For women, Saudi Arabia can be a difficult environment. Saudi Arabia, as a purely Islamic nation, imposes a lot of limitations on its people, particularly on women. But the nation has changed and modernized significantly under the leadership of Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, the reigning Prince of Saudi Arabia. Many of the limitations that formerly governed Saudi Arabian daily life have been removed, greatly simplifying life for foreigners living there, particularly women.
Pre-employment requirements for women
Saudi Arabia permits women to work legally. Still, a few requirements need to be fulfilled. In order for Saudi nationals to be employed, they must have authorization from a male guardian (father, brother, husband, etc.). Local women are not allowed to work lawfully in the nation without this.
Construction, mining, and other dangerous occupations are beyond limits to women employees. Collaborating alongside guys is permitted for women. But once more, there are prerequisites. For instance, the office needs to have separate restrooms for men and women. Men’s and women’s dining and prayer areas must be separated, and a security mechanism must be in place. Naturally, it can be costly for companies to meet these requirements, which is one of the reasons why many of them are hesitant to hire women.
A woman may find it challenging to adapt to life in Saudi Arabia in general. There are a lot of social and official laws and regulations to abide by. It is recommended that foreign women relocating to Saudi Arabia enquire about this subject in foreign forums and take all the required actions to facilitate their life there. Use job search websites like https://layboard.in/vacancies/jobs-in-saudi-arabia/speciality/house-maid if you’ve already familiarized yourself with everything and are psychologically ready.
Saudi Arabian women’s attire code
The public decency laws of Saudi Arabia mandate that women cover their knees and shoulders when they wear clothing. Wearing an abaya (a black or dark dressing gown worn over regular clothing) or a headscarf is not mandatory for them. However, abayas are still worn by many women in the nation, and donning one can facilitate “fitting in” and prevent drawing unwelcome attention. Although it’s not legally necessary, women may be asked to cover their heads as a symbol of respect, depending on the setting and occasion.
Composite residents of Saudi Arabia
When relocating to Saudi Arabia, many foreigners opt to live in compounds. These are well-kept gated communities with lots of facilities right on site. This frequently includes cafes, convenience stores, fitness centers, swimming pools, and even preschools. Foreigners living in these buildings can live a more laid-back lifestyle free from the numerous restrictions that exist outside the compound walls.
For foreign-born women moving to the nation, living in a compound can be much more convenient. Firstly, running errands is made much easier when there are plenty of amenities close by. Second, because there are so many possibilities to meet other expats and exchange stories and advice about living in Saudi Arabia, socializing can also be a lot more fun in the compound.
Furthermore, as we have discussed, there are a lot less day-to-day limitations within the compound walls: women are generally free to dress however they choose and interact with people of the opposite sex without any constraints. Applying for jobs and moving at the same time can be done through job search engines like Layboard.
Saudi Arabian marriage and family life
Sharia law governs family interactions, including marriage, divorce, and child custody, as the country lacks a family law. Saudi women cannot get married or have a divorce without the consent of their male caregiver, such as a father or brother. Before 2019, Saudi Arabian women had no legal right to know if their husbands intended to file for divorce; divorce was a one-sided process. Many women consequently lost their eligibility for alimony. A new rule that prohibits men from divorcing their wives without their knowledge was passed in 2019.
In Saudi Arabia, child custody is a contentious matter
As previously stated, Sharia law governs child custody problems, just like it does most other family disputes. Thus, the need that the kid be reared in conformity with Islamic law is the Saudi court’s first priority when it comes to child custody issues. As a result, non-Saudi women are rarely given complete custody. Judges will typically only give custody of the children to a Muslim Arab woman if she is a permanent resident of Saudi Arabia or if the father does not practice Islam.
Saudi courts frequently refer non-Muslim parents’ child custody disputes to family courts in their native nations. Saudi courts may decide to remove the disputed family from the nation in order to avoid the potential legal ramifications of being engaged in complicated international custody disputes.
Women’s Healthcare in Saudi Arabia
While most kinds of contraception are available in Saudi Arabia, certain pharmacies might require a marriage certificate because having sex outside of marriage is still prohibited in the Kingdom. The majority of big cities, like Riyadh and Jeddah, won’t usually ask for a marriage certificate. The morning after pill, or emergency contraception, is only accessible with a prescription. The fact that few doctors will feel comfortable prescribing it can make matters more challenging.
Abortion is only legal in Saudi Arabia in very specific cases.
In Saudi Arabia, you need to be lawfully married in order to receive maternity services. This implies that you will be required to provide a marriage certificate even during your initial session to verify your pregnancy. It is advisable that you leave Saudi Arabia and give birth abroad if you are pregnant but not yet officially married.
In addition to the aforementioned limitations, you must be able to use all Saudi Arabian healthcare services, including maternity and child care. Your insurance type will determine which services are covered by your maternity insurance plan. Prenatal and postnatal classes are among the extra services covered by certain insurance policies.
Saudi Arabian Women in Business and the Workplace
Women had virtually little influence on Saudi Arabia’s economy until recently. But as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Saudi Vision 2030 project, women are urged to become more proactive in the workforce and the nation’s economy at large. As per the recently implemented policy, about 40% of Saudi Arabia’s workforce consisted of female employees as of 2023. Currently, around 40% of registered entrepreneurs are Saudi women.
The data above shows that women are becoming more and more involved in the economy. There are still significant obstacles to be addressed, though. Among these is the notable disparity in compensation, when women receive almost 50% less than males for equivalent roles.
Doing business with foreigners can be challenging in Saudi Arabia, even with the new regulations and the nation’s overall openness. Women needed a male escort in order to enter the country just a few years ago. Actually, the majority of eateries and coffee shops once had distinct male and female entrances and seating sections. Although many of these limitations are currently being removed, attitudes might take longer to shift.
It might be more convenient for you to visit Saudi Arabia on a business trip with a male coworker or local partner. Make every effort to establish your status and hierarchy right away when meeting with local business partners. You can accomplish this by highlighting your job title and professional credentials.
It should be noted that establishing lasting business partnerships in Saudi Arabia will be more challenging for business women than for businessmen. For instance, unless they are a member of a larger group, it will not be possible for women to invite their male coworkers. to lunch meetings, and they will also have trouble socializing outside of the office.
