You’ve Found an Employer in Saudi Arabia—What’s Next?
Congratulations on finding a new employer! To ensure your employment is legal, safe, and secure, there are several key steps you need to follow according to the 2026 Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Saudi Ministry of Human Resources regulations.
Don’t let the paperwork overwhelm you. Here is your friendly roadmap to getting your documents ready for Saudi Arabia.
The Maroofa service in Musaned commits to 45-days of visa processing period however due to Covid-19 restrictions, current processing can go up to 90 days.
Once you have successfully found an employer in our website our outside HelperChoice, your employer in Saudi Arabia will then process your E-visa online through the Musaned website by using Maroofa – a service that enables employers to recruit a domestic worker which is personally selected by the employer.
The good new is, helpers are assured that no placement or recruitment fees shall be collected when employers use this service.
How does it work?
- For your employer to avail of the Maroofa service, he/she needs your name and passport number so don’t be afraid to give the details to your employer to facilitate the pre-selected recruitment processing.
- Your employer will then choose a recruitment agency in Saudi Arabia that fits his/her location and requirements. HelperChoice is also working on having accredited agencies to refer to employers and ensure an overall ethical hiring process.
- Your employer’s selected recruitment agency in Saudi Arabia will endorse your information to their partner agency in the Philippines.
- The Philippine agency partner will contact you and ask you to report in their office for Visa Processing.
Step 1: The Digital Contract on Musaned
In 2026, paper contracts are a thing of the past. Your employment is now formalized through the Musaned portal.
-
Review Thoroughly: Check that the salary, rest days, and benefits match exactly what you and your employer discussed on HelperChoice.
-
Digital Acceptance: Once your employer uploads the offer, you must accept it via the portal for the contract to become “official” and binding under Saudi law.
Step 2: Medical Examination & Skill Certification
Before flying, you must prove you are “fit to work” and adequately prepared.
-
Accredited Clinics: Schedule your medical exam only at DOH-accredited clinics to ensure your results are recognized by the embassy.
-
Domestic Helper Training: If you are a first-time OFW, you must complete your mandatory domestic helper training (such as TESDA NC II) and the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS).
Step 3: DMW (POEA) E-Registration & Agency Linkage
Now it’s time to handle your legal standing in the Philippines.
-
E-Registration: Ensure your DMW e-registration profile is fully updated.
-
Agency Involvement: Because Saudi Arabia requires agency involvement for deployment, HelperChoice works with licensed partner agencies to help link your profile to your new employer and process your OEC.
Step 4: Securing Your Visa and OEC
Once your contract is verified, your working visa will be processed at the Saudi Embassy. Following this, you will be issued your OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate)—your essential “exit pass” that proves you are a documented and protected OFW.
Basic Requirements
(may change depending on the agency)
- NBI Clearance, PSA Birth Certificate, Passport – validity within 3years, Pictures – depends on agency (1 pc Whole Body, 6pcs. 2×2, 4pcs. 1×1
Documents to accomplish
(may change depending on the agency)
- Applicant’s Information Sheet, Domestic Helper Guidelines, Sworn Statement, Pre-Employment Financing Plan, Affidavit of no Passport record, Affidavit of Undertaking for Musaned requested helpers, Boarding House endorsement form (if applicable), Signed Accommodations agreement (if applicable) and Medical stub – for Medical ExaminationYou will then have to undergo and pass the following to secure your working visa:
- Fit to Work medical certificate – To be completed at one of the DOH-Accredited OFW Clinics (https://poea.gov.ph/clinic/dohclinics.html) in the Philippines, which is assigned by the agency.
- TESDA Domestic Work NCII training – this is a mandatory training for all Filipinos willing to work overseas as a helper. TESDA has recently launched the compressed 12-day Blended Training Program for Domestic Work NC II. It will be a 10-day online training while the remaining two days will be done face-to-face for hands-on training and familiarization with related equipment. The certificate which will be released once you pass the assessment is valid for 5 years and is renewable once expired.
Note: If the applicant has worked in KSA previously as a helper, she is not required to retake the training.
- OWWA Certificate on Language and Culture Orientation (Comprehensive Pre-departure Education Program) – physical attendance is required in the OWWA office. This is domestic workers’ own version of the PDOS which is a 4-6 days mandatory training seminar which will discuss basic language training, stress management and cultural familiarization.
- PEOS certificate (Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar) – 100% online, usually done in the PH agency’s office.
- PDOS certificate (Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar) – booking is done online but physical attendance in OWWA is required. The seminar is six hours long and will cover topics about migration realities, profile of Saudi Arabia, Employment contract, Health & Safety practices, Financial Literacy, Available government programs and services for OFWs, travel procedures and tips.
- E-services (Mandatory online registration for overseas workers) – done online
- Mandatory insurance policy
- OEC (overseas employment certificate) – or POEA travel exit clearance
Once all requirements are accomplished, you will go to the Saudi Arabia embassy in the Philippines for digital fingerprinting and obtain your visa.
- The Philippines agency will buy you a flight ticket to Saudi Arabia and assist you on your pre-departure and boarding.
- The Saudi Arabia recruitment agency will be the one to pick you up in the airport and bring you to their office where you will meet your employer.
- Your employer has 90 days to process your residence permit or Iqama and confirm your employment within that probationary period.
Warning:
If within the probationary period your employer deems your performance unsatisfactory, he/she has the option to cancel your employment which will be coordinated with the Saudi Arabia and Philippines agency for repatriation procedure.
What else should you prepare?
Before processing your papers, make it a point to secure an Employment Contract between you and your employer based on the job offer and working conditions you agreed in the website during recruitment. There are specific standardized employment contracts depending on the sending country but here are the essential elements of a standard employment contract applicable in all countries for work:
- Your job scope and duties
- Salary/wages and benefits
- The rights and duties of both employer and helper
- Duration and termination of the contract
- Other labor-related regulations
Note:
The employment contract will give you a clear understanding of your responsibilities, legal rights and help reduce chances of any misunderstanding between you and your employer.
Lastly, make sure to have a passport with at least 3 years validity to fast track your visa processing and prepare to pass your medical examination. Here are some medical exam tips that you can follow.
How can I be ready for my employment in Saudi Arabia?
Be prepared for your employment by reading our Saudi Arabia Regulations Guidebook.
This guidebook aims to help applicants to be prepared for their employment by knowing the basic things about the country’s culture and language and also to find information about their eligibility and the regulations in the country. Knowing your rights and responsibilities will equip you to work in the Kingdom and help you build and nurture a good working relationship with your employer.
Note: HelperChoice works with ethical employment agencies to make sure foreign domestic helpers will not be overcharged. Your can advise your employer to message contact@helperchoice.com to get a quotation and be familiarized with the steps of foreign domestic helper work permit applications.
You might also be interested in:
Be Prepared for your Employment in Saudi Arabia! Download the guidebook and share with your friends!
Is it safe to work in Saudi Arabia?
Musaned: e-Visa Application for Foreign Maids – HelperChoice
