BS Middle east midterm - Flipbook - Page 4
MIDDLE EAST RISK, GOVERNANCE AND CONTROLS | RECRUITMENT MARKET UPDATE 2024
BARCLAYSIMPSON.COM
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Key themes in Middle
East recruitment
Employer expectations high
We are seeing more professionals express an interest
in relocating to the Middle East, citing the lifestyle,
remuneration and a lack of opportunities in their local
markets as key motivations for making a change.
As a result, there is certainly no shortage of
candidates in the market. However, the region's
employers are discerning; they are seeking people
who have a strong work record, key skillsets and a
desire to build a long-term career in the Middle East.
Finding the right talent can therefore take time. In fact,
recruitment processes have been noticeably slower
over the last year, as employers show an abundance
of caution during a period of widespread candidate
availability and uncertain market conditions.
Some countries have also implemented strict
nationalisation targets, which means employers are
required to hire a minimum number of employees
from local talent pools. For example, in Saudi Arabia,
employing foreign candidates in a profession or activity
that is reserved for a Saudi national can result in fines.
Despite this, ongoing skills shortages in key areas
mean demand remains high for certain senior
professionals, particularly those in specialist risk roles
and technology or data-related roles.
A new era for contracting?
Participating in the Middle East contracting market has
traditionally been challenging for UK professionals
because of the difficulty of obtaining a short-term visa
in many countries. But this could be about to change,
as some countries in the region are updating their
freelance and temporary work visa schemes.
For instance, the Dubai Freelance Visa – launched
earlier this year – reduces some of the barriers that
interim workers have previously faced when pursuing
employment opportunities in the emirate. Most
notably, freelancers can reside and work in Dubai
without the need for a local sponsor.
Saudi Arabia also launched a new Temporary Work
Visa in 2023, which has loosened restrictions on
the types of profession cleared to work short term
in the country.
The visa is valid for one year from the date of issuance
and allows foreign contractors to stay in the country
for up to 90 days, with a possible 90-day extension.
Multiple entries in and out of the country are permitted.
