Working in Saudi Arabia for Pakistanis - Complete Guide 2026
Saudi Arabia employs approximately 2.7 million Pakistani workers, making it the single largest destination for Pakistani labour migration. With Vision 2030 driving massive development projects, opportunities continue to grow across all sectors.
Top Sectors Hiring Pakistanis
Construction & Engineering
NEOM, The Line, Red Sea Project, Riyadh Metro, and entertainment mega-projects are creating enormous demand for engineers, technicians, and skilled trades.
Salary: SAR 3,000-15,000/month depending on role
Healthcare
Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and medical technicians are in high demand. Saudi healthcare is expanding rapidly under Vision 2030.
Salary: SAR 5,000-35,000/month
IT & Technology
Software developers, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists, and IT managers are increasingly sought after as Saudi Arabia digitises.
Salary: SAR 8,000-25,000/month
Retail & Hospitality
Sales staff, hotel workers, restaurant management. Growing with Saudi tourism and entertainment sector expansion.
Salary: SAR 2,500-8,000/month
Salary Guide
| Role | Monthly Salary (SAR) | Monthly Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| General labourer | 1,500-2,500 | $400-667 |
| Driver | 2,000-4,000 | $533-1,067 |
| Electrician/Plumber | 2,500-5,000 | $667-1,333 |
| Nurse | 5,000-10,000 | $1,333-2,667 |
| Accountant | 5,000-12,000 | $1,333-3,200 |
| Engineer | 8,000-20,000 | $2,133-5,333 |
| IT Professional | 8,000-25,000 | $2,133-6,667 |
| Doctor | 15,000-40,000 | $4,000-10,667 |
| Management | 15,000-35,000 | $4,000-9,333 |
Salaries are tax-free in Saudi Arabia. Most employers also provide accommodation, transport, and health insurance.
Saudi Labour Law - Know Your Rights
- Working hours: Maximum 8 hours/day, 48 hours/week. During Ramadan, reduced to 6 hours/day for Muslims
- Overtime: 150% of hourly rate for overtime
- Annual leave: 21 days after 1 year, 30 days after 5 years
- Sick leave: 30 days full pay, 60 days at 75%, 30 days unpaid per year
- End of service gratuity: Half month salary per year for first 5 years, one month per year after
- Contract: Must be in Arabic (English copy for reference), signed by both parties
- Probation: Maximum 90 days, extendable to 180 by agreement
- Exit/re-entry: Employee can request through Absher, employer must respond within 30 days
- Transfer (Tanaqul): Workers can transfer sponsors after completing 1 year or at contract end
Cost of Living
| Expense | Monthly Cost (SAR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shared accommodation | 500-1,500 | Labour camps or shared flats |
| Studio/1-bed apartment | 1,500-3,500 | Riyadh/Jeddah city centre |
| Food (cooking at home) | 500-800 | Pakistani groceries widely available |
| Food (eating out) | 800-1,500 | Pakistani restaurants abundant |
| Transport | 200-500 | Bus/metro, or employer-provided |
| Mobile phone | 50-150 | STC, Mobily, Zain |
| Remittance to Pakistan | Varies | Most workers send 50-70% home |
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Never pay for a job: Legitimate employers cover all recruitment and visa costs
- Verify the recruiter: Use only agents registered with Pakistan's Bureau of Emigration
- Read your contract: Ensure the contract matches the verbal promises
- Keep your passport: Employers cannot legally confiscate your passport
- Avoid "free visa": This means working without a proper sponsor, which is illegal and can lead to deportation and bans
- Register with the embassy: Always register with the Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh or Consulate in Jeddah
- Absher: Government services (visa, Iqama)
- Tawakkalna: Digital ID and health
- Muqeem: Iqama services
- GOSI: Social insurance
- Musaned: Domestic worker contracts
- Nusuk: Hajj and Umrah booking