Work Visa Required

Saudi Arabia

Important Notice

This content is AI-generated and under editorial review. Visa rules can change at any time. Always verify the latest requirements with the relevant embassy or immigration authority before making travel decisions.

6 months

passport validity required

Arabic

official language

SAR

currency

About

Saudi Arabia hosts approximately 3.5 million Bangladeshi workers — the LARGEST Bangladeshi diaspora anywhere in the world. In 2025 alone, 752,715 Bangladeshi workers migrated to Saudi Arabia, representing 67% of all Bangladesh overseas labor migration that year and setting an all-time record. For Bangladeshi families, Saudi Arabia is not a distant foreign destination — it is the single largest source of overseas remittance income to Bangladesh, with established BD communities across Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam/Eastern Province, Makkah, and Madinah. Bangladeshi workers in Saudi Arabia span construction, domestic work, driving, hospitality, retail, agriculture, and oil-and-gas support sectors. If you are reading this guide, the probability is high that someone you know — a family member, neighbor, or community connection — has worked or currently works in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia formally abolished the kafala sponsorship system in June 2025 under Vision 2030 reforms. This followed the March 2021 Labour Mobility Initiative which allowed workers to change employers after 1 year without employer consent and obtain exit/re-entry visas independently. The 2025 abolishment extended these protections to domestic workers — historically excluded from labor law — through the Musaned platform with annual leave, rest days, and wage protection guarantees. Important caveat: international monitors (Human Rights Watch, Walk Free Foundation) note that enforcement of these reforms is uneven. Implementation timelines vary across employers and regions. The legal framework has changed substantially; the practical workplace experience continues to evolve.

BMET clearance is MANDATORY for any Bangladeshi citizen traveling to Saudi Arabia on a work permit visa. This is not optional. Without a BMET smart card, Bangladesh immigration will not allow departure at Dhaka airport. The process requires registration at the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (bmet.portal.gov.bd), biometric enrollment at a district BMET office, completion of a 3-day Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) at a Technical Training Centre, and smart card issuance. Total cost is approximately BDT 3,500 ($30) plus typical processing time of 6-12 weeks. ANY recruitment agent telling you that you do not need BMET clearance for Saudi Arabia is fraudulent, and ANY recruitment agent overcharging for BMET clearance is overcharging — BMET fees are published openly at bmet.portal.gov.bd.

Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030 is undergoing the largest economic transformation in the Gulf region. NEOM smart city, Riyadh metro, Red Sea tourism, Diriyah Gate, and other mega-projects drive sustained demand for Bangladeshi construction and service workers. The 2025 record migration numbers reflect this surging demand. Saudi Arabia has signed bilateral recruitment agreements with Bangladesh that simplify visa pathways for certain occupation categories. This is the favorable side of the picture.

Last updated: 2026-06-08

Entry & Visa Requirements

Work Visa Required
All Bangladeshi citizens require a work visa for employment in Saudi Arabia. There is no visa-free entry, no visa-on-arrival for work, and no eVisa pathway for employment purposes.

THREE-TIER SKILL CLASSIFICATION (July 2025):
Saudi Arabia implemented a three-tier skill classification system for foreign workers in July 2025. This system determines visa category, work permit fee tier, and Iqama (residence permit) renewal cost:

HIGH-SKILLED: Doctors, engineers, IT professionals, financial specialists. Requires bachelor's degree plus 5+ years experience. Minimum salary SAR 15,000+/month (~$4,000+).

SKILLED: Technicians, supervisors, mid-level professionals. Requires secondary education plus 2+ years experience. Salary range SAR 7,000-14,999/month (~$1,867-$4,000).

BASIC: Manual labor, domestic work, construction, drivers, hospitality service. Worker must be under 60 years old. Salary range SAR 3,000-6,999/month (~$800-$1,867).

This classification directly affects which visa category a Bangladeshi worker can be sponsored under. Most Bangladeshi workers (construction, domestic, driving, hospitality) fall in the Basic tier.

VISA CATEGORIES (4 verified types):

1. EMPLOYMENT VISA → IQAMA — Standard long-term work residency. Leads to Iqama (annual renewal required, employer-sponsored). Iqama renewal fee SAR 650+ for first worker, increases for additional workers. This is the standard route for approximately 95% of Bangladeshi workers in Saudi Arabia. The employer initiates the visa process through the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD). Worker must pass medical examination in Bangladesh before departure.

