Guide to Work: Middle East

There are significant employment opportunities across the Middle East. From the tax-free salaries and a robust economy of UAE, to the picturesque beaches Cyprus and it’s ancient sites of Greek, Byzantine, Crusader and Islamic history; the Middle East has become a rising hotspot for workers from all sectors.

To succeed in these vibrant nations rich in history and culture, you need a structured strategy for your professional development. The Middle East is a loosely defined geographic region; with countries forming part of Asian, African and European landmasses. The countries within this region vary in different sizes, cultures, languages, and climates. These countries include:

  • Bahrain
  • Cyprus
  • Egypt
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Israel
  • Jordan
  • Kuwait
  • Lebanon
  • Oman
  • Palestine
  • Qatar
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Syria
  • Turkey
  • United Arab Emirates (U.A.E)
  • Yemen

You must plan thoroughly before deciding to visit any Middle East country as the cultures can be significantly different to the UK. It is important to be respectful of local laws and customs, and there are often severe penalties for breaking these laws. Major languages include Arabic, Hindi, Persian, Urdu and English. English is widely spoken by locals and is also the language of business in almost all middle east countries.

Working visa requirements

Visa procedures in countries of the Middle East may be more complicated than in other countries. For example, some Arabic countries do not give visas to people that have travelled to certain areas, some will only allow you an entry visa at the airport, and many require you to have a sponsor (your employer) to access working visas and resident permits – the protocols are different depending on where you go and your current citizenship!

You cannot work (paid or unpaid) on a visit or tourist visa. Finding the right visa is vital to ensuring your long-term relocation. Each country within the Middle East has various visa requirements, for example certifying your qualifications, attending a medical examination and/or undergoing a police clearance check. Most of the additional costs involved in these procedures are to be paid by you. 

We have provided further detail on the most common countries in the Middle East for graduates to travel to. However, it is advisable to visit the Embassy website of the country you are wishing to travel to, to confirm and apply for the relevant visa. Read the instructions, instruction, processes, and requirements fully before accepting a job.

Cyprus:

Cyprus is divided into the Greek population in the south and Turkish population in the north. One of it’s major industries is textiles and the main business language is English. However, a majority of employers find some knowledge of Greek desirable, and Turkish in northern areas. Finding work can be difficult for foreigners as you’ll compete against locals for jobs.

EU citizens don’t need a visa to enter or work in Cyprus, but those staying for more than three months will need to apply for a registration certificate. For non-EU citizens, one-year long-stay visas are the main option for those seeking employment. They must be backed up by letters from your employer – or from an accountant or solicitor, if you are self-employed. You’ll also need to apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) and a social security number. Apply for these immediately upon arrival.

Find out more about working in Cyprus at PROSPECTS.

Saudi Arabia:

There are different types of visa, including a tourist visa, but you will need an employment visa if you want to work in Saudi Arabia. There are opportunities, but it is not easy to get a job there straight after university. You will also find it difficult to secure a job that could be filled by a citizen of Saudi Arabia. Most jobs will be found in Riyadh, the capital city, or Jeddah, the second-largest city.

UK graduates may find it easier to secure jobs with international companies that have offices in the country. These include: BAE Systems, Cisco, EY, IBM, J.P. Morgan, Nestle, Procter & Gamble, PwC, Schlumberger and Siemens.

  • You will need to get a job offer before you arrive in Saudi Arabia, as you cannot get a work visa without one and your sponsor (your employer) has to apply for the visa on your behalf.
  • You will get your employment contract in both Arabic (the official contract) and English (the translation), so it is worth getting somebody who can read Arabic to check that it is all OK.
  • Your passport needs to be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia in order for you to be granted a visa. You will be refused a visa if your passport indicates that you have been to Israel recently or if it is your place of birth.

Find out more about working in Saudi Arabia at Target Jobs.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE):

The UAE is made up of seven Emirates including Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The UAE has developed a business culture that is more entrepreneurial than most of the countries in the Middle East, with growth in the finance, commerce, industry, tourism and entertainment sectors.

Dubai is the most westernised of all the Middle East hubs. Its three million inhabitants come from all parts of the world and represent all social groups and ages.

Robert Walters, ‘Where you can work in the Middle East’

All UK nationals are eligible for a visa on arrival in the UAE for general travel, which allows you to stay in the country for 30 days. You can then extend your visa for another 30 days, three days before its expiry date. However, if you want to work in the UAE, you will need to be sponsored by an employer. You cannot work on a visit or tourist visa!

