Recruiters protest Saudi skills test requirement for Nepali workers

Recruitment agencies in Kathmandu protested Saudi Arabia's new mandatory skills certification requirement for Nepali workers, calling it a unilateral imposition that burdens migrants. Protesters gathered outside a Saudi-backed certification center, tearing down a signboard and vowing to prevent the program from operating as is. They argue the scheme violates the labor agreement between Nepal and Saudi Arabia, as it was introduced without Nepal's consent. The certification will cost workers an additional 15,000 Nepalese rupees, including fees for skills examination and a Recognition of Prior Learning program. Saudi Arabia has stated that workers without the certificate will not be issued visas. Currently, the requirement applies to roles like loading, portering, and construction work, though the latter category remains undefined. Hari Bahadur Pandey, chairperson of the Nepal Foreign Employment Entrepreneurs’ Unity Committee, accused program organizers of using skills testing as a money-making scheme. A Ministry of Youth, Labour and Employment official stated that internal discussions are ongoing, with no official position yet released. Representatives from the Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Agencies attempted to meet with the Minister for Youth, Labour and Employment, Ramjee Yadav, but were unsuccessful. Association president Dik Bahadur (Kumar) Khatri emphasized that imposing extra costs on workers is unacceptable, warning that Nepali workers would be forced to pay more if the provision is implemented.

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