2. TEMPORARY WORK VISA — Maximum 180 days, no Iqama issued. For short-term project work or assignments. Common for specialized technical workers on specific construction or industrial projects. Not renewable — worker must depart and reapply.

3. FREELANCER VISA — Self-employed professionals in specific licensed categories. Relatively new pathway under Vision 2030 reforms. Requires professional license from relevant Saudi authority.

4. SHORT-TERM WORK VISIT VISA — Project-based engagement, time-limited. For business meetings, training, or brief technical assignments.

CRITICAL DISTINCTION FROM TOURISM/HAJJ/UMRAH VISAS:
CRITICAL WARNING: Tourism eVisa, Hajj visa, and Umrah visa are NOT work visas. Working in Saudi Arabia on any of these visa types is illegal and results in deportation, fines from SAR 15,000 to SAR 50,000+, potential jail time, and re-entry bans from 3 years to lifetime depending on circumstances. Any recruitment agent in Bangladesh suggesting you can enter Saudi on a Hajj or Umrah visa and find work afterward is committing fraud and exposing you to severe legal consequences.

SAUDIZATION (NITAQAT) CONTEXT:
Saudization (Nitaqat) is the Saudi nationals employment quota system that affects which sectors employ foreign workers. The Yellow compliance band was eliminated November 2025-April 2026 cycle — companies previously in Yellow are now in Red and face immediate sanctions including blocked visa processing, blocked work permit renewals, restricted government services, and loss of right to retain expatriate staff. Sector-specific quotas as of 2025-2026: accounting (40% rising to 70% over 5 years), engineering (30% for firms with 5+ workers), dentistry (45% rising to 55%), marketing/sales (60% for firms with 3+ workers). For Bangladeshi workers, Saudization creates demand ceiling in certain skilled sectors while leaving construction, domestic work, hospitality, and basic services largely unaffected by Saudization quotas. The Qiwa platform (April 2026) tracks Saudi employment documentation — as of April 15, 2026, only Saudi employees with Qiwa-documented contracts count for Saudization calculations.
No return ticket required
No proof of funds required

Work Permit Pathway

STANDARD BMET-TO-SAUDI EMPLOYMENT PATHWAY (most common for BD workers):

Step 1: BMET REGISTRATION AND CLEARANCE
Register at bmet.portal.gov.bd → submit passport, National ID, photographs → biometric fingerprint enrollment at district BMET office (mandatory, cannot be done online) → complete 3-day Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) at Technical Training Centre → receive BMET smart card. Cost: ~BDT 3,500 ($30). Time: 6-12 weeks.

Step 2: RECRUITMENT AGENCY ENGAGEMENT
Contact BMET-licensed recruiting agency (verify license at bmet.portal.gov.bd). Agency connects worker to Saudi employer demand. Worker signs employment contract. CRITICAL: Read the Arabic AND English versions of the contract. If they differ, the Arabic version prevails in Saudi courts. Take photographs of all signed documents.

Step 3: MEDICAL EXAMINATION
Complete medical fitness examination at government-approved medical center in Bangladesh. Required tests: blood work, chest X-ray, HIV/hepatitis screening. Results submitted to Saudi employer for Iqama processing.

Step 4: VISA STAMPING
Saudi employer obtains work visa block from MHRSD → visa number transmitted to BD recruiting agency → worker submits passport for visa stamping at Saudi Embassy Dhaka or Saudi Consulate.

Step 5: DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL
With BMET smart card + stamped visa passport → airport immigration clearance → flight to Saudi Arabia → arrival processing at Saudi airport → fingerprint and photo capture → employer receives worker.

Step 6: IQAMA ISSUANCE
Employer processes Iqama (residence permit) within 90 days of arrival. Iqama is the primary identity document in Saudi Arabia — carry it at all times. Annual renewal required (employer responsibility). Iqama fee: SAR 650+ first worker.

Step 7: CONTRACT VERIFICATION ON ARRIVAL
Upon arrival, verify employment terms match signed contract: job title, salary, accommodation, working hours, rest days. If terms differ from contract, contact BD Embassy Riyadh Labour Welfare Wing toll-free 8001000125 IMMEDIATELY.

TOTAL COST THROUGH LICENSED AGENCY: BDT 2-5 lakh ($1,700-$4,300) typical, covering visa fees, BMET clearance, medical tests, and airfare. ANY cost above BDT 5 lakh ($4,300) requires careful scrutiny — overcharging is common.

