How can I migrate to Saudi Arabia as a Data Scientist and Analyst?

To migrate to Saudi Arabia as a data scientist or analyst, by obtaining a valid job offer from an employer in Saudi Arabia, who is also willing to sponsor your work visa and residence permit (Iqama). Saudi Arabia is currently seeking skilled data professionals, with a high demand for data scientists and analysts. As part of its Saudi Vision 2030, the country plans to recruit highly skilled data professionals in various sectors, including IT, Healthcare, Fintech, innovative city development projects, and government-backed digital projects. Applying for a standard Saudi Arabia work visa is one of the major pathways to migrate to Saudi Arabia as a data scientist and analyst. Highly qualified and skilled professionals may also be eligible for the Saudi Premium Residency Program, provided they meet the required criteria for it.
 

*Want to work in Saudi Arabia? Let Y-Axis guide you with the process.
 

Immigration Pathways in Saudi Arabia for Data Scientists and Analysts

Data scientists and analysts can migrate to Saudi Arabia through the employer-sponsored work visa pathway or the Saudi Premium Residency (Green Card) program. Migrating to Saudi Arabia via the employer-sponsored work visa system, which includes both a work visa and a residence permit (Iqama), is one of the most common pathways for data scientists and analysts. To qualify for a standard employment visa in Saudi Arabia, you must obtain a valid job offer with employer sponsorship from a Saudi employer. In contrast, the Premium Residency's Skilled Professional route has different eligibility criteria for qualification.

Some of the high-paying jobs in Saudi Arabia include data scientist and analyst roles, with competitive salaries and job growth opportunities. The Saudi Vision 2030 goals indicate a growing need for skilled data professionals in the AI/Data sectors, with plenty of jobs in Saudi Arabia in the next 10 years.
 

The two main immigration pathways to migrate to Saudi Arabia as a data scientist or analyst are as follows:

Standard Work Visa (Iqama)

The standard Saudi Arabia work visa is the most common immigration pathway for data scientists and analysts requiring a valid job offer from a Saudi-registered employer. Data scientists should preferably secure a role that aligns with Vision 2030, such as AI, fintech, smart cities, and digital transformation. The employer sponsors the work visa, and once you enter Saudi Arabia, you can apply for the Iqama, which grants both a residence permit and the authority to work legally in the country.

How it works: After job confirmation, the employer applies for the work visa with the necessary documents (sponsorship). Approval is required from the Ministry of Human Resources and the Ministry of Interior before you can apply for the Iqama.

Benefits: Through the standard work visa, data scientists and analysts in Saudi Arabia gain legal rights to engage in long-term work and stay, access a tax-free salary, and even become eligible to sponsor dependents.

Validity Period: The Saudi Arabia work visa is typically issued for 12 months and is renewable annually, provided the holder remains employed in the country.

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Saudi Premium Residency (Green Card)

The Saudi Premium Residency, also known as the Green Card, is a long-term residency program under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. The program enables highly skilled foreign workers, entrepreneurs, high-income earners, and investors to reside, work, and own property in Saudi Arabia without requiring a separate sponsor. Highly experienced and skilled data scientists and analysts may be eligible for the program upon meeting the specified criteria.

How it works: Qualifying candidates can directly apply via the Saudi Premium Residency Centre. While employer sponsorship is not required, eligible candidates must meet specific requirements, including verified professional experience, sufficient funds or a high income, and relevant educational qualifications.

Benefits: Through the Premium Residency pathway, you can reside and work in Saudi Arabia without employer sponsorship, switch jobs without restrictions, own a business or property, sponsor the eligible family members, and enter and leave the country without limitations.

Validity: The Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia is valid for 1-5 years and can be renewed annually.

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Eligibility Criteria for Data Scientists and Analysts to Migrate to Saudi Arabia

To migrate to Saudi Arabia as a data scientist or analyst, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as relevant educational qualifications (degree), knowledge of technical skills (Cloud, Python, SQL, ML), prior work experience, and fulfill the other residency requirements set by Saudi Arabia.

While the eligibility requirements vary based on the immigration pathway you have chosen, here’s a general list of eligibility criteria to migrate to Saudi Arabia as a data scientist or analyst:

• Educational qualifications: Have a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, IT, engineering, or a relevant field.
• Work experience: Have prior work experience in data science, machine learning, data analytics, and any related job roles as required by your Saudi employer
• Technical skills: Must be proficient in technical skills such as Python, SQL, Machine Learning frameworks, Cloud platforms, and data engineering tools. (Though not mandatory, it can be beneficial for visa approval.)
• Job offer and sponsorship: Have a valid job offer from an employer in Saudi Arabia, who will also offer work visa sponsorship and Iqama processing.
• Other documents: An original passport, an employer-approved job contract, and attested educational certificates
• Admissibility requirements: Complete the required medical tests and clear the background verification process during the visa process.
   

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How to Apply for Saudi Arabia Immigration as a Data Scientist and Analyst?

To immigrate to Saudi Arabia as a data scientist or analyst, you must opt for the employer-sponsored pathway, which offers a standard work visa and residency permit (Iqama); while other qualifying applicants can also choose the Premium Residency Program (Saudi Green Card).

Here is a general step-by-step process to migrate to Saudi Arabia as a data scientist and analyst:

Step 1: Check if you are eligible to migrate to Saudi Arabia through the available immigration pathways as a data scientist or analyst.

Step 2: Select the most suitable pathway based on your professional experience, educational qualifications, salary earned, and other employment options.

Step 3: Obtain a job offer from an employer in Saudi Arabia, who will also sponsor your work visa and the Iqama process. (The Premium Residency program does not require an employer sponsorship)

Step 4: The Saudi employer will then initiate the process of getting your work authorization by submitting the required documents.

Step 5: Complete the medical examination and biometric submission at an approved registration centre.

Step 6: Apply for a Saudi Arabia work visa and fly to the country upon visa approval

Step 7: After arriving in the country, you will be required to collect your Iqama, or residence permit, which grants you the legal right to reside and work as a data scientist/engineer in Saudi Arabia.
 

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with overseas immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy, for end-to-end assistance!

 

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