How are living and working conditions in Saudi Arabia for a non-Muslim Indian Lady?

Question

Have been offered a job with promise of a decent salary.

A bit nervous, as not sure about life in there for a non-Muslim Indian especially a female and what if only the husband works there leaving the family back here (job offer is for the couple, esp Husband).

Answer 1

You're not allowed into the country without your husband.

Cover up at all times!

Answer 2

Horrible, I assume.

I mean... c'mon.

Answer 3

Well, most Saudi women are homemakers, so I would be very careful about doing research on the company you will be working for, and that you as a female are being offered exactly the job you applied for.  Saudi employers are notorious for keeping passports too, so do all your research before you leave to make sure this is not an instance of labor trafficking.  There are lots of people that make promises to get you there, but when you get there, things are very different.  There is prostitution in Saudi Arabia, so make sure that your job offer is reputable before you leave.  In terms of obeying laws, women and men are not supposed to converse in public unnecessarily, so I am curious what type of job they are offering you and how safe it is.  In terms of dress code, obey it.  Not only is it better for your safety, as there have been instances of foreign women being harassed or even raped after being identified as foreign by their dress.  Also make sure the employment contract has a set term (ex: 1 yr, 2 yrs.) and make sure that after the contract is fulfilled, there is a provision that will make your employer write you a letter of release in case you want to go home.

Answer 4

you have doubts , therein lays your answer.

Answer 5

Actually the only one that gave you a decent answer is Waqas.

I am british have been here for 6 years now, and Saudi's are very tolerent of non muslims you have need not worry about being a non muslim. (only you will not be allowed to enter the holly places like Mecca)

Also alot of Saudi women are now joining the working force, you will see them in some bank branches & offices so saudi are starting to accept women.

also it depends on where you will be working, if you are a teacher, in a saudi school then you will be teaching girls only & no men are allowed inside the school. if you will be working in a hospital it is very normal to have females working their. if you will be working in an office you should ask some more (will their be other women, what is the dress code within the office for women, will you have your own office/compartment) and do not worry if you ask your employer these questions as they are very normal for them & they would even appreciate that you are trying to understand first & are trying to make an effort so as not to offend anyone.

and good luck. salaries here are very good & you pay no taxes, make sure a health plan is included in your salary package.

Answer 6

Not worth your time... go to Dubai, Bahrain or Oman, but definitely not Saudi.  Most women whose husbands were working in Saudi, have moved to Dubai due to the harsh rules.  You are never guaranteed exactly what job you think... they will take your passport and make it very difficult to leave.  Not a place for women... look how they treat them versus the other Muslim countries.