The Importance of Local Knowledge: Saudi Arabia Relocation and Immigration

There is no doubt that the Saudi marketplace is one of the most rapidly evolving destinations in the world right now. This is a country that is filled with possibilities, innovations and opportunities, making it a top choice for individuals, startups, companies and investors from around the world. At EER Middle East, our local team in Riyadh have been inundated with enquiries from clients of all types regarding their expansion into the KSA arena. We know how vital it can be to have the right support when it comes to embarking on new ventures, particularly in an unfamiliar destination, which is why we want to give our clients all of the help we can across the spectrum of our relocation and immigration services. One thing that has really stood out to us since we opened our Riyadh office, is the importance of local knowledge when it comes to Saudi Arabia relocation and immigration. Here we look at why having an expert team on the ground can make such a difference and why local insights are essential for clients who want to get the most out of their Saudi experience.

Processes

Just like with most countries, the Saudi Arabia relocation and immigration process is a complicated one. There are a lot of aspects to be aware of and many that would be relatively insurmountable without expert locals with the knowledge and connections to achieve the right outcomes. Firstly, there is the language factor. Though some government portals are in English, much of the content is in Arabic and, as of now, having Arabic speakers to act on your behalf is fairly essential. You also need to work with a team who are constantly kept in the loop regarding changing regulations and can advise you accordingly on any new rules or requirements that could apply or assist in your situation. A locally savvy team will also understand how to wade through all of the digitized processes across the government portals that deal with elements such as employment, payroll, visas and GOSI etc.

Recruitment and Finances

The processes and requirements surrounding specific business elements can be especially nuanced and by knowing the right pathway for your company can help you avoid costly mistakes, fines or delays. If you are hiring staff, do you have a quota and what is it? Employee contracts will have to be authenticated and employees registered on GOSI, with different rates for locals and expats. Successfully setting up a local bank account and the correct procedures for salary payments and tax requirements will also depend on how reliable and knowledgeable your supporting organisation is. Local experts will also know the best routes for coordinating immigration and visa services for new team members, including how to issue temporary work visas, how to sponsor dependents and processing Iqamas through the Muqeem portal.

Getting Settled

When you move to a new location or you are hiring team members from abroad, it is important that they feel as settled and as comfortable as possible, as soon as possible. The more successful their ‘entry’ into their new life, the more successful their onboarding process will be, which is good for the individual assignees and the company. Having local experts to rely on is so crucial for those individuals who are first timers in the region and will need advice on getting around and finding their new ‘normal’. With the right orientation experience and vital local knowledge, assignees and their families can have a more positive transition.

Housing and Schooling

If you are relocating to Saudi with your family, where you live and finding the right school is especially important. The housing and school situation in KSA could be very different from what you are used to and having up to date information can make a lot of difference. In terms of properties, you need to make sure you can rely on a team that can access real time data of what is available for rent as the market moves very quickly. It is essential to have someone you can speak to about what schools are your top picks and who will be able to answer your initial questions. The right local team will also have direct relationships with schools and real estate agents, so they often have the inside track on viewings or school tours, which can help when trying to secure a popular property or a place at an in-demand school.

How the EER Middle East Team Can Help

Our dedicated team in Riyadh is made up of locals and expats, many of whom have directly experienced what it is like to transition into life in Saudi and what are the most important aspects to know about during the process. Having had that invaluable experience and coupled with their skills and knowledge in the relocation and immigration services, they are the ideal partners for clients and assignees in KSA. They can advise on all of the procedural elements, assist with documentation requirements and even offer guidance on the social side of living in the Kingdom so you know everything you need to, from the best restaurants to the best family-friendly activities and more.

If you would like to talk to one of our team about our Saudi Arabia relocation and immigration services, please get in touch today on info@eerme.com or +971 (0)4 421 1819.