Last updated: 2026-06-08

Overstay Penalties & Consequences

Saudi Arabia enforces severe penalties for visa overstay and the Huroob (absconding) system. These penalties can be life-altering for Bangladeshi workers.

HUROOB (ABSCONDING) SYSTEM:
Huroob is the absconding/runaway report filing system in Saudi Arabia. An employer files a Huroob report when a worker leaves the workplace without permission or violates contract terms. Consequences are severe:

FIRST OVERSTAY/HUROOB: SAR 15,000 fine plus deportation.
REPEAT OFFENSES: SAR 25,000-50,000 fines plus up to 6 months jail.
RE-ENTRY BAN: 3-5 years standard. For malicious absconding or security concerns: permanent/lifetime ban.

60-DAY CORRECTION WINDOW (critical for workers in Huroob status):
From the date the Huroob report is filed, the worker has 60 calendar days to regularize their status through the Qiwa platform. Options during this window:
- Transfer sponsorship to a new employer (without original employer's consent post-2021 reforms)
- Apply for final exit visa to leave Saudi Arabia legally
- Resolve dispute with original employer through MOL/HRSD

After 60 days without action, the worker is classified as illegal resident with full penalty exposure.

2025 AMNESTY (now expired): A 6-month amnesty for domestic workers reported under Huroob expired November 2025 — workers could change status or transfer without detention. No equivalent amnesty currently active.

VISA EXPIRY OVERSTAY:
- Exit/Re-entry visa expired: 3-year re-entry ban (rule was lifted mid-2025 for certain categories)
- Final exit visa expired: deportation + fine + re-entry ban
- Iqama expired without renewal: employer liable for fines, worker detained pending resolution

WORKING ON WRONG VISA TYPE:
Working on tourism eVisa, Hajj visa, or Umrah visa results in:
- SAR 15,000-50,000 fines
- Deportation and potential jail time
- 3-year minimum re-entry ban (up to lifetime for repeat offenses)

CRITICAL FOR BD WORKERS: If your employer files a Huroob report against you and you have NOT absconded but left due to abuse, wage theft, or unsafe conditions — contact BD Embassy Riyadh Labour Welfare Wing IMMEDIATELY at toll-free 8001000125. The 2021 reforms give workers the right to change employers, and the 60-day correction window allows legal resolution. Do NOT accept deportation without contacting the embassy first.

Last updated: 2026-06-08

Job Market

Saudi Arabia is the single largest employer of Bangladeshi workers globally. The 2025 record of 752,715 BD migrants to Saudi reflects surging demand driven by Vision 2030 mega-projects and sustained domestic service needs.

SECTORS AND DEMAND:
Construction (largest sector): NEOM, Riyadh metro, Red Sea Project, Diriyah Gate, The Line, Jeddah Tower — massive infrastructure programs driving sustained demand for manual and skilled labor. Estimated 30-40% of BD workers in Saudi are in construction.

Domestic work (second largest): Housemaids, nannies, cooks, gardeners. SAR 1,500/month minimum guideline. Now covered by Musaned platform with 2025 reform protections. High demand but historically highest abuse risk for BD female workers.

Driving: Private and commercial drivers. SAR 1,800-3,000/month. Requires Saudi driving license (BD license not directly convertible — must pass Saudi theory and practical tests).

Hospitality and retail: Hotel staff, restaurant workers, shop assistants. SAR 2,000-4,000/month depending on role and establishment.

Agriculture: Farm laborers in agricultural regions. SAR 1,500-2,500/month. Lower demand than construction/domestic.

Oil and gas support: Service workers, maintenance staff, logistics. Higher salary potential SAR 3,500-8,000/month for technical roles.

SAUDIZATION IMPACT ON BD WORKERS:
Saudization quotas primarily target white-collar and skilled positions (accounting, engineering, marketing). Construction, domestic work, hospitality service, and manual labor sectors have lower Saudization requirements, meaning sustained demand for foreign workers including Bangladeshis. However, companies in Red Nitaqat band face blocked visa processing — BD workers should verify their potential employer's Nitaqat compliance status before accepting offers.

BILATERAL AGREEMENTS:
Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia have signed bilateral recruitment agreements that streamline visa processing for certain occupation categories. The Bangladesh Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment coordinates with the Saudi MHRSD on annual recruitment quotas.

