Skill Tests for Workers Going to Saudi Arabia: Which Trades Are Affected and How Is Nepal Responding?
Image source, Getty Images
The announcement by Saudi Arabia requiring mandatory skill tests for Nepalese workers in five different occupations has created waves in the labor sector.
Nepal has requested the Saudi government through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs not to implement the skill testing immediately, citing the need for time to initiate the testing process, officials said.
Meanwhile, a labor expert has suggested that Nepal should engage in diplomatic talks with the Saudi side to jointly prepare for the required arrangements.
Some express concern that an early implementation of this process by Saudi Arabia could create difficulties for Nepal.
Especially for untrained and semi-trained Nepali workers, Saudi Arabia still remains an attractive employment destination.
What Is Nepal’s Position?
According to the notice issued by Saudi Arabia, officials from Nepal’s Ministry of Youth, Labour and Employment state that Nepal is currently unable to provide immediate skill certification for workers to be sent there.
“Based on the current notification, we are unable to comply at this time. Therefore, a request for suspension has been made, and the matter has been discussed between the minister and the Saudi ambassador,” said ministry spokesperson Pitambar Sharma.
Officials mentioned that this issue arose from understandings between Saudi Arabia and Nepali private sector businesspeople.
“This decision was made without adequate consultation. The government must deliberate on the framework and methods for certifying worker skills. Therefore, we have conveyed this request officially to the Saudi side through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” the spokesman added.
He also noted that Nepal had yet to receive a response from Saudi Arabia regarding their request.
One official stated that the government is interested in arranging skill certification through private institutions under business-to-business (B2B) agreements between private sectors of the two countries.
“Any memorandums or agreements between private organizations must comply with legal standards. Additionally, it is important that certification does not impose extra financial burdens on Nepali workers,” the official said.
“Although, for now, the employer will bear the test fees, future collection of fees from workers for other services may pose problems. Hence, an agreement between the two governments is essential and would streamline the process.”
“Despite the B2B model, we have concerns about safety, test venues, and other related issues. Bilateral dialogue is ongoing, and we are optimistic for a resolution,” the official added.
Nepal has expressed willingness to send skilled workers, expecting better services and facilities when workers are sent according to their skills.
Concerns have been raised among officials at the Nepali Embassy in Riyadh regarding the sudden enforcement of this requirement.
“It is not clear what skills are required for loading and unloading jobs,” the officials said.
“Skill certification for workers is not new, but it requires mutual agreement between both countries. Details concerning the agreement, fees, and who is responsible for payment must be clarified.”
Image source, Reuters
What Does Saudi Arabia Require?
Saudi Arabia has expressed satisfaction over the implementation of the skills certification program in Nepal.
The aim of this program is to ensure that skilled workers meet the professional standards required for employment in Saudi Arabia.
“This program has been formally implemented from June 17, 2026, for five occupations and will gradually extend to others,” the announcement stated.
The certification process involves direct evaluation, and a fee of 50 US dollars will apply for each skill test.
“Candidates must select a task from the proposed skills, choose a suitable location and date, and attend the assessment,” the procedure notes.
“Following evaluation, the results will be published on a portal; successful candidates will receive certificates, and results will automatically integrate into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ visa processing system.”
- Load and unload laborers
- Wheelbarrow operators
- Construction workers
- Building workers
What Do Experts Suggest?
There were international debates concerning labor conditions and human rights during the Qatar World Cup.
With the 2034 Men’s Football World Cup scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia, analysts believe Riyadh must be more cautious about the country’s international image.
Labor expert Amina Paudel states that Saudi Arabia is working on reforms.
“This move likely aims to avoid international scrutiny over labor abuses. At the same time, it presents an opportunity to set standards for sending skilled workers under new contexts,” she explained.
“If we do not approve this, Saudi Arabia may seek workers from other countries. Because the labor demand exists, they will bring workers from wherever possible. This is something we did not fully understand earlier and still seem reluctant to acknowledge,” she said.
“Even with diplomatic ties, if we get blocked and fail to provide appropriate workers, Saudi Arabia’s labor market will become less accessible for Nepali workers.”
Based on recent developments, she recommended Nepal start preparation promptly.
“Nepal should advance labor diplomatic dialogues and start discussing the quantity and types of workers needed beforehand. This would also build trust with Saudi Arabia,” she said.
This report is also available on Nepali YouTube channels, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Radio broadcasts will air from Monday to Friday at 8:45 PM.