Background Check in Saudi Arabia

What are the Benefits of Background Checks in Saudi Arabia?

Employee screening in Saudi is an important part of the hiring process. It offers several benefits to your business, including:  

• Decreased negligent hiring risks

Background checks play a crucial role in protecting your team. When an employee's actions harm a colleague, failing to screen their history thoroughly can leave your organization vulnerable to negligence claims. 

By conducting robust background checks, you can uncover potential risks upfront, safeguarding your employees and your company's reputation.

• Improved quality of hire

Finding the right fit for your team is about more than just skills — it's about trust and integrity. Background checks in Saudi Arabia help ensure that you're bringing on board trustful and reliable candidates. 

By vetting applicants carefully, you save time and resources that would otherwise be spent on training someone who isn't a good match.

• Reduced staff turnover

Investing in new hires is an investment in your company's future. By screening candidates thoroughly, you increase the chances of hiring committed and capable individuals from day one. This lowers turnover rates and fosters a more stable, dedicated workforce, driving productivity and morale.

What Are the Types of Background Checks in Saudi Arabia?

Below are the main types of background checks you (an employer) can conduct in Saudi Arabia. 

Criminal record check

•  Any public authority or institution in Saudi Arabia can request a criminal record certificate for employment purposes.
• To obtain the same, you need to visit the nearest police station and submit a letter to the chief of the Criminal Evidence Division.
• The documents for this purpose differ based on whether you are a Saudi citizen or a registered resident of this country. For example, individuals in the ‘Saudi citizen’ category must furnish their original National ID card alongside a colored photograph. For a registered resident, the requirement consists of a passport and a colored photograph.
• Following this, an officer at the police station will take your fingerprints.

You will receive an acknowledgment receipt after completing all the steps mentioned above. It will serve as proof of the application and contain details such as the date to collect the criminal record certificate from the police station.

Employment history check

• You can request employment history data directly from ‘My Employment Data.’
• It is a digital platform tailored for human resource specialists and civil employees. 
• The platform provides past job records and service statements deemed official documentation of employment history.

Medical screening

• You may request medical screening as a condition of employment for local hires in Saudi Arabia if it's related to the job. 
• It is typically done to check whether the candidate is physically fit to carry out the designated tasks in the job position.
• Conducting a medical screening as a part of a background check in Saudi Arabia is not a common practice in the country. However, if any candidate refuses to undergo the process, you can reject the candidate. 

Credit history check

• A credit history check in Saudi Arabia reveals information about a candidate, especially those related to their finances. 
• The credit report is provided by the Saudi Credit Bureau (SIMAH).
• It usually contains details about the first issue date, active credit product, total liabilities, default product, and outstanding default, among others. 

Education history check

• An education history check in Saudi Arabia is conducted to gauge the accuracy of information provided by candidates regarding their educational qualifications.
• It thoroughly scrutinizes the academic records, course details, and graduation status. 
• You may reach out directly to educational institutions for this purpose. 

Social media check

• A pre-employment social media check-in in Saudi Arabia is allowed only when the individuals are notified beforehand.
• You may view and analyze candidates' publicly available information on social media platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook. 
• It is usually done to learn about the candidates and how they conduct themselves publicly.

Requirements for Background Check in Saudi Arabia

Below are some of the most common documents required for an employee screening in Saudi Arabia.

• Identification documents: valid driver’s license, state ID card or passport.
• Copies of high school diploma, college degree, certificates, or official transcripts. 
• Paycheck stubs, income transcripts, or offer letters from previous employers
• Two to three references with contact details

Other than these, you also need to fulfill the following criteria: 

• Obtaining the candidate’s written consent
• Informing candidates why the details and documents are collected and how they may be used
• Informing candidates that they can raise their concerns regarding inaccurate details

Steps in Conducting Background Checks in Saudi Arabia

Understanding the many steps in employee screening in Saudi Arabia is extremely important for you as an employer. Let’s examine them. 

Step 1: Obtain consent

Saudi Arabia is very strict about accessing personal information about an individual. Therefore, before beginning any background check in Saudi Arabia, ensure that the candidate is well informed about the type of screening and obtains explicit consent. 

Step 2: Gather information

To conduct the process efficiently, start by collecting the necessary information about the candidate. This includes their work history, experience, and education, among others. 

Step 3: Verify the information

Once you have gathered all the information, start by verifying its accuracy. 

For example, if you wish to determine the truthfulness of the individual's educational credentials, contact the institutions and cross-check the details. 

You can also hire a third party to carry out these tasks. In this manner, it becomes much more cost-effective and efficient.

Step 4: Analyze the results

After you have completed the background check, analyze the report and take the necessary actions accordingly.

If the candidate has passed this process, you can start with the onboarding tasks. This will help you to make a well-informed decision.

Are Employee Background Checks Legal in Saudi Arabia?

Employee screening in Saudi Arabia is legal as long as you ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. 

This includes the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), which comprises a comprehensive data protection framework designed to safeguard the personal data of individuals residing in this country.

Planning to Hire in Saudi Arabia? Skuad Can Help

While there are many benefits to international hiring, it also has its own set of unique challenges. They include talent acquisition, high costs, international regulations, and more. 

But what if we tell you there is a cost-effective solution? 

Enter Skuad.

Skuad is an all-in-one platform that enables you to handle global payroll and comply with local labor laws. 

We also perform background checks if you partner with Skuad EOR.

Trusted globally, Skuad is one of the most sought-after solutions in the international hiring space.

Book a demo today and boost your global team expansion plans.

FAQs

Q1: Does Saudi Arabia do background checks?

Ans: Yes, background checks are standard in Saudi Arabia. They encompass various types, from criminal record checks to employment history checks to education history checks. 

Q2: What happens during employment screening in Saudi Arabia?

Ans: During an employment screening, the employer usually verifies the accuracy of various details provided by the job applicant, including their educational qualifications, work experience, and more. 

Q3: What is employer screening in Saudi Arabia?

Ans: Employer screening is an extensive part of the hiring process. It involves gauging the accuracy of the credentials of job applicants. The aim is to ensure that the candidates are the right fit for the organization and the job role.