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🇳🇵 Nepal /Economy & Trade

Saudi Arabia's new skill test rule adds hurdles for Nepali workers

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Saudi Arabia has implemented a new mandatory skills certification for Nepali workers without consulting Nepal's government.
  • The $100 certification fee adds a financial burden to migrant workers, affecting sectors like construction and goods handling.
  • This move contradicts a recent labor agreement between Nepal and Saudi Arabia, which aimed to improve worker protections through joint committees.

Saudi Arabia has introduced a mandatory skills certification requirement for Nepali workers, a move that labor officials and recruitment agencies in Nepal say was implemented without prior consultation and will increase costs for migrant workers.

The new requirement affects workers in occupations such as loading and unloading goods, portering, trolley operation and parts of the construction sector.

— Kathmandu PostProvides context on the types of jobs affected by the new Saudi Arabian skills certification rule.

The new rule, effective immediately, requires workers on labor visas to pass a skills assessment test before they can work in the kingdom. Those who fail will be ineligible for employment. This affects workers in occupations such as loading and unloading goods, portering, trolley operation, and parts of the construction sector. Saudi authorities have not specified all construction-related occupations covered by the measure.

The certification process costs $100, approximately Rs15,000, with half the fee for the examination and the other half for the Recognition of Prior Learning program. A senior official at Nepal’s Ministry of Youth, Labour and Employment stated that there were no formal bilateral discussions or agreements on this scheme.

Saudi Arabia remains one of the largest destinations for Nepali migrant workers.

— Kathmandu PostHighlights the significance of Saudi Arabia as an employer for Nepali migrant workers.

This development raises questions, especially since Nepal and Saudi Arabia signed a labor agreement on January 25 to strengthen protections for migrant workers. That agreement established a joint technical committee to monitor implementation and address labor issues, with matters affecting recruitment expected to be discussed through this mechanism.

The certification process carries a fee of $100, equivalent to around Rs15,000.

— Kathmandu PostDetails the financial cost associated with the new skills certification requirement.

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development claims the program aims to certify professional competencies and improve occupational standards. Workers must register online, pay the fee, select an occupation, and choose a testing center. The test lasts three hours, with results available within 24 hours to a week. Applicants have up to three attempts to pass; failure after three attempts makes them ineligible. Saudi authorities state the program is being implemented in all labor-source countries.

there had been no formal bilateral discussion or agreement on introducing the certification scheme.

— Senior official at Nepal’s Ministry of Youth, Labour and EmploymentIndicates a lack of consultation between the Nepali and Saudi governments regarding the new rule.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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