The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Riyadh is the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.












Saudi Arabian culture is a blend of Islamic heritage, ancient trade routes, and Bedouin traditions. Emphasising strong family bonds, it values traditions such as respect for elders, modesty, and honesty.

Arabic is the official language, but people also use English in their daily conversations.

The time in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is 2 hours and 30 minutes behind that of India.

The Saudi Riyal (SAR) has been the official currency of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since its inception. As of December 2023, the exchange rate is 1 SAR to INR 22.22.

Saudi Arabian cuisine boasts a diverse range of food options, catering to various preferences:

Vegetarian: Falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, mujaddara, etc.

Vegan: Muhammara, shakshuka, stuffed grape leaves, mahshi, etc.

Meat: Kabsa, mandi, harees, etc.



The food offers a rich blend of flavours and textures rooted in the country's cultural heritage.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has diverse landscapes, ranging from dry deserts to green highlands, each with its own climate. Summers are hot and dry, reaching up to 45°C inland, perfect for exciting desert adventures.

Winters bring relief, with temperatures dropping to 8°C to 20°C inland and 19°C to 29°C along the coast. The Asir highlands offer a lush escape with moderate temperatures and monsoon-influenced rainfall. The Red Sea coast provides a refreshing retreat, with milder temperatures and higher humidity, especially in Jeddah.

Respecting Religious Practices

Islam is the official religion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, influencing daily life. Migrant workers are urged to respect local customs.

Modest Clothing

Modest clothing is deemed respectful for both men and women in public spaces. Women are generally expected to wear an abaya, a loose-fitting black robe, while men should opt for conservative attire, avoiding shorts or sleeveless shirts.

Gender Segregation

Public spaces are segregated by gender and it's important for unrelated individuals of the opposite sex to maintain a respectful distance.

Exploring the Holy Cities

Makkah and Madinah, the two holiest cities in Islam, hold significant spiritual importance and are open exclusively to Muslim pilgrims.

Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Adha

Saudi National Day

Mawlid al-Nabi

Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year)




Comparing Costs and Benefits Moving to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for work brings various opportunities beyond the initial expenses. It's essential to evaluate economic, social, and health factors, alongside highlighting the positive aspects that make it an attractive destination for employment. a) Economic Benefits

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• Job Opportunities

Jobs in sectors such as oil and gas, healthcare, and technology offer a good compensation for skilled professionals, ensuring financial stability and growth potential. Whether you are an experienced professional or a recent graduate, the economy presents many opportunities to pursue your aspirations and achieve financial success.

• Professional Development

Being exposed to the latest technologies and global work standards can enhance your ability to develop valuable skills that will be useful throughout your career.

b) Social Benefits

• Cultural Enrichment

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia provides migrant workers with a chance to experience a rich and unique cultural environment.

• Global Networking

Living in a diverse setting allows one to build connections with people from different nations and backgrounds, opening doors to personal and professional opportunities.

• Quality of Life

The country offers modern infrastructure, amenities, and a vibrant social life for a comfortable and high-quality living experience.

• Health and Well-being

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia prioritizes residents' health, providing modern healthcare and comprehensive plans for migrant workers to enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

• Community Support

The migrant community in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is varied and supportive, creating a sense of belonging and unity. Financial Considerations If you are planning to work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for promising work opportunities, it's crucial to carefully consider the financial aspects of this transformative move. Making smart choices will help you set yourself up for financial success in your new home.

a) Cost of Living Before making the big move, check the living costs, including rent, food, travel, and entertainment. Understanding local expenses can help you plan a realistic budget for financial management. b) Debt Management Make sure you have a strategic plan to repay any debts you have. This prevents debt from affecting your goals. c) Money Management Developing sound money management practices is crucial for achieving financial stability. This includes:

• Budgeting: Create a monthly budget to plan your expenses and ensure you stick to it.

• Saving: Prioritize saving regularly for future expenses.

• Investing: Consider investing your savings to grow your wealth over time.

d) Building an Emergency Fund Create a fund to cover unexpected costs during your stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Aim to save up three months' worth of living expenses for a reliable financial safety net.

