How to Choose the Right Country for Work:  A Guide for Indian Immigrants

When choosing a country for migration, you should pay attention to the benefits offered in a particular region. Especially if you are leaving India in search of a better place to earn money, live and grow your career.

Saudi Arabia has long been a popular destination for Indian expats seeking employment opportunities in the Middle East. This trend has only intensified in recent years due to the economic transformation in Saudi Arabia.

For Indian workers, Saudi Arabia offers lucrative job prospects, attractive benefits, and a unique cultural experience. India has one of the largest diasporas in the world. And a significant portion of this diaspora resides in Saudi Arabia in particular. Approximately 30% of the total foreign labor force is made up of people from India. These are both highly skilled professionals and general laborers.

Employment Areas and Salaries

More than 2.5 million Indians live and work in Saudi Arabia, making them the largest foreign community in the Kingdom. They make a significant contribution to the Saudi economy. Popular job platforms such as Layboard list the most popular fields in which Indian expatriates work:

Construction and infrastructure: Many Indian expats work in construction projects, contributing to the development of major infrastructure, residential projects, and commercial establishments. These are civil engineers, architects, electricians, carpenters and general laborers. Salaries for construction workers can start at between USD 270 and USD 670 per month, while skilled professionals earn between $2,700 and $4,000 per month, depending on experience and qualifications.

Healthcare: The demand for healthcare services in Saudi Arabia has led to an increase in the number of Indian hires due to the country’s reputable medical education system. Salaries for doctors can range from USD 4,000 to USD 10,600 per month depending on specialization and experience, while registered nurses typically earn between USD 930 and 2,100 per month.

Information technology (IT): As Saudi Arabia seeks to modernize its economy and is already actively implementing technological innovations, the need for IT professionals is growing. Indian software engineers, data analysts, network administrators and other technical specialists are in high demand. The average monthly salary of IT specialists ranges from 2100 to 5300 USD, depending on the position and level of qualification.

Banking and finance: Indian professionals play an important role in the banking and finance sector in Saudi Arabia. Financial analysts, accountants and auditors are highly valued. Salaries for accountants start at USD 1,330 per month, and financial managers earn up to USD 8,000 per month.

Retail and hospitality: Jobs in this sector include hotel management, restaurant staff, and sales positions. The average salary in the retail and hospitality sector ranges from US$670 to US$2,100 per month. The most popular vacancies can be viewed on reputable job search platforms: https://layboard.in/vacancies/jobs-in-saudi-arabia/speciality/cleaner

Top benefits of working in Saudi Arabia for Indian expats

For Indian expats looking for jobs in Saudi Arabia, there are several benefits that stem from Saudi Arabia’s economic policies, tax-free environment, and cultural ties with India.

1. Tax-free income

One of the most compelling reasons for Indian professionals to work in Saudi Arabia is that the kingdom does not levy income tax.

This policy is particularly attractive for expatriates who can save significantly and remit larger amounts to support their families in India. The tax-free environment is a key factor that encourages Indians to choose Saudi Arabia over other countries where income tax rates can reduce net income.

2. High demand for skilled labor

The Vision 2030 strategy, with its emphasis on digital transformation and innovation, has created an increased need for tech-savvy professionals, and this is an area where the Indian workforce is the best.

3. Attractive salary packages and benefits

Companies in Saudi Arabia often offer competitive salary packages for expatriates, combined with benefits such as housing, health insurance, and annual paid vacation. In many cases, employers provide housing and transportation. These perks increase the attractiveness of working in Saudi Arabia and allow Indian expats to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while supporting their families.

4. Cultural compatibility

Saudi Arabia and India share historical and cultural ties, which makes it easier for Indian expats to adapt to life in the Kingdom. The two countries share a history of trade, cultural exchange and migration, which has led to the creation of a significant Indian community and a familiar cultural environment. Many cities in Saudi Arabia have Indian restaurants, cultural centers, and schools that cater to Indian expats, helping them stay connected to their roots.

5. Career growth and skill development

Saudi Arabia’s emphasis on economic growth and infrastructure development creates unique opportunities for Indian workers to gain valuable experience, skills and qualifications. Professionals in fields such as construction, healthcare, and IT are benefiting from being involved in large-scale technology and construction projects.

Legal protection of expats in Saudi Arabia

In 2021, Saudi Arabia introduced reforms that provide foreign workers with greater mobility and autonomy. According to the new rules, expatriates can switch to another job without the consent of their employer after the end of the contract, as well as apply for an exit/entry visa on their own. These reforms represent a significant improvement in the rights of foreigners, offering them more freedom and reducing the risk of exploitation.

To ensure timely payment of wages, Saudi Arabia has introduced the Wage Protection System, which obliges all employers to transfer employees’ wages directly to their bank accounts. This system allows the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development to monitor payment documents and identify any cases of withholding or delaying wages. WPS is particularly beneficial for low-income workers, who are often the most vulnerable to wage exploitation.

The Saudi government has established specialized labor courts to resolve disputes between employers and employees. These courts provide foreign nationals with a legal avenue to resolve grievances, including unfair dismissal, non-payment of wages, or breach of contract. Expats can also access legal services to assist in filing lawsuits, and the government has simplified the dispute resolution process to ensure quick results for employees.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia remains one of the most attractive destinations for Indian workers seeking economic stability and career growth in the Gulf region. In particular, due to the combination of earning opportunities, favorable living conditions and cultural exposure. The Kingdom’s efforts to diversify its economy have opened new doors for skilled professionals, especially in sectors such as healthcare, IT, and construction, and the tax-free income policy significantly increases the net earnings of foreigners. Recent labor reforms have made working in Saudi Arabia even more attractive for Indian migrants.

Nieka Ranises