27/06/2026
⚠️ Before Moving to the Gulf, Know These Facts!
Nowadays, many young people dream of a better future, higher income, and a more comfortable life for their families by moving to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and other Gulf countries. Social media often creates the impression that life changes overnight once you reach the Gulf, but the reality is often very different.
If you do not have a specialized skill, work experience, or professional qualification, and you are planning to move for a salary of only 600, 800, or 900 Saudi Riyals per month, please take a moment to think carefully before making your decision.
Many people spend PKR 400,000 to 600,000 to obtain a work visa. After arriving, they realize that such a low salary is barely enough to cover their daily expenses, and even after several years, they may not recover the money they invested in getting the visa.
It is also important to understand that saving money in the Gulf is no longer as easy as it used to be. The cost of accommodation, food, transportation, mobile services, personal needs, and other living expenses has increased significantly. If your employer does not provide these facilities, surviving on a low salary can become extremely difficult.
Some people assume that "the company will provide food and accommodation," but not every employer offers the same benefits. While some companies provide decent living conditions, others offer accommodation and meals of poor quality, forcing workers to live with many hardships. Therefore, before accepting any job offer, make sure you thoroughly verify the company's reputation, accommodation, medical coverage, transportation, overtime policy, and other employment benefits.
Those working in construction, road works, steel factories, farms, or other outdoor jobs should also be prepared for extreme heat, long working hours, physically demanding labor, and harsh weather conditions. These jobs may sound easy, but in reality they require physical strength, patience, and endurance.
If you already have enough money to spend hundreds of thousands of rupees on a visa, ask yourself whether investing that same amount in a small business, a shop, a workshop, online work, or learning a valuable skill in your own country might provide a better long-term future. Many people today are earning a respectable living while staying in Pakistan.
If you still plan to work abroad, try to acquire a valuable skill before you leave, such as:
✔️ Electrician
✔️ Solar Technician
✔️ Air Conditioning (AC) Technician
✔️ Plumber
✔️ Welder
✔️ CNC Operator
✔️ Heavy Vehicle Driver
✔️ Machine Operator
✔️ IT or Computer Skills
Skilled workers generally receive higher salaries, better job opportunities, and greater career growth.
In my personal opinion, if accommodation and other essential facilities are not provided, it is more reasonable to consider jobs offering at least 1,500 Saudi Riyals or more per month. However, the ideal salary depends on the company, the city, the benefits provided, and the nature of the work.
Remember, working abroad is not a bad decision, but making such an important choice without proper information, careful planning, and realistic expectations can lead to serious difficulties later.
Ultimately, Allah Almighty is the One who provides sustenance. Our responsibility is to plan wisely, choose lawful means of earning, develop valuable skills, and work hard with sincerity.
May Allah bless every hardworking person with lawful, honorable, and abundant sustenance, whether they are in their homeland or living abroad.