Rights In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, labour laws regulate the relationship between employers and employees, ensuring that workers receive their entitled rights. It is essential for individuals to be informed about their rights to safeguard their well-being, safety, and fair treatment while residing in the host country. Here are key rights that individuals should be mindful of

• You have the right to keep the original of your personal documents, including passport, visa, and employment contract.

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• Your working hours are regulated, and you have the right to overtime compensation

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• You have the right to complain and seek protection if any of your rights are violated or if your employer has exploited you. If you think you have been cheated, wronged, or treated in a way that discriminates against you, you must seek assistance.

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• You have the right to refuse overtime work.

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• You have the right to rest time of at least 30 minutes after no more than five consecutive hours of work.

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• You have the right to working days off. If you have completed one year in service of the employer, you are entitled to an annual vacation of 21 days, with full wages payable in advance. After five years of service, the number of annual leave days increases up to 30 days.

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• You have the right to one day off each week.

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• You have the right to public holidays.

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• You have the right to take medical leave.

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• You have the right to receive your wages during a period of illness.

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• You have the right to be paid the following provisions outlined in the Saudi Labour Code.

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• You have the right to leave your workplace during your free time.

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• You have the right to be paid for work completed even if you are arrested, quit your job, or are fired.

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• The Saudi Labour Code does not permit workers to create unions, bargain collectively or strike. Anyone who tries to form a union can be dismissed, imprisoned, or, in the case of migrant workers, deported.

a) Working hours are 8 hours daily and 48 hours per week. During the month of Ramadan, the working hours are reduced to six hours a day and 36 hours a week, for Muslim workers.

b) Overtime rates are 150% of the hourly wage.

c) Friday is the weekly rest day which may be replaced with any other day of the week.

d) The rest period of 30 minutes during workday is provided and the worker shall not be made to work for more than 5 hours continuously. In no case total working hours should 12 hours per day.

Indian nationals working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia need a Work Visa, obtained through their employer. The employer applies for a work permit, and upon approval, a Visa Authorization Number is issued. The applicant then applies for the visa at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in India. Within 90 days of arrival, the employer must also secure the employee's residency permit (Iqama). The Work Visa allows for a specific work period and includes provisions for bringing family on a Family Visit Visa. The application, processed in 5 to 14 days through the embassy, simplifies paperwork for the applicant, mainly handled by the employer. Eligibility for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Work Visa To be eligible to apply for this type of permit, you must meet the following criteria: a) You must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months from the travel date. b) You must be sponsored by a Saudi company or organization. c) You must possess an invitation letter from the Saudi organization attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Arabic. d) Your motive behind the visit must be to participate in work activities for technical professions such as engineering, architecture, etc. Stepwise Process to Attain the Work Visa

