Are you a Construction Professional Looking for a New Job Abroad? Here are Job Opportunities for construction professional in Middle East
The global construction industry is experiencing a massive boom. From the ambitious “giga-projects” in the Middle East to infrastructure upgrades in Europe and Oceania, there has never been a better time for construction professionals to explore international careers.
In this article, we discuss the surging global demand for skilled construction talent and highlight seven high-paying career paths across major international markets, along with the essential requirements and reliable sites to check for legitimate openings.
Job Opportunities for Construction Professionals Abroad
A. Professional & Technical Roles
Requirements: PRC License (for Engineers/Architects), Bachelor’s Degree, 3-5+ years exp.
| Position | Monthly Salary Estimate (PHP) | Currency Estimate (SAR/QAR) |
| Civil Engineer (Entry/Junior) | ₱48,000 – ₱65,000 | 3,200 – 4,500 |
| Civil Engineer (Senior/Project) | ₱90,000 – ₱150,000+ | 6,000 – 10,000+ |
| Safety Officer (NEBOSH Cert) | ₱50,000 – ₱80,000 | 3,500 – 5,500 |
| Quantity Surveyor | ₱60,000 – ₱90,000 | 4,000 – 6,000 |
| Architect | ₱70,000 – ₱130,000 | 4,600 – 8,600 |
B. Highly Skilled Trades
Requirements: TESDA NCII/NCIII, Trade Test, 3-5+ years exp.
| Position | Monthly Salary Estimate (PHP) | Currency Estimate (SAR/QAR) |
| Welder (6G / TIG / MIG) | ₱45,000 – ₱75,000 | Varies (Oil & Gas rates are higher) |
| HVAC Technician | ₱35,000 – ₱55,000 | 2,500 – 3,800 |
| Industrial Electrician | ₱35,000 – ₱50,000 | 2,500 – 3,500 |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | ₱40,000 – ₱65,000 | 2,800 – 4,500 |
| Foreman (Civil/MEP) | ₱50,000 – ₱75,000 | 3,300 – 5,000 |
Top DMW-Licensed Recruitment Agencies for Construction
Source: Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) – Licensed Recruitment Agencies List
The following agencies have a long-standing history of deploying construction professionals and skilled workers to the Middle East. They are currently listed as “VALID” by the DMW.
| Agency Name | License Status | Known Specialization |
| IPAMS (Industrial Personnel and Management Services, Inc.) | Valid | Engineering, Oil & Gas, Industrial Maintenance. (Presidential Awardee). |
| Staffhouse International Resources | Valid | Large-scale Construction, MEPFS, Skilled Trades. |
| EDI Staffbuilders International | Valid | Civil Engineering, Architecture, Technical & Professional Services. |
| JS Contractor, Inc. | Valid | General Construction Labor, Masonry, Carpentry, Infrastructure. |
| Aram Enterprises, Inc. | Valid | Skilled Craftsmen, Technical Maintenance, Industrial Projects. |
| Great Ways Manpower International | Valid | Civil Works, Electrical, Mechanical Trades. |
Verification Tip: Always verify the current license validity of these agencies via the DMW Online Services Portal (dmw.gov.ph) under the “Licensed Recruitment Agencies” search tool before applying.
Work Permits, Visas, and Certifications
To secure a role in the global construction market, you must navigate a multi-layered process involving host-country work permits and Philippine exit requirements. The primary document is the Work Visa (such as the Saudi Iqama), which requires your professional certificates to be authenticated via the CAV process (CHED/PRC, DFA Apostille, and Embassy attestation).
Key certifications and permits include:
- Professional Credentials: A valid PRC License for engineers/architects (often requiring local registration like the Saudi Council of Engineers) and TESDA NCII/NCIII for skilled trades.
- Mandatory Skills Testing: Successful completion of a Trade Test at an accredited facility to verify hands-on competency.
- Legal Exit Permits: The digital OFW Pass (formerly OEC), obtained via the DMW Mobile App after completing the PEOS and PDOS seminars.
- Medical Clearance: A “Fit-to-Work” certificate from a DOH-accredited clinic (such as WAFID/GAMCA for Middle East deployments).
Safety Warning: How to Spot Illegal Recruiters and How to Ensure your Job is Legitimate
Source: DMW Anti-Illegal Recruitment Guidelines
How to Spot an Illegal Recruiter
- No Office: If the recruitment happens in a mall, fast food chain, or public park, it is a red flag. Legitimate interviews happen in the agency’s registered office.
- No Job Order: Legitimate agencies must have a DMW-approved Job Order Number for the specific position they are offering.
- Tourist Visa Promise: Never accept an offer to leave on a tourist visa with the promise of “converting” it later. This is illegal and leaves the worker unprotected.
3 Steps to Ensure Your Job is Legitimate
Before you sign anything or hand over your documents, follow this checklist:
- Verify the License: Always check the agency name at dmw.gov.ph.
- Verify the Job Order: Ask the agency for the Job Order Number and check it on the DMW website to ensure the specific vacancy is legitimate.
- No Placement Fee Policy: Remind readers that for many countries (like the UK, New Zealand, and increasingly Saudi Arabia’s mega-projects), employers pay the placement fee, not the worker.
Disclaimer: The agencies listed in this article were verified as valid license holders by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) as of [Insert Date]. However, agency statuses can change rapidly. Pinoy Builders strongly advises all applicants to personally verify the license status and approved Job Orders of any agency via the official DMW Online Services portal before submitting applications or payments. Salary figures provided are market estimates based on recent job postings and are subject to change based on employer, location, and individual qualifications.
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