My Life in Saudi

  Saudi Arabia has one of the largest domestic worker populations in the world. From housemaids and drivers to private nurses and cooks, domestic workers play a vital role in the daily lives of many Saudi and expatriate families. To protect both workers and employers, the Kingdom has introduced specific labor laws and regulations. If you are an expat living in Saudi Arabia who employs a domestic worker, or if you are working in this field, it is important to understand your rights and obligations under the Saudi Labor Law for Domestic Workers . This guide will explain the law, key rights, responsibilities, and what expats need to know about employing or working as a domestic worker in the Kingdom. 📌 Who is Considered a Domestic Worker? According to Saudi labor regulations, a domestic worker is any person hired to perform household services under the employer’s supervision, whether directly or indirectly. This includes: Housemaids Private drivers Gardeners Cooks a...

  In Saudi Arabia, financial responsibility goes beyond simply earning and spending money. Whether you’re applying for a loan, signing up for a credit card, renting an apartment, or even buying a car, your credit score plays a major role in determining your financial credibility. For expats and residents alike, understanding how the credit score system works in Saudi Arabia is essential. In this guide, we’ll break down what a credit score is, how it’s calculated, why it matters, and how you can improve it. 📌 What is a Credit Score? A credit score is a three‑digit number that reflects your financial behavior and creditworthiness. In Saudi Arabia, this score ranges between 300 and 850 . The score is managed by SIMAH (Saudi Credit Bureau) , which is the official credit bureau in the Kingdom. Banks, telecom companies, and financial institutions report customer data to SIMAH, which then updates your credit profile. In simple terms: A high credit score = reliable borrower wi...

 Saudi Arabia is undergoing a massive digital transformation in line with Vision 2030 . One of the major reforms has been the introduction of electronic invoicing (e‑invoicing) by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) . This change affects businesses, freelancers, and even some expats who may not realize how connected it is to daily life. Whether you’re running a company, working as a consultant, or simply buying goods and services, ZATCA’s e‑invoicing system impacts you . In this guide, we’ll explain what e‑invoicing is, why it was introduced, how it works, and what it means for residents and expatriates in Saudi Arabia. 📌 What is E‑Invoicing in Saudi Arabia? E‑invoicing is the process of generating and storing invoices electronically, rather than on paper. It ensures all transactions are digital, secure, and compliant with ZATCA’s tax requirements. Saudi Arabia’s e‑invoicing initiative was launched on December 4, 2021 and is being implemented in two phases: Ph...

 For expats and residents living in Saudi Arabia, paying bills and government fees used to be time‑consuming. Whether it was settling electricity bills, renewing an iqama, or paying traffic fines, people had to queue at offices or banks. Today, however, the SADAD Payment System has changed that. SADAD is one of the most important financial services in the Kingdom, making it easy to pay bills securely and instantly through your bank’s online services, mobile apps, or ATMs. In this detailed guide, we’ll explain what SADAD is, why it matters, and how to use it effectively as an expat in Saudi Arabia. 📌 What is SADAD? SADAD stands for the Saudi Arabian Electronic Bill Presentment and Payment System . It was launched by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) to create a single platform that connects banks with billers, government agencies, and service providers. In simple terms, SADAD is like a digital bridge between: Your bank account , and The company or government...

 If you’re an expat living and working in Saudi Arabia, you've probably heard of GOSI — but what is it exactly, and how does it affect you? Whether you're new to the Kingdom or have been here for years, understanding GOSI (General Organization for Social Insurance) is essential. While it primarily benefits Saudi nationals, it also applies in part to expatriate workers, especially in the event of workplace accidents. This guide covers what GOSI is, why it matters, how it affects your employment, and how to check your registration and benefits online. 📌 What is GOSI? GOSI stands for the General Organization for Social Insurance . It’s a Saudi government agency that manages social insurance programs for both Saudis and non-Saudis working in the public and private sectors. GOSI was established to ensure that employees are financially protected in certain situations like: Old age (pensions) Work-related injuries or disabilities Death (for Saudi workers) Unemplo...

  Filing a labor complaint in Saudi Arabia is a right granted to all workers, including expats. Whether you’ve raised concerns about unpaid salaries, contract violations, or workplace abuse, it’s important to follow up on your complaint. Fortunately, the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) provides a way to check the status of your labor complaint online —making the process more transparent and accessible. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to check your labor complaint status, what each status means, how long the process takes, and what to do if your complaint isn't resolved. 🔍 Why You Should Track Your Complaint After lodging a complaint, monitoring its progress is essential. Here's why: ✅ You’ll know whether it’s being handled or delayed. ✅ You’ll understand if additional documents or steps are needed. ✅ You’ll receive updates on resolutions, decisions, or if the complaint was dismissed. 🧾 Ways to File and Track...