SEASONAL PATTERNS:
Saudi recruitment peaks during Q1-Q2 (January-June) as construction projects ramp up after winter and ahead of summer heat restrictions. Domestic worker recruitment is year-round.

Last updated: 2026-06-08

Salary & Payments

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Saudi Arabia has NO statutory minimum wage for expatriate workers. The SAR 4,000/month minimum applies only to Saudi nationals for Nitaqat compliance purposes. Typical Bangladeshi worker salaries in Saudi Arabia by sector (verified ranges):

Basic worker (cleaning, helper): SAR 1,000-2,500/month (~$267-$667)
Construction worker: SAR 1,500-3,500/month (~$400-$933) — varies by skill level
Driver: SAR 1,800-3,000/month (~$480-$800)
Domestic worker: SAR 1,500/month new guideline (~$400)
Skilled technician: SAR 4,000-8,000/month (~$1,067-$2,133)
Engineer/IT professional: SAR 10,000-20,000+/month (~$2,667-$5,333+)

WAGE PROTECTION SYSTEM (WPS):
The Saudi WPS requires salary payments through banks for all companies. Domestic workers were EXCLUDED from WPS coverage until 2025 — this was the single largest protection gap for BD female migrants. The Musaned platform now handles domestic worker wage protection under the 2025 reforms, but enforcement is evolving. Bangladeshi workers should verify their employer has WPS enrollment before signing contracts. Salary delays beyond 1 month should be reported to the Ministry of Human Resources (MOL/HRSD) through the Qiwa platform.

REMITTANCE REALITY: Bangladeshi workers in Saudi Arabia send the largest single share of all Bangladesh remittance income. A construction worker earning SAR 2,500/month can typically remit SAR 1,500-1,800/month after living expenses (employer often provides accommodation), equivalent to BDT 45,000-55,000/month. This drives household economic decisions in rural Bangladesh.

SALARY VERIFICATION BEFORE DEPARTURE:
Bangladeshi workers should verify salary terms in the Arabic AND English versions of the employment contract. If the two versions differ, Saudi courts will apply the Arabic version. Take photographs of all signed documents before departure. Upon arrival, verify first salary deposit matches contract terms via bank statement.

Last updated: 2026-06-08

Where to Apply

government

diplomatic

government

Last updated: 2026-06-08

Housing & Living

Cost of living for Bangladeshi workers in Saudi Arabia varies significantly by employer arrangement and city.

EMPLOYER-PROVIDED ACCOMMODATION (most common for BD workers):
Most Bangladeshi workers in construction, domestic, and service sectors receive employer-provided accommodation — shared labor camps for construction workers, employer household for domestic workers. This is the single largest cost reduction: workers who receive free accommodation can remit 60-70% of salary.

SELF-ARRANGED ACCOMMODATION (rarer, mostly for skilled workers):
Riyadh shared room: SAR 500-1,200/month
Jeddah shared room: SAR 400-1,000/month
Dammam shared room: SAR 400-900/month
Full apartment (rare for BD workers): SAR 1,500-3,000+/month

FOOD COSTS:
Employer-provided meals (common for construction/domestic): Free — workers save significantly
Self-catering (skilled workers): SAR 400-800/month for BD-style diet using ingredients from Asian grocery stores available in all major cities
Eating out: SAR 15-25 for basic restaurant meal, SAR 5-10 for fast food/shawarma

TRANSPORTATION:
Most BD workers use employer-provided transport to/from worksites
City transport (if needed): Riyadh metro opening provides affordable option; bus services SAR 2-5
Private car ownership: Rare for BD workers in basic tier. Drivers obviously provided employer vehicle.

COMMUNICATION:
SIM card: SAR 25-50 initial + SAR 30-75/month prepaid data plans
WhatsApp calls to Bangladesh: Free over WiFi (most labor camps have WiFi now)

REMITTANCE CHANNELS:
Bank transfer (cheapest): SAR 10-25 per transfer
Mobile money agents: SAR 15-40 per transfer — widely used in BD worker camps
Exchange houses (Al Rajhi, Western Union): SAR 15-30 per transfer — most popular among BD workers

REALISTIC MONTHLY BUDGET (construction worker SAR 2,500/month, employer-provided housing):
- Food (self-catering portion): SAR 300-500
- Communication: SAR 50-75
- Personal/transport: SAR 100-200
- Remittance fees: SAR 25-40
- Total expenses: SAR 475-815
- Available for remittance: SAR 1,685-2,025 (67-81% of salary)

Last updated: 2026-06-08

Social & Culture

Saudi Arabia hosts the world's largest Bangladeshi diaspora at approximately 3.5 million workers. The community is established across major Saudi cities with extensive support infrastructure.

