If you are a young physiotherapist in Nigeria thinking about relocating abroad for work, you might have considered countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. But let's be honest, these routes are long, expensive, and highly competitive.

However, a game-changing development has recently emerged in the Middle East, and I think it is something you should know.

Both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have introduced long-term residency pathways, something close to what people call a “Green Card.” This means physiotherapists now have the chance to live and work in these countries with a long-term perspective.

What This Means for You

For the longest time, one of the biggest barriers to relocating to Saudi Arabia or the UAE was the lack of permanent or long-term residency options. Most people moved there on short-term work visas and had little security about the future.

Now, with the Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia and the Golden Visa and Blue Residency in the UAE, physiotherapists like you can legitimately build a future in these countries.

So, if you are fresh out of school or just getting your footing as a clinician, this blog is a reminder that the Gulf is still open to you, and you can migrate there to build your career without necessarily waiting for Western routes.
The benefits now include:

• Work and live in the Gulf without needing employer sponsorship.

• Enjoy visa stability with 5 to 10-year renewable residency.

• Sponsor your spouse, children, and sometimes parents.

• Buy and invest in property legally as a resident.

• Access better job roles with improved professional status.

• Travel freely with multiple-entry privileges and re-entry flexibility.

But this raises a key question:

How Do You Get a Physio Job in Saudi Arabia or the UAE?

It is more straightforward than most people think.

To work as a licensed physiotherapist, here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Credential Verification (via Dataflow)

You need to verify your qualifications, work experience, and license through Dataflow, which is the official verification body in both countries.

Cost:

• Approx. $200 to $300 USD

Step 2: Licensing Exam (Prometric)

You will need to pass a Prometric exam, which tests your physiotherapy knowledge and clinical reasoning. This exam can be taken in Nigeria

Depending on where you are applying:

• DHA – For Dubai (UAE)

• DOH/HAAD – For Abu Dhabi (UAE)

• MOHAP – For Sharjah and Northern Emirates (UAE)

• SCFHS – For Saudi Arabia

Cost:

• Prometric Exam: ~$240 USD

• Application Fees: ~$50 to $100 USD

• Total Estimate (including Dataflow and Exam): ~$500 to $700 USD

But What If You Cannot Afford This Process Yet?

Here is the good news.

Several of my colleagues recently relocated to these countries without first getting a full license. How? They applied and got hired as physiotherapy assistants. Once there, they began the process of upgrading their status and applying for full licensure.

This is a clever shortcut if the licensing fees are too steep right now.

How to Get Started

• Update your CV and tailor it to Gulf employers

• Reach out to recruiters on LinkedIn or job platforms like Gulf Talent, Bayt, Naukri Gulf, or even hospital career pages directly

• Search for keywords like “physiotherapy assistant,” “rehabilitation therapist,” or “physiotherapist (license eligible)”

Many employers offer:

• Relocation support

• Free accommodation (or allowance)

• Flight tickets

• Visa sponsorship

If relocating to Canada, Australia, or the UK feels out of reach financially or academically, consider the UAE or Saudi Arabia as valid and realistic alternatives. These are modern, fast-growing economies that value skilled health workers.

And now, with long-term visas available, you are no longer moving temporarily. You are planting roots, building a career, and possibly even bringing your family along.

So, take the leap. Update your CV. Message that recruiter. Schedule your exam. Or even start as an assistant and work your way up.

The door is open. Walk through it.

But If you still want to work in the uk but are having troubles with this, kindly reach out.