There are many OFWs who are working in Saudi Arabia . Most of them are employed in the oil and gas industry while others are working in different sectors. If you are currently in the Philippines, it is important that you go through a legit job agency that can help you process your papers and find a job in Saudi Arabia. This is to prevent you from being scammed by illegal recruiters.
Also Read: How to Avoid Illegal Recruitment
Saudi Arabia is a country that is rich in resources and energy. It has a high per capita income, making it one of the most developed countries in the Middle East. The country has been able to achieve this because of its oil reserves which it exports to other countries. It has a large economy which allows it to provide jobs for people from all over the world. However, there is a shortage of workers in some fields such as healthcare and construction. This is where the Philippines comes in because they are known for their skilled workers who are willing to work hard for their employers.
Table of Contents
Requirements
Here are the requirements for Filipinos who wanted to work in Saudi Arabia.
- Working visa
- Resume/CV
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from date of arrival
- A Copy of the Employment Contract
- Certificate Of Good Moral Character (COGC)
- Birth Certificate
- High School/College Diploma
- Two pieces 2×2 photos
- Training Certificate (if applicable)
- Medical Certificate
- Duly accomplished application form (available at POEA website) with two (2) recent passport photographs attached
- Copy of the DSWD issued certificate of employment in Saudi Arabia (if applicable).
- Three (3) copies of valid passport
- Three (3) copies of recent 3×4 photo
- Three (3) copies of I-card or E-card if available
- Three (3) copies of clearances from NBI
- Three (3) copies of Police Clearance
- Three (3) copies of health certificate issued by authorized physician
- Three (3) copies of barangay clearance (if staying in barangay where he/she is not registered as voter)
Qualifications
Here are the qualifications for Filipinos to work in Saudi Arabia.
- Filipinos must be at least 21 years old and below 30 years old
- The applicant must have finished high school or a vocational course (2 years or more).
- He or she must have a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity from the date of arrival in Saudi Arabia.
- You must have good moral character
- You must be fit for the job.
How to Search for POEA Jobs in Saudi Arabia
Finding a job in Saudi Arabia for Filipinos is a challenge. However, it is not impossible to find a job in this country. Here are some steps on how to search for POEA jobs in Saudi Arabia.
I. Know Your Skills
The first thing you need to do before searching for a job is to know your skills and what you can offer. This will help you determine the type of job that suits you best. It will also help you narrow down your options when applying for a certain position.
II. Prepare Your Documents
You must have your documents ready and compiled in a folder or envelope. You can check the list above or just click ‘Requirements’ to check and comply with the requirements.
III. Job Search
There are many job sites out there that offer job postings from different companies, both local and international ones. Some of these sites even offer free registration but with limited features compared to paid memberships which allow full access to all available jobs worldwide and other perks like resume storage, etc. Creating an account gives you the chance to save all your past applications so you won’t have to re-apply with each company again if they don’t notify you about the status of their recruitment process yet or if they did not post any new openings yet despite having applied weeks ago when they first posted their jobs online.
Here are the job sites where you can find a job in Saudi Arabia
Sign In/Sign Up
1. Search for LinkedIn in your browser or you can just click the link above to redirect you to the site.
2. Sign in to LinkedIn if you already have an account. Sign Up and create an account if you don’t have one.
3. To join LinkedIn and establish a profile, follow these steps:
- Go to the LinkedIn registration page.
- Fill in your first and last names, as well as your email address and a password.
- When making a profile, you must provide your real name. As stated in our User Agreement, company names and pseudonyms are not permitted.
- Join right now.
- As directed, do the next steps requested by the website.
LinkedIn Job Search using Phone
- In the lower-right corner of the screen, click the Jobs symbol.
- In the ‘Search jobs’ section, type in your search words.
- Tap Search after entering the desired place in the Location box.
- To narrow down your search results, use the filters at the top of the page.
- Click on the Easy Apply or Apply (options may vary) button at the top of a job listing and then proceed as directed. Find out how to use LinkedIn to submit your resume and apply for jobs.
