Saudi Arabia continues to be one of the top destinations for OFWs, especially in sectors like construction, hospitality and maintenance. If you are a Filipino with experience and skills in plumbing, there are various opportunities for you to work in Saudi Arabia.
The thing about being a plumber is that you get to work across various industries, including hotels, commercial buildings. Pretty much most establishments require expert plumbing services. Therefore, you need to know how to qualify and succeed as a plumber in Saudi Arabia.
Requirements for a Plumbing Job in Saudi Arabia
Qualifications to Work as an OFW Plumber in Saudi Arabia
1. Gender and Work Experience
- Male Applicants: Most plumbing jobs in Saudi Arabia are offered to male workers, especially in industries like construction and commercial buildings, which are typically dominated by men.
- At Least 2 Years of Work Experience: Employers generally want applicants who have at least two years of experience in plumbing. It’s especially important if you’ve worked in maintenance jobs because maintenance is a big part of plumbing work.
2. Experience in Maintenance
- Maintenance Experience: Plumbers with experience in the maintenance departments of hotels, office buildings, or malls are preferred.
- Experience in Hotels and Large Buildings: In Saudi Arabia, many plumbing jobs are in hotels, office buildings, and factories.
3. Skills and Qualities
- Communication Skills: Good communication is important because you will need to talk to your supervisors, colleagues, and sometimes customers.
- Teamwork: Plumbing jobs in Saudi Arabia often require teamwork. You may have to work with electricians, carpenters, and other skilled workers.
- Hardworking and Reliable: Employers appreciate workers who are dependable, hardworking, and punctual. Being willing to put in extra effort and get the job done right is highly valued.
- Presentable Appearance: Even though plumbing can be a tough job, it’s still important to have a neat and professional appearance, especially in places like hotels or office buildings where you interact with clients and guests.
Responsibilities of an OFW Plumber in Saudi Arabia
As a plumber in Saudi Arabia, your duties will include installing, maintaining, and repairing plumbing systems in various buildings. Some of your key responsibilities will be:
1. Routine Inspections
One of your main duties will be to regularly inspect plumbing systems to find any signs of damage, leaks, or clogs. You can fix these problems before they become bigger and more expensive to repair. Different tools will be used to check the plumbing systems, like cameras for blocked pipes and pressure gauges to monitor water systems.
2. Installation of Plumbing Systems
You will also be responsible for installing new plumbing systems in new buildings or during renovations. This includes setting up pipes, drainage systems, water heaters, and fixtures in bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms. It’s important to follow building codes to make sure everything is installed correctly.
3. Repair and Maintenance
Another key part of your job will be repairing and maintaining plumbing systems. You may need to fix broken pipes, replace old valves, unblock drains, or maintain water pumps. Plumbing maintenance is essential to make sure water and sewage systems work well. For example, making sure water filtration systems in hotels or factories are working properly is very important for keeping the building safe and clean.
4. Teamwork with Other Workers
You will need to work with other professionals like electricians, architects, and carpenters. It’s important to coordinate with them to make sure the plumbing systems are installed and maintained in the right way. For example, you might need to work with an electrician to connect water heaters to the electrical system or with an architect to ensure the plumbing is placed properly in the building.
Requirements to Work as an OFW Plumber in Saudi Arabia
To be eligible for a plumbing job in Saudi Arabia, you will need to submit the following documents:
1. Detailed Resume
Your resume should clearly list all of your past plumbing jobs, including what you did in each role and any special skills you have. It’s important to highlight your experience in maintenance work, especially in hotels or large buildings.
2. Passport and Other Documents
- Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least three years. If you have a new passport, you’ll need to show proof of when it was issued.
- NBI Clearance: This certificate proves that you have no criminal record in the Philippines. If your NBI clearance has expired, you can submit proof that it’s being renewed.
- Educational Credentials: You need to provide your diploma, Form 137, and Transcript of Records (TOR). These documents show your formal education and plumbing training.
- PEOS Certificate: The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) requires OFWs to attend a Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS) before applying for jobs abroad.
- Vaccination Certificate: You will also need a certificate showing that you’ve received the required vaccinations for travel and work in Saudi Arabia.
Typical Employer Overview
In Saudi Arabia, plumbing jobs are commonly offered by companies in the construction, hospitality, and manufacturing industries. Employers in these sectors typically look for skilled plumbers who can maintain plumbing systems in both commercial and residential buildings.
For example, a company that manufactures electrical systems may also need plumbers to maintain the plumbing in the buildings they manage. Hotels and other large buildings also hire plumbers to ensure the plumbing systems in guest rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms are well-maintained.
Working as an OFW plumber in Saudi Arabia is a great opportunity to earn a good income while contributing to the country’s rapidly growing infrastructure. Just make sure that you meet the right qualifications and submit the necessary documents so that you can successfully apply for plumbing jobs in Saudi Arabia. With competitive salaries, benefits, and opportunities for professional development, plumbing in Saudi Arabia offers a bright future for skilled OFWs. If you’re ready and prepared, Saudi Arabia could be the next step in your plumbing career.