Nepal and Saudi Arabia signed their first general labour agreement in January 2026. Big demand from mega-projects.
Why Nepalis go: Large construction and service projects with many vacancies.
The catch: No PR, strict rules, and wages for low-skilled work are often low. A domestic worker agreement is still pending.
Most common route: Licensed agency → employer work visa (via Musaned/Qiwa) → Nepal labour permit.
Employer work visa (Saudi Arabia)
A Saudi Arabia employer sends a 'demand' to a licensed Nepali agency. You are selected, get a visa through your employer, and must get a Nepal labour permit before flying.
Who it's for: Workers of all skill levels — construction, security, hotels, cleaning, drivers, retail, factories, and skilled jobs.
Cost: Under Nepal's 'free visa, free ticket' rule the employer should pay visa and air ticket, and agencies may charge at most Rs 10,000 service fee. You pay medical, orientation, insurance and welfare fund. In practice many workers are asked for much more — always ask for a receipt.
Time: 1–3 months.
Stay: Usually a 2-year contract, renewable.
Family: Only for higher-paid jobs that meet a minimum salary.
Leads to permanent residence: No. Gulf countries don't give permanent residence to ordinary workers (only rare long-term 'golden' visas for wealthy or highly skilled people).
Scams to avoid
Going on a visit/tourist visa to find work is illegal for Nepalis and leaves you without labour-permit insurance or protection.
If you pay more than the legal fee, insist on a receipt — it is your evidence for a complaint at DoFE or the Foreign Employment Tribunal.
Check the job, salary and company match the demand letter approved in Nepal before you fly.