- Select Save at the top of the job post to save it.
- To access your saved jobs and better manage your job search, we recommend using either the LinkedIn mobile app or the LinkedIn desktop software. On a computer, you may find it easier to fill out your online application.
LinkedIn Job Search using Desktop
- To begin your job search, go to your LinkedIn homepage and click on the Jobs icon.
- Enter keywords or the name of a business in the search jobs field.
- Alternatively, you can choose from a list of potential employment roles based on your education and work history. Please make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date with all of your work and educational history.
- Once you’ve entered the place you’d like to work in, simply click Search.
- You’ll be sent to the search results page, where you’ll find a list of job posts that match your preferences for job roles and areas.
- To narrow down your search results, select one of the criteria at the top of the page.
- To set up job alerts, turn on the Job Alert toggle once you’ve applied all of the filters. Using LinkedIn’s job alert feature can save you time and effort.
- If the job description appeals to you, you can read it and then apply for it by clicking on the job posting link.
LinkedIn has two categories of job listings:
Easy Apply: On the LinkedIn website, you can apply for the position.
Apply: Please visit the company’s or a third-party website to apply.
POEA
This is the most recommended job site for Filipinos since the jobs listed are accredited by the POEA.
To search for a job, just follow these steps.
1. Search for POEA in your available browser or just click the link above to redirect you to the site.
2. Under the Online Services, select ‘Verification of Agency’s Job Orders’.
3. You will be shown three choices for searching for Jobs. To search for the jobs on the county you wanted to apply to, select ‘Search Available Job Orders’ by Country’.
4. Then, select Saudi Arabia. Click ‘Submit’.
5. You will be shown job listings in Saudi Arabia, along with the agency and the date the job offer was approved.
IV. Work Permit and Visa Application
Saudi Arabian Work Permits
You’ll need a residence permit (Iqama) to work in Saudi Arabia, which allows you to work for a set period (up to two years).
A Saudi employer who can act as a sponsor is required for anyone moving to Saudi Arabia for work. To employ foreign nationals, the company must also obtain visa approval from the Saudi Ministry of Labor.
Obtaining a work visa is the first step in obtaining an Iqama. This visa must be applied for on your behalf by your employer; once approved, you can enter the country and begin working.
Your employer must file a residence permit, which includes a work permit, within 3 months of your arrival. You won’t be able to do things like open a credit/debit card without a residence permit in Saudi Arabia.
Your Iqama should always be with you. You may face a fine if you do not show your card when requested. Your employer must renew your Iqama after one or two years (depending on the length of your job contract).
Note: In Saudi Arabia, the Iqama serves as your official identification. You must have a local sponsor to work in the Kingdom, and this document serves as proof that you are legally employed (or attached to someone who is). Because it serves as both a residence and a work permit, you should always keep your Iqama with you.
The following information will be on your Iqama card:
- Unique Iqama Number
- Issue and Expiry Date
- Name
- Nationality
- Date of Birth
- Employer and Job Title
- Example of Saudi ID
Applying For a Work Permit in Saudi Arabia
Your employer should deal with the Iqama application process on your behalf. However, you will need to present and give the documents, including the following:
- Passport
- Two pieces of passport-sized photos (Employee)
- Two pieces of passport-sized photos (Employer)
- A letter from your employer/visa sponsor, which has been certified by the Chamber of Commerce as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- A Signed Employment Contract
- Certificates of Academic and Professional Qualifications
- An up-to-date police report detailing any convictions
- A Medical Report from a Licensed Physician
Change or Renewal of Work Permits in Saudi Arabia
Your employer is the one who is responsible for renewing your Iqama. If you fail to renew your permit before it expires, fines will be imposed.
Your company can complete the majority of the renewal process online, though you will need to retake the medical exam before your permit is issued.
Your Iqama is tied to the company that sponsors you. As a result, if you want to switch employers in Saudi Arabia, you’ll need a no-objection certificate from the one you’re leaving.
