Working in Saudi Arabia as a Kenyan Citizen 2026
Saudi Arabia employs over 80,000 Kenyan workers across healthcare, engineering, hospitality, domestic work, and construction. With Vision 2030 driving massive economic transformation, Saudi Arabia is creating thousands of new opportunities. Like the UAE, salaries are tax-free, making it an attractive destination for savings.
Mandatory: Complete NEA pre-departure orientation before travelling to Saudi Arabia. Use only NEA-registered recruitment agencies. Kenya and Saudi Arabia have a bilateral labour agreement that protects workers' rights.
Saudi Work Visa Process
Steps to Get a Saudi Work Visa
- Job offer: Receive an offer from a Saudi employer (directly or through a licensed agency)
- Block visa: Employer obtains a block visa from the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR)
- Medical exam: Complete a medical exam at a GCC-approved medical centre in Kenya (Aga Khan, PCEA Kikuyu, etc.)
- Contract attestation: Your employment contract must be attested by the Kenya Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Saudi Embassy
- Pre-departure orientation: Complete mandatory NEA pre-departure training
- Visa stamping: Get your visa stamped at the Saudi Embassy in Nairobi
- Travel to Saudi Arabia: Your employer arranges airport pick-up
- Iqama (residence permit): Employer processes your Iqama within 90 days of arrival
Salary Guide (Tax-Free)
| Profession | Entry (SAR/month) | Experienced | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | 6,000 - 10,000 | 10,000 - 15,000 | 15,000 - 22,000 |
| Doctor/Physician | 15,000 - 25,000 | 25,000 - 40,000 | 40,000 - 60,000 |
| Engineer (civil/mech) | 8,000 - 12,000 | 12,000 - 20,000 | 20,000 - 35,000 |
| IT Professional | 8,000 - 12,000 | 12,000 - 20,000 | 20,000 - 35,000 |
| Accountant | 6,000 - 10,000 | 10,000 - 16,000 | 16,000 - 25,000 |
| Hospitality | 2,500 - 5,000 | 5,000 - 10,000 | 10,000 - 18,000 |
| Security guard | 2,000 - 3,500 | 3,500 - 5,000 | 5,000 - 7,000 |
| Driver | 2,500 - 4,000 | 4,000 - 6,000 | 6,000 - 8,000 |
| Domestic worker | 1,500 - 2,500 | 2,500 - 3,500 | - |
Most employers provide accommodation, transport, and annual return flights. Healthcare is typically provided through employer insurance. Always confirm your total package before accepting.
Labour Rights and Protections
Saudi Arabia has significantly improved labour laws under Vision 2030. Key protections:
- Musaned platform: Official government platform for domestic worker recruitment, providing contract standardisation and dispute resolution
- Wage Protection System: Salaries must be paid through banks monthly
- Working hours: Maximum 8 hours/day, 48 hours/week. 6 hours during Ramadan
- Annual leave: 21 days per year, increasing to 30 days after 5 years
- End of service benefits: Half month salary per year for first 5 years, full month per year after
- Notice period: 60 days (indefinite contracts) or as per contract
- Labour mobility: Improved ability to change employers, especially after contract ends
- Passport retention is illegal: Your employer cannot hold your passport
Emergency contacts:
- Kenya Embassy in Riyadh: +966 11 488 3364
- MOHR (labour complaints): 19911
- Human Rights Commission: +966 11 218 8888
Healthcare Jobs in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has a massive healthcare sector employing thousands of international nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals.
Requirements for Healthcare Workers
- Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS): All healthcare professionals must register with SCFHS
- Dataflow verification: Credentials verified through Dataflow (primary source verification)
- Prometric exam: Computer-based examination for professional licence
- English proficiency: IELTS 5.5+ or equivalent (varies by employer)
- Experience: Minimum 2 years post-qualification experience (for most roles)
Top Healthcare Employers
- Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals
- National Guard Health Affairs (NGHA)
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital
- Saudi Aramco Medical
- Private hospital chains (Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib, Saudi German, etc.)
Major Cities for Kenyan Workers
- Riyadh: Capital city, government sector, largest job market, growing entertainment sector
- Jeddah: Commercial hub, gateway to Makkah and Madinah, port city, hospitality
- Dammam/Khobar: Oil industry hub, Eastern Province, engineering and construction
- Makkah/Madinah: Religious tourism, hospitality, year-round demand for service workers
- NEOM: Mega-project under Vision 2030, creating thousands of construction and tech jobs
Frequently Asked Questions
Saudi Arabia has a low crime rate and is generally safe. Working conditions have improved significantly under Vision 2030 reforms. Always ensure you go through NEA-registered agencies, get a proper MOHR-attested contract, and complete pre-departure orientation. Register with the Kenya Embassy on arrival for consular protection.
Yes. Labour mobility reforms now allow workers to change employers after their contract ends without needing a No Objection Certificate (NOC). During a valid contract, transfer is possible with employer consent or through MOHR dispute resolution if there are contract violations.
Saudization (Nitaqat) is Saudi Arabia's policy to employ Saudi nationals. Companies must maintain a minimum percentage of Saudi employees. This primarily affects low-to-mid skilled roles. Healthcare, IT, and engineering remain open to international workers as there is strong demand. Employers who sponsor you have already ensured compliance with Saudization quotas.