Saudi Factory Jobs 2025: Visa & Salary Guide
Do you want to be a part of the industrial giant of the Middle East? With Saudi Vision 2030 turning the Kingdom into a manufacturing hub on an international scale, there is no higher demand for international talent ever. As an expert Production Operator or a Factory Laborer seeking jobs in KSA 2025, this year marks a significant change in terms of hiring, compensation, and employee protection.
It is now better in terms of legal safeguards and a clearer career trajectory to have a job in Riyadh, Jeddah or Dammam with the introduction of the new Skill-Based Visa system at the end of 2025. This is where you will find all the information about the existing job market, the salary expectations without tax, and the online route to your Iqama.
The Industrial Boom of 2025: Why Saudi Arabia is Recruiting Now.
The Saudi government is also spending billions in its MODON (Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones) which currently manages 36 giant industrial cities.1 The emphasis has been put on localizing food, pharmaceuticals and petrochemical production.2
Major Industrial Hubs for Job Seekers:
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Riyadh Second Industrial City: A hub for food and consumer goods.
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Jeddah Industrial City (Phase 1-4): Focused on packaging and light manufacturing.
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Jubail & Yanbu: The world’s leaders in Petrochemical Plant Jobs.
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Sudair City for Industry: A rapidly growing zone for Pharmaceutical Production.
High-Demand Roles and 2025 Salary Guide
In 2025, Saudi Arabia introduced a Skill Based Visa Tier system.3 Your salary and visa type are now directly linked to your job classification on the Qiwa Platform.
2025 Monthly Salary Estimates (Tax-Free SAR)
| Job Title | Tier | Est. Salary (SAR) | Key Skills Needed |
| Production Operator | Skilled | 3,500 6,500 | Machine Troubleshooting |
| CNC Machine Operator | Skilled | 4,000 7,500 | Technical Drawings, CNC |
| Quality Control Inspector | Skilled | 4,500 8,000 | ISO Standards, Documentation |
| Food Packing Worker | Basic | 1,800 2,800 | Hygiene Cert, Physical Fitness |
| Warehouse Assistant | Basic | 2,000 3,500 | Inventory Mgmt, Forklift Op |
| Electrical Technician | Skilled | 5,000 9,000 | Technical Diploma, HSE |
Note: Salaries for expatriates remain tax free. Most reputable employers like Almarai or Nadec also provide free accommodation, food, and transport.4
The 2025 Visa & Recruitment Process: Qiwa and Najiz
Gone are the days of paper contracts. In 2025, all Saudi Employment Visas are managed digitally.
Step-by-Step to Your Saudi Work Permit:
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Job Offer & Qiwa Contract: Once you are selected, your employer must upload your digital contract to the Qiwa Platform.5 You must log in and digitally sign it.
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Job Verification 2025: Your contract is now automatically verified by the Najiz (Ministry of Justice) portal, making your salary terms legally enforceable.6
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Medical & Fingerprinting: In your home country, you will undergo GAMCA medical testing. Upon arrival in KSA, you will provide biometrics for your Iqama (Residence Permit).7
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Work Permit Issuance: Under the 2025 law, your Iqama is usually issued within 1–2 weeks of arrival.
Labor Law 2025 Amendments: Protecting Worker Rights
Saudi Arabia implemented sweeping labor reforms in February 2025 to align with international standards.
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Wage Protection System (WPS): All factories must pay salaries via bank transfer. If a salary is late by 17 days, the system automatically flags the company.
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Overtime Pay: The Overtime Pay Rate in Saudi is 1.5x your basic hourly wage.8 Under 2025 updates, you can choose to receive extra vacation days instead of cash if you agree.9
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Resignation Rights: Workers on fixed-term contracts can now resign with a 30-day notice period, providing more flexibility than the old “Kafeel” rules.10
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Housing & Transport: It is now a mandatory requirement for factory employers to provide either Free Housing or a housing allowance.11
The Skills Factory Workers Will Need in 2025.
You require: to be unique in the FMCG Production Careers or Steel Fabrication industries.
- HSE Safety Training: NEBOSH or IOSH knowledge is a massive stakeholder.
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Food Safety & Hygiene: Mandatory for roles in Almarai, Nadec, or dairy plants.
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Machine Troubleshooting: Basic knowledge of PLC or mechanical repair for Machine Operator Vacancies.
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Basic English: Necessary for reading safety signs and operating digital interfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is there a minimum wage for expat factory workers in 2025?
A: While there is no “universal” minimum for expats (Saudis have a SAR 4,000 minimum), the market rate for basic laborers starts at SAR 1,800 plus benefits.
Q: Can I transfer my sponsorship to another factory?
A: Yes. Under the updated Kafeel System (Transfer of Sponsorship), you can move to a new employer after completing your contract or if the current employer violates the Qiwa agreement.
A: What is the Friday Weekly Rest Law?
A: According to the Saudi Labor Law, one day of rest per week (traditionally on Friday) is mandatory (12).12 In case of working on Friday, it should be overtime (1.5x).
Take the Next Step
The 2025 window for Saudi Arabia Factory & Production Worker Jobs with a visa is wide open. Start by creating a profile on the Qiwa Individual Portal and targeting top industrial zones like Dammam Second Industrial City or Jubail.