Some find exactly what they came for. Others face challenges they never imagined. This is their story — told honestly, with respect for every soul who has ever crossed an ocean for a better tomorrow.
The Dream That Drives Millions
Saudi Arabia is the world's largest employer of migrant workers. Over 13 million foreign workers live and work in the Kingdom, making up nearly 40% of the total population. For many families in South and Southeast Asia, having a family member working in Saudi Arabia is not just a job — it is the difference between poverty and survival.
The remittances these workers send home fund education, build houses, pay medical bills, and lift entire families out of poverty. They are the unsung heroes of their home countries' economies.
What Workers Say About Their Experience
Many workers who have spent years in Saudi Arabia share both positive and difficult experiences.
"I came to Riyadh as a driver. My employer treated me well, paid on time, and I was able to send my children to good schools back home. I am grateful for the opportunity," shared one Bangladeshi worker who has lived in Saudi Arabia for 8 years.
Others describe more difficult circumstances. Many workers report arriving to find their job description different from what was promised, salaries lower than agreed, or accommodation not as expected.
"I was promised a cleaning job at a hotel. When I arrived, I was sent to work in a private house with no day off and no way to contact my family for weeks," recalled one worker from Nepal, whose experience is unfortunately not uncommon.
According to multiple human rights organizations and worker testimonies, common challenges faced by migrant workers in Saudi Arabia include:
Passport confiscation by some employers, which is illegal under Saudi law
Salary delays or non-payment in some cases
Difficulty changing employers due to the kafala sponsorship system
Limited access to legal support when disputes arise
Isolation and mental health challenges from being far from family
The Other Side — Success Stories Are Real Too
It is important to share the full picture. Millions of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia live stable, dignified lives and return home with savings that transform their families forever.
Saudi Arabia has also made significant reforms in recent years. The country introduced labor reforms in 2021 allowing many workers to change jobs without employer permission, introduced a new wage protection system, and has been actively working to improve worker conditions as part of Vision 2030.
Many workers in skilled professions — engineering, IT, healthcare, finance — find Saudi Arabia to be one of the most financially rewarding places in the world to work. Tax-free salaries, accommodation allowances, and annual flights home make it genuinely attractive for the right candidate.
Important Advice — If You Are Planning to Work in Saudi Arabia
If you or someone you know is considering working in the Gulf region, please read this carefully. The difference between a good experience and a bad one often comes down to preparation.
1. Verify Your Employer Before You Go
Check the company on the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources website
Ask for a verified employment contract before leaving your country
Never pay a recruitment agency more than the legally allowed fee
Confirm your salary, working hours, and accommodation in writing
2. Know Your Rights
Your passport cannot legally be taken from you in Saudi Arabia
You are entitled to one day off per week
Your salary must be paid on time under Saudi law
You have the right to contact your embassy at any time
3. Essential Skills to Have Before Going
Workers who go to Saudi Arabia with specific skills earn significantly more and face far fewer problems. Here are the most valuable skills to have:
Driving license — drivers are always in demand and earn well
Basic English — opens far more opportunities than Arabic alone
Construction skills — electrician, plumber, welder, carpenter are always needed
Healthcare skills — nurses, lab technicians, caregivers are extremely well paid
Cooking skills — chefs and cooks are in constant demand
IT and computer skills — highest paying category for expats
Sales experience — retail and B2B sales roles are abundant
Security and loss prevention — steady demand across malls and corporations
4. Important Documents to Prepare
Verified and attested educational certificates
Police clearance certificate
Medical fitness certificate
Valid passport with at least 2 years remaining
Signed employment contract with salary details
5. Know These Emergency Contacts
Your country's embassy in Riyadh and Jeddah
Saudi Arabia Labor Ministry hotline: 19911
ILO (International Labour Organization) helpline
Save these numbers in your phone before you travel
6. Join Online Communities First
Before going, connect with workers already in Saudi Arabia from your country. They will give you honest.
