Excellent opportunities to work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Manuel Caluen is a recruitment specialist with more than 8 years’ of experience covering the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). He covers a wide variety of roles from technical, professional, functional up to C-Suite for businesses located or operating in the region. Manuel specializes in Saudi national and international recruitment, direct placement, temporary hires and executive search.

Manuel shares his story on the excellent opportunities to work in the KSA.

Working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)

The Saudi Vision 2030 initiative formed in 2016 is a strategic framework to reduce Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil, diversify its economy, and develop public service sectors such a health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism. The vision is based on three pillars that represent its unique competitive advantages; an energetic society, a thriving economy and an ambitious nation.

The initiative is driving many new developments in the country, resulting in many opportunities to work or do business in Saudi Arabia.

New developments include three MEGA projects:

• The Qiddiya Project (45+ projects and 300+ activities across the creative, hospitality and entertainment and sporting sectors)
• The Red Sea Project (Island infrastructure development, featuring villages, international airport, hotels, etc.)
• NEOM to the Metro being built in major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah (NEOM will be the home and workplace for more than a million citizens from around the world with cities and connecting inter-city transport system).

Vision 2030 provides many opportunities for expatriates to work in the Kingdom via a holding company

A holding company is a parent business entity. They are investment companies holding shares of other companies which then makeup a corporate group. There are many large holding companies in Saudi Arabia working across numerous industry sectors including:

• Construction
• Industrial manufacturing
• Building materials
• Manufacturing
• Oil & Gas / Petrochemicals
• Automotive
• Energy & Power
• Hospitality
• Finance

These companies are committed to playing their part in helping to make Vision 2030 a success. To do so they need to employ a diverse range of employees with the experience of working on cutting edge projects around the world. In demand roles include, C-Suite strategic, senior management corporate, management expertise in consultancy, finance, HR and technical operations. For current roles required in the Kingdom, Manuel Caluen's profile.

Competitive tax free salary

KSA employers provide competitive tax free salaries and offer future career progression.

While Saudization (see below) is being pushed by the government, most employers are open to employing expatriates with the right expertise and experience to help them meet their business targets.

What are the effects of Saudization?

Saudization is officially known as the Saudi Nationalisation Scheme or Nitaqat. It is a government policy where Saudi companies can only hire expatriate workers on a quota basis.  Employers need to maintain a Saudi quota of 70% national worker content.

Through the policy, the number of roles for expats in the Kingdom has reduced. However, there are visas (Iqamas) being issued to many professional services companies, private family groups and government departments for roles where there are skills shortages.  If an employer has a visa (Iqama) for non-Saudis, expats can apply. 

I have worked with the management teams of many holding companies during my eight years of specializing in expatriate recruitment in KSA and Saudization. My experience of working with these companies is a very positive one. I continually get feedback from employees I have placed with my clients confirming that they are happy and pleased with their career in the Kingdom.

Candidates

Expatriates and KSA nationals please contact me for an informal and confidential discussion on how I can assist you in finding the right role for you in the Kingdom.

Clients                                          

I would be delighted to discuss with you how TRS Staffing Solutions Middle East can find you the best KSA and expatriate talent for your staffing needs. Our clients are KSA holding companies, companies seeking to establish a KSA business and companies who require employees for their KSA in-country projects.

Please feel free to contact Manuel Caluen at manuel.caluen@trsstaffing.com.