Food Delivery Jobs in Saudi Arabia: Hidden Truth Behind Brokers, Abuse & Digital Contracts

Food Delivery Jobs in Saudi Arabia: What You Must Know Before You Go

Food Delivery Jobs in Saudi Arabia What You Must Know Before You GoAre you considering becoming a food delivery rider in Saudi Arabia?
And before you do so read this article you insour go in to saudi Arabia food delivery job 

The delivery business in Saudi Arabia is thriving as there were more than 290 million orders in 2024, yet there is a dark truth behind the success. The proportion of jobs with brokers is almost 35 percent, workers usually encounter illegal payments, false claims, and mistreatment, and 42 percent complain about physical or mental harassment.

This report reveals the truth of foreign delivery workers, including the bogus contracts, violation of labor rights, and what the Saudi government is trying to do using Qiwa digital contracts, crackdowns to brokers and introducing new labor laws.

In case you are intending to go abroad to take up this job, then these facts can save you.

 

I want to go to Saudi Arabia for a job. What should I do first?

food delivery job in Saudi Arabia

Food Delivery Jobs in Saudi Arabia It has been found out that approximately 35 percent of the jobs in the delivery industry in Saudi Arabia are done by brokers causing exploitation of the workers.

It has been proved that 42 percent of delivery workers are subjected to physical or mental abuse, and some issues, like false court cases, are present.

The industry is seen as unprofessional and exploitative and as such, 68 percent of the employees agree.

The government has introduced such measures as obligatory digital contracts and anti-broker campaigns, but some questions remain unclear.

Present situation of the sector Food Delivery Jobs in Saudi Arabia

The Food Delivery Jobs in  industry in Saudi Arabia is developing at an unprecedented pace 290 million orders were made in 2024. Nevertheless, as workers complain, employment of jobs by means of brokers is associated with illegal payment (SAR 3,000-8,000) and exploitation is prevalent. It is a grave issue to employees who are subjected to false lawsuits and harassment where 42 per cent of employees experience it.

Government measures
Digital contracts, which should be registered in the Qiwa portal, are now mandatory, and 12 delivery apps have been suspended on allegations of brokerage. Employers will be fined SAR 10,000 under the new regulations in case they report unwarranted absconding. The 10 years punishment on the brokers is however not substantiated.

Workers tips
It is recommended to workers to review the contract on the Qiwa portal, not to fall into the trap of advanced salary, and contact the helpline (939) with labor rights.

Detailed report
To examine the situation in the delivery sector in Saudi Arabia, an evaluative report is provided below that contains facts based on recent reports and complaints by workers of the country. This report will give a full account of the sector development, employee issues, government initiatives, and recommendations to employees.

Sector growth and economic importance

Food Delivery Jobs in Saudi Arabia:

It is estimated that the delivery industry is set to reach 290 million orders in 2024, which shows the stable development of the logistics market and the increasing popularity of the rapid and flexible delivery services.

It is projected that the online food delivery industry will be worth USD 2.48 billion in 2023, and will be worth USD 7.95 billion in 2029 with a CAGR of 21.44 percent.

Workers’ Complaints and Challenges

The problem of brokers: The Ministry of Labour (MLSD) has admitted that 35% of delivery jobs involve brokers, who charge illegal fees (SAR 3,000-8,000) and exploit. This system puts workers in financial crisis.
False cases and harassment:

There is a growing trend of filing false cases against workers in the name of “

Nafath & absher login individual

” (advance wages). According to Human Rights Commission data for 2024, 42% of delivery workers are victims of physical or mental harassment.

Sector instability: In a May 2024 survey by the Delivery Workers Association, 68% of workers described the sector as “unprofessional and exploitative”, indicating job instability and lack of security.

Punishment for Absconding: Employers can impose a travel ban by reporting a Huroob if the employee quits. However, as per the new rules of 2024, employers will be fined SAR 10,000 for a baseless Huroob report.

New laws and government measures

Digital contracts: All delivery jobs will use digital contracts on the Qiwa portal starting July 2024 and failure to hire a contract will attract a fine of SAR 20,000 on the employer.

Anti-broker campaign: The Ministry of Labor has halted 12 delivery apps on the ground of brokering. The 10 year sentence on user-mentioned brokers could not however be confirmed independently.

