My Life in Saudi

  Freelancing is one of the fastest-growing ways of working around the world. With the rise of remote jobs, digital platforms, and the global gig economy, more and more people are turning away from traditional employment. Instead of working 9 to 5 for a single employer, freelancers can choose their own projects, set flexible working hours, and work for clients from across the globe. But what about Saudi Arabia? The Kingdom is transforming rapidly under Vision 2030 , opening its economy and encouraging entrepreneurship. Many expats living here wonder if they can also take part in the freelancing trend. Can expatriates legally work as freelancers in Saudi Arabia? What are the opportunities and risks? In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything expats need to know about freelancing in Saudi Arabia. What is Freelancing? Before diving into the Saudi system, it’s important to understand what freelancing means. Freelancing is a form of self-employment where you: Work independ...

In the past, foreign workers in Saudi Arabia were heavily dependent on their Kafeel (sponsor) to switch jobs. However, thanks to the Ministry of Human Resources' reforms, expats can now transfer jobs without the need for their sponsor’s approval — under specific conditions. 🔄 What Is Job Transfer Without Kafeel? This new policy is part of the Labor Reform Initiative (LRI) , which enhances worker mobility and provides greater flexibility in the Saudi job market. It applies to private-sector expatriates under the labor law. ✅ Conditions to Change Job Without Kafeel's Approval You can switch employers without your current sponsor’s consent if the following conditions are met: Completion of the current employment contract. Working with the current employer for at least one year (if the contract is not fixed-term). Having a valid Iqama (residency permit). No active violations or complaints pending in the Qiwa platform . ...