Saudi Arabian Visa-free Employment
Working illegally in Saudi Arabia can result in harsh punishments. Individuals who do not have a valid work visa may be fined up to SAR 10,000 and may be arrested and deported.
Your employer could face a fine of up to SAR 100,000 and have their trade license revoked if they fail to apply for a work visa.
V. Preparation for Going to Saudi Arabia
In going to a country for work, you must know the cultures in that country and their rules so that you can avoid trouble. Here is the list to keep in mind.
Do’s and Don’ts in Saudi Arabia, Weather, and Clothes
- Do wear the local attire. This is a must to blend in with the locals. Also, avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless tops (this is not allowed).
- Don’t forget to cover your hair when you go out. A scarf or headdress should do the trick.
- Do take advantage of the Arabic coffee shops, where you can enjoy coffee and get some free WiFi. You can buy sim cards there too!
- Don’t forget to tip your taxi driver! They’ll appreciate it! You can say “Salaam Alaykum” which means “Peace be upon you”, or “Mashallah” which means “What God has willed”. This is an expression of surprise or admiration.
- Don’t drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes in public, even if you’re a non-Muslim. You can get arrested for doing so even if you’re not breaking the law of the country where you live now (like the Philippines).
- Do try to learn some basic words and phrases in Arabic like “salaam alaikum” (Peace be upon you), “mahnoon” (good morning), “shukran” (thank you), etc. The locals will appreciate it!
- Don’t eat pork or drink alcohol (even before entering Saudi Arabia). There are no exceptions for Filipinos who are Christian or Muslim because pork consumption is prohibited even by their own religion’s standards! You’ll just have to eat what they give you at work or get your own meals from outside sources like restaurants nearby.
Weather and Clothes
Saudi Arabia has a hot desert climate with temperatures ranging from 10°C – 50°C. The best time to visit Saudi Arabia is between November and March, as it’s cooler then but still warm enough for sightseeing trips.
You should dress modestly when visiting Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia: don’t wear shorts or sleeveless tops, as this could offend people’s religious beliefs; instead, opt for knee-length, you must wear jeans or skirts that have below the knee length or as much as possible, cover-up.
VI. Arrival in Saudi Arabia
Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, you must keep in mind to respect your host country, live and work in there abiding there rules and regulations. Congratulations on your journey!
Video: Search for POEA Jobs in Saudi Arabia
Allan Hije Herrera
This video gives the list of legit agencies to consult regarding the processing of employment for Saudi Arabia. These agencies are located in the Philippines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the following FAQs to help you out.
1. How can I get a job in Saudi Arabia?
There are various sorts of visas available, including tourist visas, but if you wish to work in Saudi Arabia, you will need an employment visa. You must first obtain a job offer, as you will be unable to obtain a work visa without one, and your sponsor (company) will be required to apply for the visa on your behalf.
2. How many Filipinos are working in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia employed 26.6 percent of the total 1.77 million OFWs, followed by the United Arab Emirates (14.6 percent).
3. Can I work in Saudi Arabia without a degree?
There are numerous high-paying occupations available that do not require a four-year college diploma and pay an annual salary of 217,500 SAR. Saudi Arabia places a heavy premium on its inhabitants having a university degree, regardless of whether they intend to use it or not.
4. Can ladies work in Saudi Arabia?
Women can work in almost any field, with the exception of those deemed “unsuited to their nature,” such as construction or garbage collecting. Only about 22% of Saudi women are employed, and they earn only 56% of what males do.
5. Are expats safe at work?
Apart from the obvious health and safety considerations, they are. The Saudi Labor Law protects foreign workers in Saudi Arabia, save for domestic workers and low-wage jobs.
Summary
I hope that you have found this post ‘How to search for jobs in Saudi Arabia’ very useful to your needs. When searching for a job, you have to be persistent and patient. Once you know how to apply for jobs in Saudi Arabia, you will know that Saudi Arabia is a good place to work. There are a lot of benefits working in Saudi Arabia, and companies are always looking for new talent. Thousands of Filipino workers go to Saudi Arabia each year to find jobs and lead better lives.