GEOGRAPHIC CONCENTRATION:
Riyadh (largest BD concentration): Olaya district, Al Batha, Industrial areas. Largest BD community organizations, multiple Bangla grocery stores, restaurants, and informal gathering points.

Jeddah (second largest): Al-Nazlah Al-Sharqiyah, Al-Sharafiyya. Historic BD worker presence due to proximity to Makkah and port-based industries. BD Consulate General located here.

Dammam/Eastern Province: Industrial city BD worker communities serving ARAMCO and petrochemical sector contractors.

Makkah and Madinah: BD workers in hospitality, services, and Hajj/Umrah support industries. Seasonal employment peaks during Hajj season.

COMMUNITY NETWORKS:
- Informal BD worker networks organized by district/region of origin (Sylhet samiti, Comilla samiti, etc.)
- Mosque-based community gatherings — Friday prayers serve as primary social connection point
- BD grocery stores and restaurants in all major Saudi cities provide familiar food and community space
- Mobile phone-based community groups (WhatsApp, IMO) for sharing job information, housing, and emergency support

DIPLOMATIC INFRASTRUCTURE:

EMBASSY RIYADH:
- Address: 8039 Dareen Street, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh
- Phone: +966-11-419-5300
- Toll-free Labour Welfare line: 8001000125 (free call from anywhere in Saudi Arabia)
- Toll-free Diplomatic services: 8001000124
- Toll-free Passport/Visa services: 8001000126
- Email: bangladeshembassyriyadh@gmail.com

CONSULATE JEDDAH:
- Address: Bab Al Khalil, Al-Nazlah Al-Sharqiyah, Jeddah 22335
- Phone: +966-12-687-8465
- Email: cgjeddah@mofa.gov.bd

LABOUR WELFARE WINGS: Both Embassy Riyadh and Consulate Jeddah operate dedicated Labour Welfare Wings with toll-free helplines for Bangladeshi workers in distress. Services include: salary dispute mediation, contract dispute resolution, repatriation support for workers in distress, legal aid coordination, support for workers in detention or facing legal proceedings, and emergency family contact.

CRITICAL: Save these toll-free numbers BEFORE departing Bangladesh. The toll-free numbers are free from any phone in Saudi Arabia — workers in distress do not need credit balance to call. Labour Welfare Wing officers speak Bangla.

RECRUITMENT FRAUD PATTERNS (Saudi-Bangladesh):
Saudi-Bangladesh recruitment fraud is the largest single BD migration fraud category. Estimated 400,000+ Bangladeshi workers were fraud victims between 2022-2024. Documented patterns:

1. VISA TRADING: A work visa is sold multiple times to different Bangladeshi workers. Each worker pays BDT 3-8 lakh ($2,560-$6,830) expecting a job that exists only on paper. Worker arrives, no employer awaits, no job exists. This is the most common Saudi-BD scam.

2. CONTRACT SUBSTITUTION: Worker signs contract in Bangladesh for one job (e.g., shop helper, SAR 2,500/month). On arrival, the actual job is different (construction, SAR 1,500/month). Bangladeshi worker is far from home, often without passport, has no leverage to refuse.

3. DIGITAL SCAMS: Facebook and WhatsApp groups offering guaranteed Saudi visas for upfront payment. ScamCheck platform (launched January 2025) uses AI detection for suspicious recruitment links — verify any digital recruitment offer there before paying.

4. DALAL (BROKER) NETWORKS: 52% of international migrants paid costs to brokers per BBS 2024. Unregistered dalals charge BDT 3-8 lakh ($2,560-$6,830) for jobs that don't exist. Always verify recruitment through BMET-licensed agencies at bmet.portal.gov.bd before paying.

5. HAJJ/UMRAH OVERSTAY SCHEMES: Agents promise Saudi work via Hajj or Umrah visa entry. ILLEGAL. Working in Saudi on religious pilgrimage visa results in deportation, fines, and 3-5 year minimum re-entry ban. Hajj and Umrah visas are NOT work visa pathways.

