What EXPATS need to know when moving to Saudi Arabia for WORK

The experience for expats here in Saudi can be absolutely fantastic, but there are also a handful of horror stories that I have heard over the years when it comes to working life here.

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_