Recruiting in Saudi Arabia
Context
Saudi Arabia, at the heart of the Middle East, is a major economic player thanks to its oil resources and its economic diversification initiatives under the Vision 2030 program. This program aims to reduce the country’s dependence on oil, stimulating spectacular growth in sectors such as information technology, healthcare and tourism. In this dynamic environment, foreign companies find unrivalled opportunities for recruitment. However, understanding cultural nuances and specific regulations is essential for success in this competitive market.
To attract the best talent to Saudi Arabia, it is important to important choose the right recruitment channels. Here are the main channels used by Saudi recruiters:
Use of appropriate recruitment channels
1- Japanese job boards
Bayt.com: The largest job site in the Middle East, offering a large pool of qualified candidates.
GulfTalent.com: Another popular platform, particularly for management positions and experienced professionals.
Naukrigulf.com: Specializing in jobs in the Gulf, covering a wide range of sectors.
2- Professional social networks:
-LinkedIn: Essential for highly qualified positions and international profiles.
- X (formerly Twitter): Used to promote job offers and reach a wide audience, especially in the technology sector.
3- Job fairs and events :
- Saudi Job Fair : A major annual event bringing together local and international companies.
- Careers at KAUST: Job fair organized by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, attracting many qualified professionals.
4- Trade press:
Arab News: One of the country's most respected newspapers, with a section dedicated to job offers.
Saudi Gazette: Offers job ads for international and local professionals.
Language requirements
In Saudi Arabia, Arabic is the official and most commonly used language for business and daily communication. However, English is widely spoken in the international business and technology sectors. Recruiters need to be prepared to communicate in Arabic to reach a wider audience, while offering options in English to attract international candidates.
Anti-discrimination laws in Saudi Arabia
citizens are protected against discrimination based on gender, age or disability. The law expressly prohibits discrimination in the performance of work, in job advertisements and during the recruitment process.
Saudization (Nitaqat)
The Nitaqat program imposes employment quotas for Saudi citizens in companies. Understanding and respecting these regulations is essential for successful hiring. Recruiters need to be familiar with Nitaqat's classifications and the implications for their business.
For example, in some sectors, the foreign workforce has already been replaced by Saudi nationals. Since March 2020, all dental jobs have been reserved for Saudis. Similarly, Saudi Aramco, the national oil and gas company, had to achieve a 90% Saudization rate by 2020. This shows the importance of complying with Nitaqat quotas to avoid restrictions and benefit from government incentives.
Essential information you need to know
Employment contracts :
- Open-ended contract (CDI): Offers job security for employees and is often preferred by local professionals.
- Fixed-term contract (CDD): Used for temporary assignments, with a variable duration depending on the company’s needs.
Trial period :
In Saudi Arabia, the trial period is generally 90 days, renewable once. This means that it can be extended for another 90 days if both parties, the employer and the employee, agree..
Working hours and rest:
Employees in Saudi Arabia generally work a 48-hour week, with days off on days off on Fridays and Saturdays. Labor laws provide for paid overtime and paid annual leave after one year’s service.
Larly paid vacations in Saudi Arabia:
20 days with full salary payable in advance after working for one year. 30 days for workers who have completed 5 continuous years.
Minimum wage:
The minimum wage in Saudi Arabia is set by the government and varies according to the sector of activity. In 2023, the minimum wage is SAR 4,000 per month (around EUR 1,000) for the private sector, applicable mainly to Saudi nationals.
High-demand sectors demand:
- The oil and energy sector
- Construction and infrastructure
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Health and pharmaceuticals
- Tourism and hotels
Professional development opportunities:
As Saudi Arabia diversifies its economy, there are a multitude of opportunities for training and career development, particularly in fast-growing fields such as technology and renewable energies. To maintain their competitiveness, Saudi companies are investing in improving their employees’ skills.
EProfessional spaces in Saudi Arabia :
In Saudi Arabia, a wide range of companies, both local and international, promote working environments that are both modern and inclusive. They provide well-equipped office space, adopt flexible working policies and attach great importance to their employees’ well-being. This includes access to sports facilities, rest areas and mental health programs.
How can Salveo support you throughout the recruitment process in Saudi Arabia?
- Local expertise: With in-depth knowledge of local regulations and cultural practices, Salveo helps you navigate the complexities of the Saudi labor market. Our expertise ensures that you meet all legal requirements and maximize your chances of success.
- Access to an extensive network: Thanks to our extensive network of local contacts and partners, we have access to a large pool of qualified talent to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for senior managers or technical specialists, we can help you find the right candidates.
- Customized Recruitment Solutions: We offer recruitment solutions tailored to your requirements and corporate culture, enabling you to recruit the best talent available.
- Commitment to excellence: We are dedicated to providing the highest quality recruitment services, focusing on excellence and customer satisfaction. Our mission is to help you build high-performance teams and achieve your business goals in Saudi Arabia.
- Training and development: In addition to recruitment, Salveo offers training and development programs for your employees, ensuring they have the skills they need to succeed in their roles and contribute to your company’s growth.
We are also able to offer Employer of Record (EOR) services, enabling you to manage the administrative and legal aspects of employment, while ensuring compliance with local regulations.
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