Why expats can't work as ride-hailing captains in Saudi Arabia, the risks of offers that say otherwise, and the alternatives.
Many drivers abroad see ads like "Uber driver jobs in Saudi Arabia" and wonder if they can apply. For expats, the short answer is no.
Ride-hailing is reserved for Saudis
Since 2017, driving for ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Careem and similar platforms in Saudi Arabia has been limited to Saudi nationals. The government made this a Saudization measure, and officials have said it created more than 150,000 jobs for Saudi citizens. Non-Saudis found driving for these apps have faced penalties, including deportation.
Beware of offers that say otherwise
If an agent offers you a "Careem captain visa" or an "Uber driver visa" for Saudi Arabia, be very careful. It may be a scam, or a plan to bring you in on a different visa and have you work illegally. Read our scam warning signs.
What expats can do instead
- Delivery driver: delivery companies hire expat drivers and riders through licensed companies. Pay is usually a base salary plus per-order bonuses. Rules for delivery work have also been tightened, so apply through an established company.
- Company / light driver: staff transport, office and sales vans. See light driver jobs.
- House driver: for families, with room and food. See house driver jobs.
- Heavy and trailer driver: the best-paid route for experienced drivers. See heavy driver jobs.
- Limousine / taxi company driver: where licensed transport companies are allowed to employ expat drivers. Check the current rules for your city and job.
What about other Gulf countries?
Rules differ. In the UAE and Qatar, expats work with ride-hailing and limousine companies through licensed operators and must hold the right local licence and permits. Read the UAE licence guide and browse taxi and limousine driver jobs.
Common questions
Can I drive for a ride-hailing app with my own car on a visit visa?
No. Working on a visit visa is illegal, and ride-hailing driving is reserved for Saudis.
Can my employer lend me to a ride-hailing company?
No. Expats can't be ride-hailing captains in Saudi Arabia, whoever arranges it.
Are delivery jobs open to expats?
Delivery work is done through licensed companies, and rules have been tightened. Apply only through established companies with proper visas.
What's the best-paid expat driver job in Saudi Arabia?
Experienced heavy, trailer and tanker drivers usually earn the most. See our salary guide.
Saudization rules are updated from time to time. Check the Transport General Authority and the Ministry of Human Resources for current rules.
