AdminLooking for offshore jobs abroad 2026 with visa sponsorship? Discover the best countries hiring in 2026, salaries, requirements, and apply links for oil & gas, marine, and rig workers.
Are you a skilled professional or technician in the oil & gas, marine, or offshore industry looking to work abroad? The global offshore industry is booming in 2026, and countries like Canada, USA, UAE, Qatar, Norway, Saudi Arabia, and Australia are actively hiring foreign workers with visa sponsorship.
From offshore drilling to marine engineering, HSE management, welding, and rig operations, there are thousands of offshore jobs available for Nigerians and other international applicants.
This guide will cover:
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Top offshore jobs in demand in 2026
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Countries hiring offshore workers with visa sponsorship
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Average offshore salaries abroad
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How to apply step-by-step
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Direct job application links
If you want to work on rigs, oil fields, or offshore marine vessels abroad, this is your ultimate roadmap.
Why Offshore Jobs Abroad Are Attractive
Offshore work is tough but highly rewarding. Here’s why thousands of Nigerians and Africans apply for offshore jobs abroad every year:
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High Salary: Offshore jobs abroad pay 5–10x more than local salaries.
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Visa Sponsorship: Most companies provide work visas, flights, and relocation.
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Free Accommodation & Feeding: Offshore rigs often provide housing and meals.
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International Career Growth: Gain experience in global offshore projects.
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Travel & Permanent Residency: Countries like Canada, Norway, and Australia allow offshore workers to transition to PR.
In-Demand Offshore Jobs Abroad (2026)
Here are the most in-demand offshore jobs that come with visa sponsorship:
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Offshore Drilling Engineers
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Rig Technicians & Operators
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Marine Engineers & Vessel Crew
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Welders & Fabricators (offshore certified)
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Mechanical & Pipeline Engineers
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Electrical & Instrumentation Technicians
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HSE Officers (Health, Safety & Environment)
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Geologists & Petroleum Engineers
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Subsea Engineers
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Offshore Catering Crew (chefs, cooks, support staff)
Good news: You don’t always need a university degree — skilled technicians (welders, rig operators, mechanics) are in high demand abroad.
Offshore Job Salaries Abroad (2026)
Offshore jobs abroad are high-paying due to the demanding work conditions. Below is an overview of average offshore salaries by country:
| Country | Average Salary (per year) | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | CAD 80,000 – CAD 160,000 | PR pathway, housing, health insurance |
| USA | $75,000 – $200,000 | Bonus, retirement, full benefits |
| UAE | $60,000 – $140,000 (tax-free) | Accommodation, flights, insurance |
| Qatar | $65,000 – $130,000 (tax-free) | Free housing & transport |
| Saudi Arabia | $60,000 – $150,000 (tax-free) | Housing, annual flights, insurance |
| Norway | €70,000 – €180,000 | Pension, PR opportunity |
| Australia | AUD 85,000 – AUD 170,000 | Relocation support, superannuation |
Note: Offshore drilling and engineering roles usually pay more than entry-level technician jobs.
Top Countries Hiring Offshore Workers in 2026
1. Canada – Offshore Oil & Gas Hub
Canada is expanding oil production in Alberta and Newfoundland, creating offshore jobs for skilled foreign workers.
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Salary: CAD 80,000 – CAD 160,000/year
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Visa: LMIA Work Permit + PR options
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In-demand roles: Rig operators, HSE officers, welders
Apply Here:
2. USA – High-Paying Offshore Jobs
The USA (especially Texas, Louisiana, and Alaska) has some of the highest-paying offshore jobs in the world.
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Salary: $75,000 – $200,000/year
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Visa: H-1B or employer-sponsored Green Card
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In-demand roles: Petroleum engineers, rig crew, safety officers
Apply Here:
3. UAE – Tax-Free Offshore Opportunities
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are home to major offshore oil rigs and shipping companies hiring international staff.
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Salary: $60,000 – $140,000/year (tax-free)
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Visa: Employer-sponsored work visa
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In-demand roles: Offshore engineers, marine crew, welders
Apply Here:
4. Qatar – LNG & Offshore Expansion
Qatar is investing heavily in offshore LNG projects, making it a top destination for offshore 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: Subsea engineers, welders, rig technicians
Apply Here:
5. Saudi Arabia – Oil Giant Hiring Abroad
Saudi Arabia’s ARAMCO and other oil giants regularly hire international offshore workers.
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Salary: $60,000 – $150,000/year (tax-free)
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Visa: Employer-sponsored work visa
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In-demand roles: HSE officers, drilling crew, engineers
Apply Here:
6. Norway – Offshore in the North Sea
Norway offers some of the highest offshore salaries worldwide, especially in the North Sea oil rigs.
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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, marine engineers, rig operators
Apply Here:
7. Australia – Offshore Rig Jobs
Australia’s offshore oil and gas fields in Western Australia and Queensland are creating huge opportunities for foreign workers.
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Salary: AUD 85,000 – AUD 170,000/year
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Visa: Employer-sponsored 482 Visa or Skilled PR
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In-demand roles: Offshore welders, mechanical engineers, rig crew
Apply Here:
How to Apply for Offshore Jobs Abroad (Step-by-Step)
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Update Your CV – Focus on offshore experience + certifications.
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Get Offshore Training – Certifications like BOSIET, HUET, NEBOSH, IWCF increase your chances.
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Search Job Portals – Use RigZone, GulfTalent, Oil and Gas Job Search.
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Apply Directly – Many oil & gas companies (e.g., ARAMCO, ExxonMobil, Schlumberger) hire directly.
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Prepare for Interviews – Expect technical and safety-related questions.
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Get Visa Sponsorship – Employer handles visa/work permit.
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Relocate Abroad – Travel, work, and earn offshore.
Tips for Nigerians Applying for Offshore Jobs Abroad
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Obtain international safety certificates (NEBOSH, BOSIET).
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Target rig and marine technician jobs – high demand & visa sponsorship.
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Network on LinkedIn + RigZone forums.
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Apply only on trusted job portals (avoid scam agents).
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Be ready to relocate quickly once selected.
FAQs on Offshore Jobs Abroad
1. Do offshore jobs abroad include visa sponsorship?
Yes, most employers sponsor visas + provide accommodation and relocation.
2. Which country pays offshore workers the most?
Norway, USA, and Australia pay the highest offshore salaries.
3. Do I need a degree for offshore jobs?
Engineers need degrees, but rig crew, welders, and technicians only need vocational training + certifications.
4. What’s the work schedule offshore?
Offshore workers often work 3–6 weeks on, 2–4 weeks off with full pay.
5. Can offshore jobs lead to permanent residency?
Yes, in Canada, Australia, and Norway, offshore jobs are pathways to PR.
Conclusion
In 2026, offshore jobs abroad with visa sponsorship will remain one of the best opportunities for skilled professionals and technicians from Nigeria and other countries.
With high salaries, free accommodation, visa support, and PR pathways, offshore jobs in Canada, USA, UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Norway, and Australia are among the most rewarding international careers.
If you have experience in rig operations, welding, safety, engineering, or marine jobs, now is the perfect time to apply.
Apply Now – Offshore Job Portals
Admin