6. PASSPORT CONFISCATION: Despite being illegal under Saudi law since 2014, passport confiscation by employers still occurs in Saudi Arabia. Workers should report immediately to BD Embassy Riyadh Labour Welfare Wing or via the Musaned platform.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: BMET maintains licensed recruiting agency list at bmet.portal.gov.bd. Bangladesh Anti-Trafficking laws prosecuted 4,546 cases filed 2019-January 2025 (naming 19,280 accused), though only 157 resulted in conviction — recruitment fraud conviction rate is critically low.

Last updated: 2026-06-08

Business Opportunities

Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030 offers emerging business opportunities, though direct BD-to-Saudi business investment faces significant regulatory and practical barriers.

VISION 2030 ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION:
Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is driving $7+ trillion in planned investment across mega-projects: NEOM ($500B smart city), The Line (170km linear city), Red Sea Tourism ($28B coastal resort), Diriyah Gate (cultural district), Riyadh metro (6 lines, 85 stations), Jeddah Tower (1km+ skyscraper), and KAFD financial district. These projects create subcontracting opportunities for construction, hospitality, and service firms.

BANGLADESHI BUSINESS PRESENCE:
BD-Saudi business activity is primarily:
- Small trading operations (grocery, garments, textiles) in industrial city commercial areas
- Restaurant/food businesses serving BD worker communities
- Recruitment agency partnerships (BD-side licensed agencies partnering with Saudi manpower companies)
- Technical services subcontracting (electrical, plumbing, AC installation) through established Saudi companies

FREELANCER PATHWAY (new under Vision 2030):
Saudi Arabia now issues Freelancer visas for self-employed professionals in licensed categories. Relevant for Bangladeshi IT professionals, consultants, and specialized technicians who can operate independently.

INVESTMENT BARRIERS:
- Saudi business registration requires 100% Saudi ownership for many sectors, or majority Saudi partner for others
- Minimum investment capital requirements vary by sector
- Arabic language proficiency required for most business dealings
- Kafala system historically limited BD entrepreneurship (worker tied to employer, not self-directed)

REMITTANCE AS ECONOMIC ENGINE:
For most Bangladeshi workers in Saudi Arabia, the primary economic activity is remittance — sending earnings home to support families, build homes, fund education, and start businesses in Bangladesh. This remittance flow is the single largest economic connection between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, exceeding bilateral trade in value.

Last updated: 2026-06-08

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Cost of Living

Cost of living for Bangladeshi workers in Saudi Arabia varies significantly by employer arrangement and city. EMPLOYER-PROVIDED ACCOMMODATION (most common for BD workers): Most Bangladeshi workers in construction, domestic, and service sectors receive employer-provided accommodation — shared labor camps for construction workers, employer household for domestic workers. This is the single largest cost reduction: workers who receive free accommodation can remit 60-70% of salary. SELF-ARRANGED ACCOMMODATION (rarer, mostly for skilled workers): Riyadh shared room: SAR 500-1,200/month Jeddah shared room: SAR 400-1,000/month Dammam shared room: SAR 400-900/month Full apartment (rare for BD workers): SAR 1,500-3,000+/month FOOD COSTS: Employer-provided meals (common for construction/domestic): Free — workers save significantly Self-catering (skilled workers): SAR 400-800/month for BD-style diet using ingredients from Asian grocery stores available in all major cities Eating out: SAR 15-25 for basic restaurant meal, SAR 5-10 for fast food/shawarma TRANSPORTATION: Most BD workers use employer-provided transport to/from worksites City transport (if needed): Riyadh metro opening provides affordable option; bus services SAR 2-5 Private car ownership: Rare for BD workers in basic tier. Drivers obviously provided employer vehicle. COMMUNICATION: SIM card: SAR 25-50 initial + SAR 30-75/month prepaid data plans WhatsApp calls to Bangladesh: Free over WiFi (most labor camps have WiFi now) REMITTANCE CHANNELS: Bank transfer (cheapest): SAR 10-25 per transfer Mobile money agents: SAR 15-40 per transfer — widely used in BD worker camps Exchange houses (Al Rajhi, Western Union): SAR 15-30 per transfer — most popular among BD workers REALISTIC MONTHLY BUDGET (construction worker SAR 2,500/month, employer-provided housing): - Food (self-catering portion): SAR 300-500 - Communication: SAR 50-75 - Personal/transport: SAR 100-200 - Remittance fees: SAR 25-40 - Total expenses: SAR 475-815 - Available for remittance: SAR 1,685-2,025 (67-81% of salary)