For many aspirants, having a job in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates is their first step towards international work experience. Platform like LinkedIn is very fruitful in this endeavour. But there are more things intended candidates should follow.

Both countries are home to multinational companies and provide an enabling environment, with better salary.

A wide range of job openings are available in the above mentioned countries in the energy sector and the healthcare sector.

Popular recruitment websites such as Bayt.com, Naukri.com and GulfTalent have shown that jobs are also available in the property and finance sectors.

Below are steps to secure a job in the Middle East.

Networking

In any field, professionals need to have good networking skills to increase their links and better working relationships. Attending professional events and connecting with peers in the industry through in-person events or platforms such as LinkedIn can help aspirants build strong networking.

They can join industry-specific groups to be updated about the latest job trends in the region.

People working in multinational companies, with offices in Gulf countries, can also ask their human resource departments or heads concerned to transfer them to the region.

Recruitment agencies, websites

Many are aware of the fact that most of the companies in Gulf countries hire recruitment agencies to make hiring for them. Firms regularly inform them about their demand for different positions and agencies post jobs on online platforms to hire qualified people.

People should research reputable agencies and submit their resumes or CVs to those that specialise in their respective fields.

It merits here to mention that jobs sites like Bayt.com, Naukri.com, and GulfTalent, along with LinkedIn, should be searched for employment opportunities.

Aspirants can also sign up with recruitment agencies that operate in Saudi Arabia. Like Holden Knight and Regent Personnel recruit for healthcare jobs in the Middle East. The Saudian Yellow Pages have a list of recruitment agencies.

Most of the jobs require an application form to be filled with a CV. Some of the jobs also require a cover letter, which is written as per the requirements of the job.

Interviews

Video interviews have become more common since the coronavirus pandemic when most of the world was at a standstill due to the lockdown. The drill is the same like for the in-person interview.

Job seekers should prepare themselves, dress professionally, research the company and the desired role, and prepare thoughtful answers after receiving the call for an interview. In some cases, candidates are asked to give a test that is monitored by them.

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Securing a visa

The need for speedy issuance of work visas has increased with the pace of projects under the Vision 2030.

In Saudi Arabia, an employer – commercial, merchant, or a branch of a company – is required to sponsor a temporary work visa. The visa application can be done through an electronic platform. The visa will last for a year but allows entry into the kingdom for up to 90 days at any time.

An employer in UAE sponsors a visa for a candidate outside the country. It should be noted that visitors cannot work on a visit or tourist visa. After accepting a job offer, the employer applies for a residency visa on behalf of the candidate. Later on, the candidate can obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labor.

UAE work permits and employment visas can last between one and 10 years.

Language requirements

Arabic is the language used in Saudi Arabia and the UAE along with English, Hindi, Persian and Urdu as the countries are also home to a large number of expatriates from India and Pakistan.

English is widely spoken by locals for conversation and business practices, however, an understanding of Arabic would better help understand the environment of the countries and make you able to become street smart.

The article was originally published in Al Arabiya News