Once you have accepted a job offer, your employer will apply for a residency visa on your behalf. Once you have a residency visa, you will be able to obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labour.

Find out more about working in the UAE at PROSPECTS.

Turkey:

Turkey is rapidly becoming known as a global manufacturing hub, drawing workers with an international business perspective. However, the government restricts foreign worker recruitment in certain professions, for example, law and medicine. Despite the low cost of living, most graduate salaries in Turkey only cover basic living costs.

UK citizens do not need a visa to enter Turkey for stays of up to 90 days in any 180 days. This applies to tourism and business visits. However, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your departure from Turkey. If you plan to stay in Turkey for longer than 90 days, you must apply for a longer-stay visa before you travel or obtain a residence permit before your 90-day stay expires. There are several types of work permits depending on the type of work you do, but it is most common for employers to apply for work permits on behalf of foreign workers for specific positions.

To apply for a work permit from the UK, you must first submit a pre-application for a visa and then attend an in-person application appointment at your local Turkish consulate or embassy. Your employer will then submit your visa application to the Turkish Ministry of Labour and Social Security within ten days. Within a month of your arrival in Turkey, you must register with your local police department to obtain a residence permit for your stay.

Find out more about working in Turkey at PROSPECTS.

Embassy websites:
Foreign Commonwealth office (from UK):

Highlights the most common types of travel and reflects the UK government’s understanding of rules currently in place. This information is for travellers using a full ‘British Citizen’ passport. If you are unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements for the Middle East, or you need further assistance, you need to contact the Hong Kong Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.

Job searching links

Networking is often essential to securing jobs in the Middle East. Attend professional events and connect with people in your industry on LinkedIn. Join industry-specific groups to stay up to date on the latest news and trends. Speculative applications are not unwelcome, but securing a job through this method often relies on strong personal contacts.

Many people find jobs through international companies in their home countries. If possible, it is best to try to secure work before making the move with positions normally advertised via recruitment agencies or online. While it may be unusual practice in your own country, don’t be surprised to find job adverts specifically asking for a particular gender, age, or nationality.

Recruitment Agencies:
  • Hays – Retail, Fashion  
  • Hunted – Consultancy  
  • Michael Page – Banking & Financial, Digital Engineering & Manufacturing, Finance, Supply Chain, Retail, Sales, Technology. 
  • Global Retail Recruitment – Retail & consumer goods; Digital, Buying, Operations, Merchandising, Supply Chain, Logistics, Distribution, HR, Finance, Design, IT 
  • RHR– International Recruitment  
  • BAC Middle East (recruitment consultancy in Dubai)
  • Robert Half
Job boards and networking sites:
International Brands with Franchisee Companies: 
  • Azadea – Head office Dubai, brands for example: Berksha, Gap, Kiko Milano, Mango, Miss Guided, Jules, Boogi Milano 
  • M.H Alshaya – Head Office in Kuwait, operations offices across the Middle East, brands for example: H&M, Victoria Secret, COS, Milano, Muji, Foot Locker, Justice, Jack Wills, El Ganso, Chloe 
  • Al Tayer Group – Head office in Dubai, operation offices across the Middle East, brands for example: Bloomingdales, Harvey Nichols, Armani, Coach, Dolce & Gabbana, Brunello Cucinelli, Moschino, Roger Vivier Paris, Bobby Brown, Aveda, Laura Mercier, Bulgari 
  • Majid al Futtaim – Head Office in Dubai, operations offices across the Middle East, brands for example: Abercrombie & Fitch, AllSaints, Crate & Barrel, Maisons Du Monde, Lululemon, Hollister, Accessorize, Monsoon 
  • Landmark Group – Head Office in Dubai, operation offices across the Middle East, brands for example: Lipsy London, Carpisa, Ecco, Kurt Geiger, Steve Madden, 50 own brands like Splash, Lifestyle, Baby shop, Centrepoint
  • Chaloub Group – Head Office in Dubai, brands for example: Carolina Herrera, Fendi, Dior, Lacoste, Hackett London, L’Occitane, Swarovski, Tangara, Sephora Christofile Paris, Chaumet Paris, Celine Baccarat, Wojooh 

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