AdminLooking for oil & gas jobs abroad in 2026? Discover the top countries hiring, salaries, visa sponsorship opportunities, and direct apply links for international workers.
Are you a Nigerian oil & gas professional or skilled technician dreaming of working abroad? The global energy industry continues to thrive, and in 2025, international oil & gas jobs with visa sponsorship are opening up in Canada, USA, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Norway, Qatar, and Australia.
From offshore drilling to pipeline engineering, and safety management to petroleum geology, companies worldwide are actively recruiting skilled workers from Africa and Asia to fill labor shortages.
This guide will give you a full breakdown of oil & gas jobs abroad, including:
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Top countries hiring in 2025
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Expected salaries
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Visa & relocation benefits
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Step-by-step application guide
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Trusted apply links
If you’re looking to start or expand your oil & gas career internationally, this is your 2025 roadmap.
Why Work in Oil & Gas Abroad?
The oil & gas industry abroad offers benefits far beyond what many professionals earn locally in Nigeria:
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High Salaries: Offshore and onshore jobs abroad pay 5–10x higher than in Nigeria.
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Visa Sponsorship: Most companies assist with work visas and relocation support.
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Benefits: Housing, flights, insurance, and even education allowances.
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Career Growth: Work on large-scale international projects with modern technology.
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Pathway to Permanent Residency: Countries like Canada, Australia, and Norway allow workers to transition to PR after a few years.
In-Demand Oil & Gas Jobs Abroad in 2025
The global oil & gas sector needs skilled professionals across various fields. Here are the top roles available in 2025:
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Petroleum Engineers
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Drilling Engineers
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Mechanical & Pipeline Engineers
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Project Managers
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Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Officers
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Geologists & Geophysicists
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Rig Technicians & Operators
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Welders & Fabricators
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Marine Engineers & Offshore Crew
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Electrical & Instrumentation Technicians
Whether you’re a degree holder or skilled technician, there are opportunities for you.
Salaries for Oil & Gas Jobs Abroad (2025)
Here’s what you can expect to earn as an oil & gas worker abroad:
| Country | Average Salary (per year) | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | CAD 80,000 – CAD 160,000 | PR pathway, health insurance |
| USA | $70,000 – $200,000 | Bonuses, retirement plans |
| UAE | $60,000 – $140,000 (tax-free) | Housing, flights, medical |
| Qatar | $65,000 – $130,000 (tax-free) | Accommodation, transport |
| Saudi Arabia | $60,000 – $150,000 (tax-free) | Housing, travel, yearly bonus |
| Norway | €70,000 – €180,000 | Pension, PR options |
| Australia | AUD 85,000 – AUD 170,000 | Superannuation, relocation support |
Note: Offshore drilling and specialized engineering roles often pay much higher than entry-level positions.
Top Countries Hiring Oil & Gas Workers in 2026
1. Canada – Energy Jobs + PR Pathway
Canada’s oil sands in Alberta and offshore projects in Newfoundland create high demand for foreign oil & gas professionals.
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Salary: CAD 80,000 – CAD 160,000/year
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Visa: LMIA work permit + Express Entry PR
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In-demand roles: Drilling engineers, HSE officers, rig workers
Apply Here:
2. USA – Top Salaries in Energy Sector
The USA remains one of the highest-paying countries for oil & gas professionals, especially in Texas, Louisiana, and Alaska.
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Salary: $70,000 – $200,000/year
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Visa: H-1B sponsorship or employer-based Green Card
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In-demand roles: Petroleum engineers, offshore crew, project managers
Apply Here:
3. United Arab Emirates – Tax-Free Salary + Luxury Living
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are hubs for oil & gas professionals with tax-free income and full benefits.
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Salary: $60,000 – $140,000/year
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Visa: Employer-sponsored work visa
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In-demand roles: Drilling engineers, marine crew, HSE managers
Apply Here:
4. Qatar – Expanding Energy Industry
Qatar is expanding its LNG (liquefied natural gas) projects, creating thousands of jobs for foreign workers.
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Salary: $65,000 – $130,000/year
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Visa: Employer sponsorship
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In-demand roles: Pipeline engineers, geologists, welders
Apply Here:
5. Saudi Arabia – High Demand, Tax-Free Pay
Saudi Arabia’s Aramco, one of the world’s biggest oil companies, hires thousands of international workers each year.
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Salary: $60,000 – $150,000/year
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Visa: Employer-sponsored work visa
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In-demand roles: HSE officers, petroleum engineers, rig operators
Apply Here:
6. Norway – High Salary + Work-Life Balance
Norway’s North Sea oil projects are famous for high pay and great working conditions.
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Salary: €70,000 – €180,000/year
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Visa: Skilled worker visa with PR pathway
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In-demand roles: Offshore technicians, engineers, marine crew
Apply Here:
7. Australia – Offshore Opportunities
Australia’s offshore oil fields in Western Australia and Queensland offer competitive pay and relocation support.
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Salary: AUD 85,000 – AUD 170,000/year
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Visa: Employer-sponsored 482 work visa or PR via Skilled Migration
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In-demand roles: Mechanical engineers, welders, offshore crew
Apply Here:
How to Apply for Oil & Gas Jobs Abroad (Step-by-Step Guide)
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Update Your CV: Highlight oil & gas experience + certifications (HSE, OSHA, offshore training).
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Get Certified: Offshore safety training (BOSIET, HUET) is highly recommended.
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Search & Apply Online: Use portals like RigZone, Oil and Gas Job Search, and GulfTalent.
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Prepare for Interviews: Technical + safety knowledge is always tested.
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Secure Visa Sponsorship: Employer usually handles this once hired.
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Relocate Abroad: Enjoy higher pay, benefits, and international career growth.
Tips for Nigerians Applying for Oil & Gas Jobs Abroad
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Obtain international certifications (NEBOSH, HSE, BOSIET, IWCF).
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Focus on offshore and drilling jobs – they’re in highest demand.
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Network with professionals on LinkedIn & RigZone forums.
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Apply directly to companies (avoid agents that charge high fees).
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Be ready to relocate quickly once an offer is secured.
FAQs on Oil & Gas Jobs Abroad
1. Do oil & gas jobs abroad come with visa sponsorship?
Yes, most companies sponsor visas and provide relocation packages.
2. Which country pays the highest for oil & gas jobs?
Norway, USA, and Australia offer the highest salaries.
3. Do I need a degree for oil & gas jobs abroad?
Engineers need degrees, but technicians (welders, rig workers) can apply with vocational training.
4. Is offshore work dangerous?
Safety standards abroad are very high, and all workers get proper training.
5. Can oil & gas jobs abroad lead to PR?
Yes, in Canada, Australia, and Norway, oil & gas jobs are pathways to permanent residency.
Conclusion
In 2025, oil & gas jobs abroad will continue to offer excellent salaries, visa sponsorship, and career growth opportunities.
Countries like Canada, USA, UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Norway, and Australia are hiring skilled workers from Nigeria and other regions to fill labor shortages.
If you have engineering skills, offshore training, or oilfield experience, this is the perfect time to apply.
Apply Now – Trusted Job Portals for Oil & Gas Jobs Abroad
Admin