Before applying for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s work permit, you must confirm that you meet all requirements and have all the required supporting documents. The steps are elaborated below: Step 1: Gathering Required Supporting Documents Your Saudi employer or sponsor would need specific documents from you to apply for your work visa on the Enjazit Website. You must provide them with the necessary paperwork promptly. Step 2: Employer Applies for Your Work Permit with the Labour Ministry After providing required documents, your Saudi employer applies for your work permit on the Enjazit Website, linked to the Ministry of Interior's site. The application status can be checked there from time to time. Step 3: Application For Work Visa at The Embassy Assuming approval from the Ministry of Human Resources & Social Development, your Saudi Arabian employer will inform the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They will then process the application for the Visa Authorization Number. Once issued, you can apply for a Work Visa at the Embassy in New Delhi or Mumbai, using the Visa Authorization Letter from your employer. Note that visa applications in India are accepted only through registered travel agencies listed on the Embassy's website. Step 4: Application For the Iqama in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia If your work Visa is approved, you can travel to work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. However, within 90 days of arrival, you must obtain the Saudi Residency Permit (Iqama). The Iqama serves as proof of legal status and is essential for various activities like banking, mobile services, and travel. Your employer is responsible for providing the Iqama within 90 days after your arrival, following a medical test and health insurance arrangement. If not provided or renewed on time, you can contact the Ministry of Labour at the toll-free helpline (19911) to file a complaint. Upon receiving the Iqama, ensure that your name matches your passport. Any corrections can be made through the sponsor at the Jawazat office. The Iqama allows you to stay and work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for an extended period, granted your employer applies for the residency permit within 90 days. The Ministry of Human Resources & Social Development processes Iqama applications within 1 to 3 weeks. Once approved, carry it at all times as proof of your legal right to work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Visa Processing Time The processing times for a Work Visa vary at different stages. First, the Ministry of Human Resources & Social Development takes 2 business days to process your employer's work permit application. After approval, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues the Visa Authorization Number (VAN) in 14 working days. The Embassy/Consulate then processes your Work Visa in 5 working days. Work Visa Fees Your employer will be liable for your Work Permit fees when they apply for the permit on your behalf. The fees look are as follows: a) 7200 Saudi Riyals (INR 1,59,575) if your employer employs more than 50% of Saudi nationals. This includes 750 SAR (INR 16, 622) for the Iqama 6000 SAR (INR 1,32,979) for the Work Permit and 450 SAR (INR 9,973) for health insurance. b) 8400 SAR (INR 1,86,171) if your employer employs more than 50% of expatriates. The work permit fee increases to 7200 SAR (INR 1,59,575), and the costs for Iqama and health insurance remain the same at 750 SAR (INR 16, 622) & 450 SAR (INR 9,973) respectively. Work Visa Validity Different Work Visas for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have different durations based on your employment contract’s period. Some Work Visas are valid for 6 months from the date of issue. The Saudi Arabian Iqama (residency permit) is valid for up to 1 year. All Work Visas for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia can be renewed with the Ministry of Human Resources & Social Development. Required Documents for Work Visa Your employer must first apply to hire you as an expatriate Indian employee with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Human Resources & Social Development. They will require the following supporting documents for the application process.

• Your original passport is valid beyond your employment period. It must also have two blank pages where your Visa will be affixed.

• Your passport-size photographs on a white background.

• Your signed employment contract.

• Your employment letter that the Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Arabian Chamber of Commerce have certified.

• Two copies of signed medical reports/ medical certificate.

• Certified copies of your college/university qualifications that the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission has verified.

• Power Of Attorney Document.

• Proof of work visa fee payment through the Enjazit website.

For Embassy applications, you will simply need to submit the following documents to the chosen registered agency:

a) Completed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Work Visa Application Form. b) Valid Indian Passport with validity beyond your employment period in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The passport must also have two clear pages where the Visa stamps can be affixed. c) Two recent passport-size photographs. Financial Requirements for the Work Visa Your Saudi Arabian employer must meet specific requirements for your work visa approval. Besides the work visa fees, which are usually covered by the employer, there are additional fees related to your residence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Temporary Work Visa The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is driving a surge in projects, requiring more workers. To meet this demand, a new Temporary Work Visa has been introduced for short-term workers. Regardless of nationality, those intending to work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia must obtain this visa, with approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs secured by the sponsoring company. The visa, valid for 90 days with a 90-day extension option, allows multiple entries, enabling flexibility for workers during this period. It must be used within a year of issuance. Other Visas In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, only those with a valid Employment visa are legally allowed to work. Working on other visas, such as Tourist visas, is prohibited. Offenders face detention, fines, and deportation, with a subsequent ban on re-entry to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. You cannot undertake employment and work in KSA on the following visas

• Family Visit visa (بعة ئ ل ي شأت ةري يز ةرب tashirato ziyarat eayila) is meant for the family members of the eligible workers to visit them, and employment is prohibited on this visa.

• Family visa (-شأت ةري يز ةرب) tashirato siyarat) is meant for the family members of the eligible workers to accompany (stay with) them, and employment is prohibited on this visa.

• Haj Visa ( شأت ةري جح)tashirato Haj) and Umrah visa (شةر ةري أتمع tashirato Umrah) is issued only for the purpose of holy pilgrimage.

