I was born in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia but it’s been a loooong time since I left the country. I’ve been living in Ireland for over a decade but I still don’t think there’s a place on earth better than KSA! (I’m not saudi by the way..) I am about to graduate and after obtaining some experience in the pharmaceutical industry Ireland, I am planning to settle in KSA.
My questions are as follows:
How are the employment opportunities in KSA? I’m mainly interested in science/pharmaceutical/education/laboratory sectors.
What are the chances of a muslim female getting a job in the industries in KSA?
What’s the english literacy like? I’m expecting the international branches in KSA to be competent in english but can you survive in a job in KSA without any arabic?
How should one search for jobs?
How should one apply?
What does the employment process involve? i.e. getting the permit etc?
I would appreciate if someone could please answer even one of the questions above. I would also love to hear from people who have had experiences in KSA.
Re: Careers in KSA
I have no experience with KSA however some of my friends works there.
Without arabic you can work , English do work.
How to search job there ?
many ways
From companies web portals , through recruiters etc
Second option , go on visit visa and look for Jobs.
Third option is good I think as my friend did that , go on independent visa that will cost you SR 14,000 or say 3,814 USDollars , You can work being on that visa with various employers.
You are female , that is a bit problem in case of accomodation , but , still you can find accomodation with families over there or contact some of your relatives/friends over there.
born and lived in Saudia for about 18 years ... moved back to Pakistan a couple of years ago years ago... as for your questions...
[QUOTE]
How are the employment opportunities in KSA? I'm mainly interested in science/pharmaceutical/education/laboratory sectors.
[/QUOTE]
Job prospects for any profession in KSA are very promising..... they're the strongest economy in the middle east at the moment and are expanding in all sectors... though i personally am not in the medicine / pharmacy domain, i've heard that a lot of pakistani women do work as doctors, drug researchers, micro bioligists, etc. in saudi hopitals, university hospitals and pharmacetical industries... so lots of opportunities here.
[QUOTE]
What are the chances of a muslim female getting a job in the industries in KSA?
[/QUOTE]
can't think of any reason why being a Muslim female in KSA would be a hindrance...
[QUOTE]
What's the english literacy like? I'm expecting the international branches in KSA to be competent in english but can you survive in a job in KSA without any arabic?
[/QUOTE]
this really depends on the sector you're working in.... chances are that if you are working with educated saudis, communicating in english wouldn't be a problem
[QUOTE]
How should one search for jobs?
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]
How should one apply?
[/QUOTE]
not much idea here... just try googling out companies relevant to your field or try contacting some university if you're willing to work on resrearch programs, etc.
[QUOTE]
What does the employment process involve? i.e. getting the permit etc?
[/QUOTE]
if you are able to successfully secure an employer, they'll handle the entire process of getting an Iqama for you... I'd suggest visiting KSA first on a visit visa and meeting up face to face with potential employers. Visit visas shouldn't be too difficult to get... and just in aren't able to get one, just go on an Umrah visa... I've heard they no longer restrict you to Makkah & Madina and you're free to visit other cities too.
hope it helps...
solarcipher, thank you soooooo much for taking the time out to write down such a detailed reply! :)
Great tip about umrah visa!!
Thanks a million!