The Gulf is where most Sri Lankans who work abroad go. In 2025, 310,915 Sri Lankans left for foreign employment, and the four biggest destinations were all in the Gulf: Kuwait (77,656), the UAE (59,505), Qatar (44,867) and Saudi Arabia (36,460), according to figures reported by the Daily Mirror. Gulf employers read CVs a little differently from employers in Sri Lanka or the UK. Here's what to change.
Why the Gulf matters for Sri Lankans
Gulf employers recruit from dozens of countries for the same role, so a recruiter may compare your CV with applicants from India, the Philippines, Nepal, Egypt and Europe. The CVs that get shortlisted make three things clear in the first few seconds: can this person legally start, when can they start, and have they done this job before?
The personal details block
Unlike in the UK, it's normal on a Gulf CV to include a short block of personal details under your name. Typical items are:
| Detail | Include? | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Nationality | Yes | Sri Lankan |
| Current location | Yes | Colombo, Sri Lanka (or Dubai, UAE) |
| Visa status | Yes | "Employment visa, transferable" or "Available to relocate, requires sponsorship" |
| Notice period or availability | Yes | "Available immediately" or "One month's notice" |
| Driving licence | If relevant | "UAE driving licence" or "Sri Lankan licence, light vehicle" |
| Date of birth | Optional | Some employers still ask for it. Follow the advert. |
| Religion, passport number, full home address | No | Not needed on a CV. |
Keep salary expectations off your CV unless the advert asks for them. They're usually discussed at interview.
Photo or no photo?
A photo is common on Gulf CVs, especially for customer-facing, hospitality, sales and administrative roles, but it's optional. Many multinational and technical employers don't expect one. If you include a photo, use a recent, professional head-and-shoulders picture in work clothes against a plain background. Never use a selfie, a cropped group photo or a passport scan.
Experience, licences and languages
- Gulf experience first. If you've worked in the region before, make it easy to spot, as it shows you know the working environment.
- Explain Sri Lankan employers. Add a line on what each company does and its size, so the recruiter understands the scale of your role.
- Professional licences. Healthcare, engineering and some technical roles need a licence or accreditation from the destination country, for example from a health authority or the Saudi Council of Engineers. List any you hold, or the stage you've reached.
- Languages. English is the main working language in most Gulf workplaces. List Arabic if you have it, even at a basic level, along with Sinhala, Tamil and any other languages.
- References. These are more common on Gulf CVs than UK ones. List one or two with permission, or write "References available on request".
- Length. Two pages for most roles.
Country notes
These are general patterns, and individual employers vary, so always follow the job advert.
Kuwait
The largest destination for Sri Lankan workers. Many roles are filled through recruitment agencies, so your CV is often read by an agent first. Make your trade, years of experience and certificates very clear.
United Arab Emirates (Dubai and Abu Dhabi)
The fastest-growing destination for Sri Lankans in 2025. Many employers recruit through online portals and LinkedIn, so use the keywords from the advert and keep the layout simple enough for applicant tracking systems.
Qatar
Strong demand in construction, facilities management, hospitality and healthcare. Highlight safety training, certifications and experience on large projects.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi labour policy reserves some roles for Saudi nationals, so check that the job is open to expatriates. Professional roles often require accreditation with the relevant Saudi body before you can start.
Agencies and registration
- If you use a recruitment agency in Sri Lanka, check that it's licensed by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE).
- Never pay for a job offer or hand over your passport to an unlicensed agent.
- Sri Lankans going abroad for work are generally required to register with the SLBFE before departure. Check the current requirements on the SLBFE website.
Checklist
- Nationality, location, visa status and notice period near the top
- A professional photo, or none, depending on the role
- No religion, passport number or full home address
- Gulf experience and licences easy to spot
- Keywords from the advert, in a simple layout
- Phone number with +94, and say if you're on WhatsApp
Applying for jobs in the Gulf?
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