to travel to KSA, for a job.
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Thank you for this!!!
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Thank you for doing this . Really helpful . I have just received my offer and I am waiting for the visa now . Thanks again.
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I am glad that I have watched this video before going to the 2nd interview. Thank you so much guys for this, I wish you all the best!
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Very useful video.Thank you and your great guest!!
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Thank you to you both for doing this. I’m in the process of looking for an opportunity in Saudi coming from Southern California and this entire video was very informative. Hopefully it all works out and I work with Ibaa when I get a contract.
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Thank you for the helpful video and informative topic
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Great video and information, Thank you !!
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Very helpful video guys, thank you Ibaa end Pete for putting this together. I am at the phase of awaiting a offer for work and this has definitely given me lots more information with regards of things to be aware of.
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Helpful information, Thank you for Sharing
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Really helpful video. Wish I had seen it before moving to Jeddah.
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Thank you guys so much for doing this. One of the best videos on this topic on the internet. It has made my upcoming move to Riyadh less stressful :)
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Thank you for this video. I will be attending my first interview soon for an international school in Jeddah
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being legally oriented is a must for everyone. very nice video and hopefully when all goes well, ill be in Khobar in 4 weeks time. thanks and God bless.
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Thanks, good information
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Thanks a lot, very helpful information, my husband and I are moving to Saudi in a few months… looking forward to it
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Hi, Am new to this channel. Very useful information and great content. Hope to see you more with new content about Jeddah. Watching from Australia 🇦🇺
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This is pure gold
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Really , what am looking for in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 past 4yrs 7 months I.e, transfer but am really confused by rules and regulations of Ksa , and company’s dominant power also but finally I got clear idea about video thank you so much guys ….this is Informative video ❤👍✅
