Hiring in Saudi Arabia
You’ll want to make sure you’re advertising your open positions through the best channels to ensure hiring talented employees. You’ll also need to make sure your business complies with anti-discrimination laws during the recruitment process in the country.
In Saudi Arabia, many companies do the majority of their recruiting through referrals and word of mouth. This method will be a challenge if your company doesn’t have an established presence in Saudi Arabia yet, but you might choose to partner with a global PEO that already has some established contacts. Online job listings and social media can also be useful tools during the recruitment process.
Laws Against Discrimination in Saudi Arabia
Under Saudi Arabian law, citizens are protected from discrimination based on sex, age, or disability. The law specifically forbids discrimination during the performance of work as well as in job advertisements and the hiring process. To stay compliant, you should make sure you avoid mentioning traits in job postings unless they are legitimate requirements for the position. For example, you should avoid phrases like “recent graduate,” “young and dynamic team,” and “seasoned and highly qualified.”
How to Hire Employees in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has certain laws and regulations that dictate how to hire employees. The country requires every worker to have an employment contract that outlines local labor law standards in both Arabic and English. Globalization Partners recommends a written employment contract that includes compensation, benefits, and termination terms.
1. Recruitment Agencies
Recruitment agencies in Saudi Arabia can help you find qualified candidates quickly. They have access to a pool of potential employees and can conduct initial screenings, saving you time and effort. Many agencies specialize in specific industries, making it easier to find the right fit for your venture.
2. Online Job Portals
Websites like Bayt, Mihnati, and LinkedIn are popular platforms for job postings and candidate searches in Saudi Arabia. You can create job listings, review resumes, and connect with potential candidates. These platforms offer a wide reach and allow you to specify your requirements.
3. University Career Centers
Collaborating with local universities and their career centers is an excellent way to access fresh talent. You can offer internships, co-op programs, or entry-level positions to recent graduates. This not only helps your venture but also contributes to the development of local talent.
4. Networking
Building a strong professional network in Saudi Arabia is invaluable. Attend business events, conferences, and industry-specific gatherings to meet potential candidates. Personal recommendations and connections can lead to finding highly qualified individuals who share your vision.
5. Government Programs
The Saudi government offers various programs and incentives to support businesses and employment. You can explore initiatives such as the Saudization program, which encourages hiring Saudi nationals, or engage with government agencies to access resources and assistance for your venture.
6. Social Media
Leverage social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to announce job openings. Social media can help you reach a broad audience quickly. Create engaging posts and use relevant hashtags to attract potential candidates.
7. Job Fairs
Job fairs are common in Saudi Arabia, especially at universities and business centers. Participating in these events allows you to interact with job seekers face-to-face and provide information about your venture and available positions.
8. Employee Referrals
Encourage your current employees to refer potential candidates. Employee referrals often result in hires who are a good cultural fit and have a better understanding of your venture’s values and goals.
9. Online Freelancing Platforms
If you need specific skills for short-term projects, consider using online freelancing platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. These platforms connect you with freelancers who can work remotely on a project basis.
10. Local Newspapers and Magazines
Traditional print media still has a presence in Saudi Arabia. Placing job ads in local newspapers and magazines can help you reach a different demographic, especially for specific roles.
When hiring for your venture in Saudi Arabia, it’s essential to understand the local labor laws, visa requirements, and cultural nuances. Always conduct thorough interviews and reference checks to ensure you’re bringing the right people on board who align with your business goals and values.
Also read: Ways to Hire People for Your Venture in the UAE
Arnifi is digital first Corporate service provider helping companies enter the Middle East region, starting with UAE and Saudi Arabia markets. Founded and backed by professionals from Amazon, Souq and other large companies operating in KSA – the team understands what it takes to succeed as a startup in both UAE and Saudi Arabian markets, apart from going through the setup process multiple times.
Arnifi will provide a truly digital experience to entry and scale up of companies both UAE and Saudi Arabia. The Arnifi promise is simple, yet revolutionary, use technology and a great team to provide transparency, efficiency and great customer experience in the whole process.
Check out at – www.Arnifi.com for more details.
