Nii Sultan, a Ghanaian who has lived in Saudi Arabia for the past two years, shared his story about how he made the move and built a stable career abroad.
Back in 2022, when a group of 22 people were approved for visas, his name was not included. Only 21 people made the trip, and he remained in Ghana, living in Cantonments. Times were hard—he was jobless—until he saw a man advertising overseas jobs on his WhatsApp status. Nii attended an interview, signed a contract, and waited.
In 2023, the company contacted him with two job offers in Saudi Arabia. One offered a monthly salary of GHC 90,000 but required him to pay for his own rent, accommodation, and bills. The second offered GHC 5,500 with accommodation provided. Although the first job had a better salary, it wasn’t ready to start, and with his rent in Ghana overdue, he had to move in with his uncle. Out of necessity, he accepted the second offer and traveled to Saudi Arabia.
The company paid for his ticket and provided accommodation. Later, he switched to another company that offered accommodation, an annual vacation ticket after two years, and a better work environment. He now works as a cousin to engineers in Saudi Arabia, attending a school that follows both American and British curricula.
During a six-month power outage at the school, he met a Ghanaian-American tutor who advised him to approach vendors supplying the school. One vendor eventually connected him to his current job, which came with a much higher salary and benefits. This opportunity was made possible through a senior Saudi engineer who respected him and wanted to see him succeed.
Nii explained that Saudi Arabia has strict laws against fraud, drugs, and prostitution, with serious consequences for offenders. About ten years ago, women in Saudi Arabia rarely worked, staying at home while earning salaries. Today, more women are being encouraged to work and even drive cars.
He also highlighted the sponsorship system where foreigners need a Saudi citizen to sponsor their stay, which benefits the country’s economy. Currently working in facility management, Nii says he has never been interested in moving to America but would love to visit Germany because of his admiration for German machines.
According to him, Saudi Arabia offers better benefits than many countries. For example, unlike in the UK—where employees get annual leave and salary but no plane ticket—Saudi employers provide both salary and a paid plane ticket for leave. Taxes are minimal, and purchases from roadside vendors are tax-free.
While many Ghanaians in Saudi Arabia work as cleaners or house helps, Nii is grateful for the path he has taken, which has given him a stable income and a good life abroad.
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