The 10 Largest Industries in Saudi Arabia Filled with Migrant Workers from Asia and Africa
Saudi Arabia remains one of the most powerful magnets for migrant workers from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa. As of mid-2025, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) recorded over 10 million active expatriates.
This number continues to grow alongside the ambitions of Vision 2030, which is driving massive infrastructure development. If you are considering a career in the Middle East, understanding which sectors absorb the most foreign talent will give you a bargaining advantage regarding salary and visas. Here are the ten largest industries historically filled by migrant workers from Asia and Africa.
Top Sectors for Expatriate Labor
The success of giga-projects and public services in Saudi Arabia depends heavily on the availability of international talent across all skill levels. From technical workers in the desert to medical professionals in city centers, here are the ten primary industries currently dominated by migrant workers from Asia and Africa.
1. Oil, Gas, and Petrochemicals
No sector is more synonymous with Saudi Arabia than hydrocarbons. Saudi Aramco, SABIC, and dozens of oilfield service companies continuously hire drilling technicians and engineers. For those with HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) certifications or refinery experience, compensation packages can include tax-free salaries ranging from USD 5,000–9,000 per month.
2. Giga-Project Construction
Mega projects like NEOM, The Line, and Red Sea Global require hundreds of thousands of construction workers. If you are a certified welder, crane operator, or site manager, the opportunities are vast. This sector is relatively friendly to workers without degrees, provided they are physically fit and adhere to strict safety standards.
3. Domestic Services and Home Care
Millions of Saudi families employ domestic helpers, private drivers, and nannies from countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Kenya. Many official agencies now offer transparent contracts with minimum salaries of SR 1,500–1,800, weekly rest days, and biennial return tickets.
Read Also: 10 High Demand Jobs and Industries in Germany for Non-EU Citizens
4. Retail and Modern Trade
Luxury malls and local supermarkets rely heavily on cashiers, merchandisers, and supervisors from India, Bangladesh, and Sudan. Those fluent in English with sales experience can earn SR 3,000–5,000 plus commissions.
5. Hospitality, Hajj, and Umrah
With a target of 150 million tourists by 2030, hotels and tour operators are racing to find international staff. Seasonal visa issuance for workers from Indonesia, Turkey, and Egypt increases drastically during the Hajj season. Front office supervisors can earn between SR 6,000–8,000.
6. Transportation and Logistics
New international airports and high-speed rail networks create a constant need for heavy truck drivers, aircraft mechanics, and warehouse operators. If you hold an international heavy-duty driving license, salaries of SR 2,800–4,000 plus mileage bonuses await.
7. Healthcare and Nursing
Saudi Arabia is projected to need an additional 100,000 medical personnel within five years. If you have an NCLEX or Prometric Saudi license, nursing salaries can reach SR 5,000–8,000, while specialists can earn above SR 25,000.
8. IT and Telecommunications
Riyadh aims to become a regional digital hub. Demand for full-stack developers, cybersecurity experts, and network engineers often exceeds local supply. Talents proficient in Python, AWS Cloud, or DevOps can earn SR 12,000–18,000 tax-free.
Read Also: 10 High Demand Jobs and Industries in Germany for Non-EU Citizens
9. Manufacturing and Light Industry
The Kingdom is building clusters for pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and automotive components. For polytechnic or vocational graduates, starting salaries of SR 3,000–5,000 plus production incentives are quite competitive.
10. Cleaning Services and Facilities Management
Government buildings and airports require thousands of cleaners, AC technicians, and security guards. While basic salaries may start at SR 1,200–1,800, workers often receive significant overtime pay and provided housing.
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