To date the largest industry employing expatriates in Libya is the oil industry, and jobs in Libya in this sector are actually increasing in number as investment is being ploughed into the oil industry in a bid to develop it and improve productivity and profitability. 

Other sectors employing foreign workers include the construction and domestic/household help sectors as well as teaching, nursing, development and assistance fields; this article looks at the jobs available in Libya and how those interested in living and working in Libya can go about making their plans a reality.

A Libyan company wishing to engage the services of expatriate staff has to ensure that applicants are over twenty five years of age and can prove any relevant qualifications; furthermore it is an official requirement that those looking for jobs in Libya have a minimum of five years work experience.

Few people ever move to live in Libya on the off-chance of securing a job unless they are accompanying their spouse who already has an offer of employment.  The reason that very little speculative relocation to Libya occurs is because an employee or potential employee has to have a visa to enter the country to live and work. 

Employers who successfully interview an international candidate will have to apply to the Libya Immigration department for a letter of invitation for their employee first.  This invitation is necessary for the employee to then apply for a work permit.

In the past it was sometimes the case that even those with such a letter were denied entry into the country for one reason or another and therefore it is imperative that those moving to live and work in Libya test the waters before they finally commit to the country and sever work, relationship and real estate ties ‘back home’.

With a letter of invitation in hand an employee can usually relocate to Libya after getting an entry visa from their nearest Libyan embassy.  Once living in Libya an individual must report to their nearest police station and register their details before undergoing a medical test which, if passed, will allow them to get their work permit and remain in Libya.

Expatriates living and working in Libya usually opt to live within an employer’s compound or within villas and apartments in expatriate areas so that they can socialise and network, learn about up and coming business opportunities and generally discuss the quirks, delights and dilemmas of working in Libya.

The business climate in Libya differs greatly from that in the UK or US for example; people are exceedingly laid back 95% of the time and it can be hugely frustrating for those who come from a dynamic work environment to have to put up with days of dialogue, months of meetings and a general air of indecision or lack of commitment.

Those who enjoy their jobs in Libya the most are those who seek to embrace local traditions and cultures, who adapt to the new working pace and who do not seek to change anything!