Over 1 million Filipinos work in Saudi Arabia, sending home an estimated USD 5-7 billion in annual remittances. The Kingdom's labour market reforms under Vision 2030 have improved worker protections, introduced employer mobility, and digitised many processes. This guide covers the real salary data, your legal rights, and the practical steps to protect yourself as an OFW in Saudi Arabia.
Salary Breakdown by Sector
| Sector | Entry Level | Experienced | PHP Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare (Nurse) | 3,500-5,000 | 5,000-8,000 | 54,000-124,000 |
| Engineering | 4,000-6,000 | 6,000-12,000 | 62,000-186,000 |
| IT / Technology | 5,000-8,000 | 8,000-15,000 | 77,000-232,000 |
| Construction / Trades | 1,800-3,000 | 3,000-5,000 | 28,000-77,000 |
| Hospitality / Retail | 2,000-3,500 | 3,500-6,000 | 31,000-93,000 |
| Household Service | 1,500-2,000 | 2,000-2,500 | 23,000-39,000 |
These are base salaries. Most contracts include free accommodation (employer compound or allowance of SAR 1,000-3,000), health insurance, and annual round-trip airfare. Some employers add food allowance (SAR 300-500/month) and transport allowance (SAR 300-500/month). Always negotiate the full package before signing.
Your Rights Under Saudi Labour Law
Wage Protection System (WPS): Employers must pay salaries through the banking system within 7 days of the due date. Late payment is a violation that can be reported to the Ministry of Human Resources. Salaries must match the amount in your contract.
Working hours: Maximum 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. During Ramadan, Muslim workers' hours are reduced to 6 per day. Overtime must be paid at 150% of hourly rate. Friday is the standard rest day.
Annual leave: 21 days per year for the first 5 years, increasing to 30 days after 5 years. Public holidays (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, National Day) are paid. Sick leave: 30 days at full pay, 60 days at 75% pay per year.
End-of-service benefits: Half a month's salary per year for the first 5 years, and one full month per year thereafter. A worker earning SAR 5,000/month who completes 7 years receives: (5 x SAR 2,500) + (2 x SAR 5,000) = SAR 22,500. This is paid upon contract completion or termination.
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Since the 2021 reforms, Filipino workers can transfer employers after completing 12 months of service. The transfer is processed through the Musaned (for domestic workers) or Qiwa (for other workers) platforms. You can transfer immediately without waiting 12 months if: the employer fails to pay wages for 3+ months, the contract has expired without renewal, or there is documented abuse or violation.
Your current employer cannot prevent a lawful transfer. If they attempt to file an "absconding" report unfairly, contact POLO immediately. The Philippine Embassy provides legal representation and advocacy.
Remittances and Savings Strategy
With employer-provided accommodation and transport, Filipino workers typically save 50-70% of their salary. The most cost-effective remittance channels include: bank transfers via Al Rajhi or SNB to BDO/BPI (SAR 20-35 per transfer), exchange houses like Al Rajhi Tahweel (competitive rates), and digital platforms like Wise and Remitly (lowest total cost). Transfers typically arrive within 1-2 business days.
A nurse earning SAR 5,000/month who saves 60% accumulates SAR 72,000 over a 2-year contract (approximately PHP 1,116,000). Adding end-of-service benefits of SAR 5,000 brings the total to SAR 77,000 (PHP 1,193,000). This is a substantial sum relative to Philippine salaries and can fund property, education, or business investment.
Emergency Contacts and Resources
Philippine Embassy Riyadh: +966-11-482-3559. POLO Riyadh: +966-11-482-2277. Philippine Consulate Jeddah: +966-12-669-6026. OFW Helpline: 1348 (within Saudi Arabia). Bahay Kalinga (shelter): Available through the Embassy for workers in distress. Always keep digital copies of your passport, contract, Iqama, and payslips accessible.
For visa and deployment details, see our Saudi Work Visa from Philippines 2026 guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are end-of-service benefits for Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia?
Half a month's salary for each of the first 5 years, and one full month's salary for each subsequent year. If terminated by the employer, you receive the full amount regardless of tenure. If you resign voluntarily before 2 years, you receive nothing; after 2-5 years, one-third; after 5-10 years, two-thirds; after 10+ years, the full amount.
How much can Filipino workers save in Saudi Arabia?
With employer-provided accommodation and transport, Filipinos typically save 50-70% of salary. A nurse earning SAR 5,000/month saves SAR 2,500-3,500 monthly (PHP 39,000-54,000). Over a 2-year contract, total savings reach SAR 60,000-130,000 (PHP 930,000-2,000,000).
Can Filipino workers change employers in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, after completing 12 months with the current employer, or immediately in cases of non-payment (3+ months), contract expiry, or documented abuse. The transfer is processed through the Musaned or Qiwa platforms and takes 1-3 weeks.
What should I do if my employer violates my contract?
Contact POLO Riyadh (+966-11-482-2277) or the OFW Helpline (1348). File a complaint through the Musaned platform. The Philippine Embassy provides legal assistance and emergency shelter. Document everything and keep copies of all employment documents.
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