Moving abroad is an exciting concept and there are so many reasons to consider taking the step to live in a new country. However, there are many things to consider, including finances, accommodation, healthcare, safety and more. Before making the life-changing move it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons to ensure you will […]
Read More… from The Pros and Cons of Being an Expat in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
The Middle East has always been championed as a paradise for those who want to work hard and live a luxurious lifestyle. The number of expats in the UAE is high, with 88.5% of the population hailing from overseas. The Middle East as a whole has always been a first-choice location for many people wanting […]
Since the recent introduction of expat worker fees in Saudi Arabia, the country has seen a steep rise in foreigner workers leaving the country. The two types of fees introduced included charges for each familial dependents of expat workers which were implemented in July 2017 and has continued to increase in price since this time. […]
Saudi Arabia has recently introduced new and more stringent regulations for hiring expat engineers. Expats looking to work in the Saudi engineering industry will now need to register with the Saudi Engineers Organisation via their new online accreditation platform, prior to their arrival. The new system has been implemented by the Saudi Engineers Authority in […]
Read More… from New System for Expat Engineers Wishing to Work in Saudi
The number of expatriates leaving Saudi Arabia is expected to continuously increase following recent changes to the countries economic focus. As Saudi Arabia attempt to change their economy so that it is no longer entirely reliant on oil, it is starting to face some backlash in the form of people returning to their home countries. […]
Read More… from Expatriates Leaving Saudi Arabia Continue to Rise
If you have kept up with all of our coverage of Saudi Arabia’s expat news, you will be aware that the Gulf state introduced an expat family tax as part of a series of financial reforms set to wean the Kingdom off of its financial reliance on oil. However, some financial experts are warning Saudi […]
Expats in Saudi Arabia have been the target of government interest since early 2017. With women finally being granted to right to drive in the country, on the surface, it had appeared that positive changes were being made. However, the new year has brought more bad news for Saudi expats as they are now barred […]
It seems that Saudi Arabia is constantly in the expat news as of late. Since May 2017, we have kept you abreast of the latest happenings in the Gulf State. Whilst the year started in a promising fashion for the country with the introduction of a green card for expatriates and the start of what […]
After only reporting on cancelled visas and family tax chaos back in July, this month is set for more expat disruption in Saudi Arabia. However, this time, it appears the penalties could be warranted. It is reported that those working illegally or violating the Kingdom’s labour laws will be punished. So far, the list of reprimands […]
Read More… from Saudi Expat ‘Violators’ Face High Fines and Prison Sentences
Last month we reported that Saudi Arabia’s new green card policy was going to be for ‘investors and the scientifically skilled’ only. Just a matter of weeks later and the country’s Ministry of Civil Service has announced that all government departments must terminate contracts of expat employees within three years. This means foreigners working in […]
Read More… from All Expats to Be Fired from Jobs in Saudi Arabia
Barely a month goes by without us reporting on some new strategy being employed by Gulf nations to control expat working numbers. These nations – such as Oman, the UAE and Qatar – face a constant balancing act, seeking to recruit only the most able and qualified individuals to their countries, while minimizing local unemployment. […]
Read More… from The Future Looks Bright for Expats in Saudi Arabia
Like other Gulf nations, Saudi Arabia is a hotspot for expatriate workers from around the world. Recent statistics suggest that just over 10 million foreigners currently live and work in the Saudi kingdom. This represents roughly a third of the total population. Clearly, expats are a critical part of the economy at present, helping to […]
Read More… from Expats Numbers in Saudi Arabia Likely to Drop
Like so many other Gulf States, Saudi Arabia’s economy is fiercely dependent on expat workers. Official figures from 2013 put the number of expats in the Saudi Kingdom at 9 million, with an estimated 1.6 million new visitors each year. That’s not just a lot of people; it’s also a big strain on the healthcare […]
Read More… from Saudi Arabia Introduces Compulsory Health Insurance for Expats
Why would anyone agree to move half way round the world for work, leaving behind friends and family (not to mention the glorious British weather)? For some of us, global moves represent exciting new opportunities to grow and develop in our career of choice. For others the change of scenery in itself can be enough […]
Read More… from Where Do Expats Enjoy The Most Disposable Income?
It’s not until you’re thinking about moving abroad that you suddenly realise just how many options there are. From The United Arab Emirates to the United States of America, from Ireland to Iceland, how do you know which expat destinations are best? Arguably one of the most useful strategies is to consider the factors that […]
Read More… from Which Country Is Best For Expats? – Infographic
As repeated studies have revealed, relationships between expats and natives are more common than you might imagine. It seems that love knows no limits and just because two people arise from different cultures doesn’t necessarily rule out a healthy and long term marriage. However quite how these wedded couples are treated by their adopted countries […]
Read More… from Saudi Arabia Offers New Rules for Expat Husbands
As the world’s largest oil producer Saudi Arabia has long been a magnet for hard-working expats. That said, like many of the Gulf nations, Saudi Arabia has struggled in the past with this expat population, ensuring that they are carefully regulated. Illegal workers are a perennial problem here with whom the government seems to be […]
In an attempt to curb crime rates in Saudi Arabia, as well as removing unwanted beggars and illegal street vendors, the Saudi police force is clamping down on Saudi residents who have overstayed their welcome. The crack down focuses primarily on those who have either stayed past their visa allowance or have entered the country […]