Saudi Arabia has long been a preferred destination for Pakistani workers due to its strong economy, high demand for labor, and cultural connections. The country’s booming sectors like construction, oil and gas, healthcare, and technology create a significant number of job opportunities. Below is a detailed guide on the top 10 companies in Saudi Arabia where Pakistani workers can find employment, along with information on job availability, requirements, and salary expectations.
1. Saudi Aramco
Sector: Oil & Gas
Job Opportunities: Engineers, Technicians, Welders, Safety Officers, Drivers
Salary Range: SAR 3,000 – 20,000
Overview: As the world’s largest oil company, Saudi Aramco offers numerous opportunities for skilled workers. Pakistani professionals in engineering and technical fields are in high demand.
2. SABIC (Saudi Basic Industries Corporation)
Sector: Petrochemicals
Job Opportunities: Chemical Engineers, Lab Technicians, Maintenance Workers, Plant Operators
Salary Range: SAR 4,000 – 18,000
Overview: SABIC is a leading global chemical company, offering a wide range of job opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled workers from Pakistan.
3. Saudi Oger
Sector: Construction
Job Opportunities: Civil Engineers, Masons, Carpenters, Electricians, Laborers
Salary Range: SAR 2,500 – 15,000
Overview: Saudi Oger is a major construction company involved in building infrastructure projects. It frequently hires Pakistani workers for various roles in construction.
4. Bin Laden Group
Sector: Construction
Job Opportunities: Construction Managers, Foremen, Heavy Equipment Operators, Welders, Plumbers
Salary Range: SAR 2,800 – 16,000
Overview: One of the largest construction companies in the Middle East, the Bin Laden Group offers a wide array of job opportunities for workers from Pakistan.
5. Almarai
Sector: Dairy & Food
Job Opportunities: Farm Workers, Drivers, Technicians, Quality Control Officers, Packaging Workers
Salary Range: SAR 2,000 – 10,000
Overview: Almarai is the largest dairy company in the Middle East, providing various job opportunities, especially in farming and production, which are well-suited for Pakistani workers.
6. STC (Saudi Telecom Company)
Sector: Telecommunications
Job Opportunities: Network Engineers, IT Specialists, Customer Support, Sales Executives
Salary Range: SAR 4,500 – 20,000
Overview: STC is a leading telecom provider in Saudi Arabia. Pakistani IT professionals and telecom engineers are highly sought after.
7. Al Rajhi Bank
Sector: Banking & Finance
Job Opportunities: Accountants, Financial Analysts, Customer Service Representatives, IT Officers
Salary Range: SAR 5,000 – 22,000
Overview: Al Rajhi Bank is one of the largest Islamic banks globally, offering various jobs in the banking sector, especially for those with finance and IT backgrounds.
8. King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre
Sector: Healthcare
Job Opportunities: Doctors, Nurses, Lab Technicians, Pharmacists, Medical Assistants
Salary Range: SAR 6,000 – 25,000
Overview: This prestigious hospital is always in need of qualified healthcare professionals. Pakistani medical staff, including doctors and nurses, find good opportunities here.
9. Al Shaya Group
Sector: Retail
Job Opportunities: Store Managers, Sales Associates, Visual Merchandisers, Inventory Specialists
Salary Range: SAR 3,000 – 12,000
Overview: Al Shaya Group is a leading retail franchise operator in the region, offering jobs in various retail sectors including fashion, food, and home furnishing.
10. Al Tuwairqi Group
Sector: Steel Manufacturing
Job Opportunities: Mechanical Engineers, Welders, Technicians, Quality Control Inspectors
Salary Range: SAR 3,500 – 18,000
Overview: This industrial giant offers numerous opportunities in the manufacturing sector, particularly for skilled labor and engineers from Pakistan.
How to Apply
For Pakistani workers, the application process usually involves registering with recruitment agencies in Pakistan that have tie-ups with these Saudi companies. It’s essential to ensure that the recruitment agency is licensed and recognized by the Saudi government.
Salary Payment in Pakistani Rupees (PKR)
While salaries in Saudi Arabia are paid in Saudi Riyals (SAR), the conversion to Pakistani Rupees (PKR) can vary depending on the current exchange rate. As of 2024, 1 SAR is approximately equal to 76 PKR. Thus, a salary of SAR 5,000 would be around PKR 380,000.
Benefits and Working Conditions
Saudi companies generally offer additional benefits such as accommodation, transportation, medical insurance, and annual leave. The working conditions are regulated by Saudi labor laws, which provide protections for foreign workers, including working hours, rest periods, and safety standards.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia continues to be a lucrative destination for Pakistani workers across various industries. Whether skilled or unskilled, there are numerous opportunities available with competitive salaries and benefits. For the best chances of securing a job, it’s advisable to apply through reputable recruitment agencies and ensure all documentation is in order.
This guide should provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the job market for Pakistani workers in Saudi Arabia, helping you make informed decisions about your career path in the Kingdom.