Saudi employers comparing agencies usually compare only the recruitment fee. The recruitment fee is the smallest part of the first-year cost. This breakdown shows every line so you can budget a crew accurately — and compare quotations on the same basis.
One-Time Recruitment Costs (Indian Side)
- Agency service fee — per worker, covering sourcing, trade test, interviews, documentation, medical coordination, stamping and travel logistics; quoted all-inclusive in writing
- Document attestation — Saudi Chamber, Saudi MOFA and Embassy of India attestation of the demand letter, power of attorney and contract; modest fixed fees per set
- SVP exam (listed professions) — per candidate, plus scheduling time
- Wafid medical — per worker at approved centres
- Visa stamping through Enjaz — government and processing fees per passport
- Flight — one-way from India, SAR 900 to 1,800 depending on route and season
- Emigration clearance — nominal for ECR passport holders
A typical all-in one-time figure for a basic-tier construction worker is in the low thousands of riyals; skilled trades cost more because of SVP scheduling and stricter testing.
Recurring Government Costs (Saudi Side)
- Expatriate levy — SAR 9,600 a year where expatriates equal or exceed Saudis
- Work permit and iqama — roughly SAR 650 to 1,000 combined per year
- Health insurance — SAR 500 to 2,000+ per year
- Exit/re-entry and return ticket at contract end — per Saudi Labour Law
Wages
Contract wages for Indian workers must meet the Embassy of India's minimum referral wages for the profession — the floor below which the Embassy will not attest the demand letter. 2026 market bands for common trades:
- General labour / helper — SAR 1,000 to 1,400
- Mason, steel fixer, carpenter — SAR 1,500 to 2,200
- Welder (6G / structural) — SAR 2,000 to 3,500
- Heavy driver — SAR 1,800 to 2,600
- Hotel housekeeping — SAR 1,200 to 1,600
- Cleaner (FM contracts) — SAR 1,000 to 1,400
Accommodation, Food and Transport
Employers customarily provide camp or shared accommodation, transport to site and either food or a food allowance. Budget SAR 400 to 700 per worker per month for housing and transport, more in Riyadh and the Eastern Province.
End-of-Service Benefit
Half a month's wage per year for the first five years, a full month thereafter — accrue it from month one.
Illustrative First-Year Total: Basic-Tier Construction Worker
One-time recruitment around SAR 3,000 to 5,000, government fees and insurance around SAR 11,000 to 13,000, wages SAR 18,000 to 26,000, accommodation and transport SAR 5,000 to 8,000. Roughly SAR 37,000 to 52,000 all-in, with wages the dominant line. Skilled trades run higher on wages, not on fees.
Comparing Quotations
Ask every agency for the same three things: the all-inclusive one-time fee per worker, what is excluded, and the replacement policy. See ours on the Saudi Arabia hiring page, estimate quickly with the cost calculator, or request a firm quotation. All figures are indicative; the signed service agreement governs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Saudi employer deduct recruitment costs from an Indian worker’s salary?
No. Saudi Labour Law places recruitment, iqama, work-permit and levy costs on the employer, and the attested contract lodged with the Embassy of India and eMigrate prohibits such deductions.
What is the minimum salary for Indian workers in Saudi Arabia?
The Embassy of India sets minimum referral wages by profession for ECR workers; demand letters below those figures are not attested. Market wages for most trades are above the floor.