• Business visa (-شأت ةري يراجت ت tashirato tijarih) is meant for investors/business visitors.

• Business Work visa ( ةريشأت تيراجت Tashirato Tijariah Lilamal) allows companies to bring in skilled and highly specialized categories of workers for specific work of a short duration (2 months) and the holders are required to leave the Kingdom before expiry of the visa.

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Please note that “Free Visas” do not exist in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

It is mandatory for employers to provide their migrant workers with health insurance.

Soon after arrival, to obtain the medical insurance, which is a prerequisite for issuing Iqama, a worker must undergo a medical test at approved medical centres.

Annual Leave: 21 days if the worker has completed one year of service; and 30 days after 5 years of continuous service with the same employer.

Medical leave: First 30 days sick leave with full wage; next 60 days with 3/4th of wage; and without pay for the following 30 days in a single year.

Paternity Leave: 3 days leave on the birth of a child.

Maternity Leave: 10 weeks - four weeks before the expected date of delivery and six weeks after the delivery, extendable by one month without pay. Leave salary admissible is half the salary, if served with the employer for one year, and full salary if the service is for three years or more.

Other Types of leave: Death of spouse or children: 5 days leave will be allowed. A female employee, in the event of death of her husband is entitled to 15-130 days leave under certain conditions. Haj: Paid leave of 10-15 days once during service is allowed for performing Haj for an employee who has previously not performed Haj, after completing two years of service.

Public Holidays: Saudi National Day, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are fully paid holidays and if the workers required to work, they are entitled to overtime.

Some of the responsibilities as a migrant worker in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia include:

• If you wish to take leave from your job (for personal reasons or vacation), make sure you inform your employer beforehand. Taking an extended leave without notifying your employer could be grounds for terminating your contract.

• If you are sick and cannot go to work, inform your employer as soon as possible and obtain a medical certificate.

• Many workers die from cardiac arrest due to simultaneous exposure to extreme heat and extreme cold. If you work outdoors, do not turn the air conditioner very high immediately after returning to your room.

• Take precautions to avoid contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

• Respect your host country's culture, food customs, and dress code.

• Show respect towards women and never tease them, ogle, or stare at them.

• Never participate in drug selling, drug abuse, or any other criminal activity; never physically abuse anyone (including a friend or girlfriend/boyfriend) or bully someone on the basis of ethnic, cultural, physical, religious, or sectarian differences.

• Make an effort to learn the basic norms and laws of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including traffic rules. Always use the zebra crossing or the overhead bridge to cross a road.

Abide by the rules and regulations of your workplace. The regulations are typically displayed in a visible area in the workplace. Check the expiry dates of your documents, including your passport, residence permit, and ID card. To renew your passport, go to the Indian Embassy; for other documents, inform your employer well in advance of their expiration date. If you experience problems at work, talk to your family, a friend, your employer, the Embassy or Consulate of the Kingdom of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the recruitment agent, or the Protector Office of India. The telephone numbers of the Embassy or Consulate and the Protector Offices are provided towards the end of the kit.

Iqama (Residence Permit): A mandatory identification card including personal details, job information, and sponsor details.

Sponsorship System (Kafala): The system where migrant workers require a Saudi sponsor (usually their employer) to live and work in the country.

Saudi Riyal (SAR): The official currency of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Hijri Calendar: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia uses the Islamic Hijri calendar for official and religious purposes.

Halal: Refers to food, practices, or products that adhere to Islamic law.

Jumu'ah (Friday) Prayer: The weekly congregational prayer that holds special significance in Islam.

Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha: Two major Islamic festivals celebrated in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Saudization: A government initiative to increase employment opportunities for Saudi nationals.

Mabahith (Saudi Intelligence): The Saudi Arabian intelligence agency.

Tawuniya: Refers to insurance.

Abaya: A traditional black cloak worn by women.

Nitaqat System: A program that classifies Saudi companies based on their Saudization efforts, affecting their ability to hire migrant workers.

King Fahd International Airport (DMM): The main airport in Dammam, commonly used by international travelers.

Tahsildar: A local government officer responsible for revenue and tax collection.