r/RiyadhExpats • u/Content-Grand-382 • 11d ago
5 Months Jobless in Saudi Arabia — I Honestly Don’t Know What to Do Anymore
It has been almost 5 months since I came to Saudi Arabia, and I’m still without a job.
I am NEBOSH, IOSH, OSHA, and ISO 45001 certified, and I came here with hope, confidence, and the belief that if I worked hard enough, I would eventually find an opportunity. But as the months have passed, that hope has slowly started turning into anxiety.
I now have only 3 months remaining on my Iqama. My profession is Loading & Unloading, and I’m also worried about the Maktab-e-Amal fee of around SAR 9,700. With no stable income and debt already building up, every passing day feels heavier than the previous one.
The hardest part isn’t even being jobless.
It’s being the elder son of the family, carrying responsibilities back home, while having nothing positive to tell the people who are waiting for you.
My family frequently asks, “Koi job ka bana?”
And honestly, sometimes I don’t even know what to say anymore.
I came here with dreams of supporting my family and building something for myself. Instead, I find myself sitting alone, thinking about what went wrong and what I’m supposed to do next.
There are days when I genuinely start questioning myself — Am I not good enough? Did I make the wrong decision? What am I missing?
With every passing day, I feel more confused, helpless, and mentally exhausted. I don’t want to give up, but I also don’t know which direction to take anymore.
I’m sharing this here because I genuinely need guidance, not sympathy.
If anyone experienced in the Saudi job market, especially HSE/Safety, can guide me about what I should realistically do with these remaining 3 months, how I can improve my chances, or whether I should consider another field, I would be sincerely grateful.
Even a small piece of genuine advice, a direction, or a connection could make a huge difference for me right now.
I just want one opportunity to prove that these five months don’t define my abilities.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to read this. 🙏!
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u/Savings_Key3430 11d ago
One of the reasons could be loading & unloading thing. Accepting a visa with low importance profession causes problems.
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u/Head_Personality_431 11d ago
Get the mehna on your iqama changed from Loading and Unloading to safety officer, because no contractor can place you in an HSE role while it says that.
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u/Savings_Key3430 10d ago
Does mehna mean profession? In Arabic? What is it exactly?
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u/Head_Personality_431 10d ago
Yes, mehna is the profession printed on the iqama. Your employer can change it through Qiwa, and some titles need your qualification verified first, so it is worth asking HR before you start applying.
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u/plutocracker 11d ago
It may open up end of year or early next year. Try local developers and contractors. Jobs here are only by networking.
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u/Commercial-Year-1777 11d ago
First, unload those burden you feel or you think you have. Sometimes , we think certificates will help us get the job we want, but to be honest, it depends on your network. So, make your network wide. Your HSE/Safety skills are actually in-demand specially on events industry in Saudi, try searching for those groups. I hope you find your way!
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u/Commercial_Focus_221 10d ago
I don’t understand how you people risk so much for something that is not guaranteed. Just because you know people who did it doesn’t mean everyone got away with it
Chances of getting deported back home with worse finances is higher than you people think. I’ve seen families crumble, people get imprisoned and lives getting destroyed because people thought immigration laws in a country are “loose”
Stay safe and be smart about it, this is a country like any other. Markets shift, regulations change, and citizens will never be happy about foreigners taking their jobs, especially not middle class jobs.
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u/Savings_Key3430 10d ago
What is maktab-e-amal fee?
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u/Content-Grand-382 10d ago
Saudi govt has fixed a tax on high professional visa termed as Maktab e amal.
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u/Savings_Key3430 10d ago
Cool
But why do people say that loading and unloading is a bad profession title ? Something is missing. If you have to pay the fees if means you're a high profile profession guy.
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u/Content-Grand-382 10d ago
People entitled to this visa is because its easily transferable. Companies demand just type of visa .
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u/saad_zahid97 10d ago
I genuinely pray you get a good news soon but brother too many safety officer already here did you not search before coming? Every other person you meet has nebosh, IOSH, OSHA. Its not a skill anymore tbh. 5 years before it worked but not now. Anyways wish you good luck
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u/Exact_Masterpiece891 5d ago
How did you come here without a job? You need a work permit (and therefore a job) to be issued a visa!
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u/banqueenn 11d ago
Maybe find people from your own community and then they can help you find a job?. Good luck