New rules: As of April 2024, non-Saudi delivery workers will be expected to wear uniforms and there will be a ban on self-hiring imposed, but with a 14-month transition period.

Minimum wage: The minimum wage of Saudi workers in the private sector is SAR 4,000 since September 2023 compared to the above-mentioned SAR 3,000.

Emergency tips on workers
Workers are being advised as follows so that they can stay in the sector and guard their rights:

Check the contract: Check the contract through the portal Qiwa by visiting the section of the Labor Contract: qiwa.sa

Advance wages: Be careful of advances: Obtain a written agreement before making advances and record using a video recorder.

Important contacts:

Labor Rights Helpline: 933

more information page 

Top Food Delivery Apps in Saudi Arabia (2025 List)

Saudi Arabia's food delivery market is rapidly expanding, offering multiple platforms for both customers and delivery workers. Below is a curated list of the most popular apps used in the Kingdom.

# App Name Key Features
1 HungerStation Most popular delivery app across Saudi Arabia
2 Jahez Fast-growing with excellent regional coverage
3 Mrsool (مرسول) Peer-to-peer, anything delivery service
4 The Chefz Premium restaurants and luxury food delivery
5 ToYou Food, grocery, pharmacy, and parcel delivery
6 Shgardi (شقردي) Affordable and expanding in major cities
7 Careem Food and ride-sharing combined app
8 Talabat Popular across the Middle East, active in KSA
9 Uber Eats Limited operations, mainly in major cities
10 Keeta New entrant with competitive delivery speed
11 Lugmety (لقمتي) Curated dining experiences and delivery
12 Ninja (نينجا) Local startup with unique delivery tracking
13 DailyMealz Subscription meals for offices and health plans
14 DOOS Grocery and essentials on-demand
15 Mr Mandoob Anything delivery (custom errands)
16 Barakah Healthy meals and home-cooked food
17 FoodBoy Youth-focused delivery app
18 Locate (لوكيت) Newer app with location-based delivery
19 KFC Saudi Arabia Official app for direct KFC orders
20 Pizza Hut KSA App-based ordering for Pizza Hut customers
21 Al Tazaj Chicken meals & fast-food app
22 Domino's MENA Official Domino’s Pizza delivery app
Does everyone work in a direct company?

No. Many people are told that they are going to a direct company, but after coming here they find out that they are working under a supplier company.

You have to do whatever app or place the owner of the supplier company wants to give you work. You do not have much authority, and you do not have much Arabic or legal knowledge, so you are forced to work silently.

Yes. About 95% of people who come on a supplier visa experience this. They think that they are going to a direct company, but in reality they are under the supplier or broker.

This includes countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka. Most of the workers coming from these countries get trapped in the supplier system.

Working in a direct company is the best and safest option.

👉 Direct companies give contracts, the rules are clear, and there is less chance of exploitation.

He can treat you the way he wants, because you have limited information and rights.

👉 Often people don’t know the language and the terms of the contract are also not clear.

No, delivery work in Saudi Arabia is voluntary, but brokers sometimes force people into it by making false promises. In some cases, after getting a visa, the person is not allowed to change jobs without their consent, causing mental or financial pressure.

Brokers usually charge illegal fees ranging from SAR 3,000 to SAR 8,000 (approximately ₹70,000 to ₹1,70,000), while the maximum legal charge according to government rules should not exceed SAR 2,000 (₹45,000).

Work schedules are often very strict, and brokers may even make people work 12–14 hours a day without a contract. You don’t even get holidays, and if you don’t meet your target, your salary is deducted.

Coming directly through the company is the safest and most correct way.

👉 Work only in companies registered on Qiwa.sa.

👉 In most cases, exploitation and fraud take place when you join through a broker.

Some suppliers call 20 to 30 people on visa and make them work in different apps.

👉 Many times, many people work on the same registration number, which is a violation of the rules.

Yes, if your visa is in the name of “Delivery Driver” or “Food Courier”, then you should do the same work.

👉 If you work for any other profession, it will be considered as Iqama violation and you can be fined or deported.

This depends on the company and the contract:

Some companies provide accommodation, but often these are crowded shared rooms.

In case of broker, you have to pay rent yourself (SAR 300–600/month).

If you are under contract with a company, the company provides a bike or car.

If you are under a supplier or broker, sometimes you have to rent a bike (SAR 300–500/month) or buy it yourself.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *