Women traveling to Saudi Arabia for work is a highly topical subject right now, as the Kingdom is seeking to attract more female expatriates to its increasing number of work related opportunities. Now more than ever, Saudi Arabia is actively encouraging businesswomen and female entrepreneurs, as well as highly skilled women who can contribute their knowledge and experience to the country’s economic development.
Prior to 2017, females were generally restricted from entering the public workforce, but in recent years Saudi Vision 2030 has made a dramatic shift in this policy, and women are now playing a much more active and prominent role in the workforce. According to statistics gathered in 2019, more than 27% of the total Saudi Arabian workforce is female, a impressive statistic considering that women had previously been largely excluded from the labor market. Saudi Arabia is also becoming an attractive destination to many foreign women looking for business or employment opportunities.
The Saudi entrepreneurial spirit is now very much alive, with innovative and inspiring ideas being coined every day. International women have the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the economy in this country. Work visas are now available for international female expatriates, and there is a diverse range of opportunities available, ranging from human resources, finance, engineering, IT, design, law, and media. Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to the world, and welcomed international female employees into the country with many incentives and benefits.
However, traveling to Saudi Arabia can be intimidating. It is a very different environment and culture, and because of the kingdom’s strict legal and social regulations women must take extra caution when traveling to the country. There are certain restrictions on how long female expatriates can stay in the country, as well as restrictions on the type of work they are allowed to do. Women must also take extra precaution in their dress and deportment in order to avoid any problems with authorities.
At the same time, Saudi Arabia is an incredibly fascinating and hospitable country filled with friendly locals. Female entrepreneurs and female expatriate businesswomen can make a real difference to the country’s booming economy, and by traveling to Saudi Arabia they can help show the world that there is much more than their cultural and social differences.
The country is striving to open up more opportunities for foreign women, and by getting acquainted with the culture and customs, and being respectful, women can experience an unforgettable experience in the country. By engaging with the locals, women can build strong relationships and gain insight into the culture and values, as well as broaden their employment opportunities.
Motivations for the goverment to pursue women participations
The Saudi government has long sought to increase the participation of women in the workforce and throughout the economy. One of the main motivations behind this is to remedy the social and gender imbalances that exist in the country. The government is keen to see the female participation in the economy grow as a way to spur growth and innovation, as well as broaden the talent pool available to contribute to business and industry.
In addition to addressing gender equality, the Saudi government has also identified other key elements for increasing female participation. Research has shown that increasing female labor market participation has a positive impact on economic growth, and boosts GDP per capita. The Saudi government is keen to foster a more diverse work environment, as well as an environment which will attract more international talent and business investment.
The government is encouraging female participation in the country’s business sector by offering targeted incentives and removing restrictions on the number of women that can be employed. In addition, the government has implemented measures to make the work environment more welcoming to women. For instance, some restrictions on the type of job roles women can apply for have been lifted, and there are now restrictions on the hours women can work.
Industry Insights from Women Workplace
Trupti Jain, the founder of WomenWorkplace, an organization focused on advocating women’s economic independence in Saudi Arabia, discusses the progress made in the country, and the key challenges that remain. According to Jain, there is still much progress to be made in the Saudi workforce, and government efforts alone are not enough to make a lasting impact.
Jain believes that the main challenge is ensuring that women are offered fair opportunities, and that women have the right skills and qualifications to make the most of the opportunities available in the country. She also emphasizes better support systems for women with families, to ensure that women are able to balance their family commitments with their workplace activities.
In an effort to increase the participation of women in Saudi Arabian businesses, the Ministry of Labor has implemented a training program for women, which provides guidance on necessary skills and qualifications for the workplace. This program aims to equip women with the tools to make the most of the available business opportunities in the country.
In addition to the training program, the Ministry of Labor is also in the process of rolling out widespread reforms that seek to reduce the barriers that hinder women from participating in the job market. These reforms include expanding child care services for working mothers, as well as flexible working hours and part time employment opportunities.
Advice for Female Expatriates
As the country opens up its economy to foreign women, there are key precautions to be taken when traveling to Saudi Arabia for work. All women should make sure to be as informed as possible about the laws and regulations in the country, as well as the culture and customs, to ensure a safe and successful experience.
It is important to dress modestly in public, and to abide by the local rules and customs. Women should also be aware that they may face discrimination or harassment in the workplace, and should report any such incidents to their employer or to the local authorities. It is important to take good care of your health and safety, and to invest in adequate health insurance.
When seeking out job opportunities in Saudi Arabia, it is important to research the opportunities available in the country, and to have a clear understanding of the skills and qualifications required. It is also important to find an employer or organization that will support your ambitions, and to ensure that you are working in a secure and safe environment.
Finally, when traveling to Saudi Arabia for work, it is essential to remember that the country is a different environment and may have different attitudes towards women. However, this should not dissuade you from taking the opportunity to experience the rich culture and people of the country, and to make the most of the business opportunities available.
Equality and Professionalism in the Workplace
When it comes to equality and professionalism in the workplace, Saudi Arabia is making strides in the right direction. Laws have been implemented that prohibit discrimination based on gender, and employers are encouraged to create a professional work environment in which everyone is treated fairly and with respect.
Gender balance has been identified by the government as a priority for the country’s economic prosperity, and as a consequence more attention is being placed on providing equal opportunity for men and women in the workplace. There are still areas where more needs to be done, such as with regards to equal pay for equal work, but overall Saudi Arabia is demonstrating steady progress when it comes to gender equality.
The Saudi government is also seeking to encourage female entrepreneurs to take advantage of the business opportunities available in the country. Programs and incentives have been rolled out that make it easier for women to start their own businesses, and to access financing and other resources they need.
The government is also making efforts to ensure that employers are providing fair and appropriate working conditions for their female employees. Women are now able to work flexible hours and receive the same pay and benefits as their male counterparts. In addition, all business are required to have policies in place to guard against sexual harassment, and all employers must adhere to the labor laws of the country.
Future Prospects
The efforts of the Saudi government to reduce gender imbalances and enable female entrepreneurs and working women are admirable, and the progress made so far is clear. With continued prioritizing of gender equality in the workplace, and with growing access to resources and other opportunities, the future for female expatriates in Saudi Arabia is encouraging.
There has already been an increase in the number of women entering the workforce, and with greater awareness and access to resources the country could become a thriving hub for business and employment.
It is anticipated the number of Western female expatriates travelling to the country for work and other opportunities will increase in the years to come, as well as business relationships between Eastern and Western countries. As the country seeks to increase its global reach, foreign women traveling to Saudi Arabia will be able to make a real and lasting contribution to the growth and development of the country.
