Saudi Arabia Mandates Skill Testing for Nepali Workers: What Steps Will Nepal Take?
Following Saudi Arabia’s decision to mandate skill testing for Nepali workers in five different professions, a new wave of activity has emerged in the labor sector. Nepal, citing the need for some time to initiate skill testing, has requested the Saudi government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to delay immediate implementation, officials have revealed. Meanwhile, a labor expert has suggested that diplomatic negotiations with Saudi Arabia are necessary to advance the required preparations collectively. Some have expressed concerns that a rapid rollout of this process by Saudi Arabia could pose challenges for Nepal. Notably, Saudi Arabia remains an attractive employment destination, especially for unskilled and semi-skilled Nepali workers.
According to notifications issued by Saudi Arabia, Nepal is currently unable to immediately certify the skills of Nepali workers, according to officials from the Ministry of Youth, Labor, and Employment. “As per the current notice, we are unable to carry out the skill certification promptly. Therefore, we have requested a postponement, and a dialogue on this matter has been held between the minister and the Saudi ambassador,” explained ministry spokesperson Pitambar Sharma. It has been reported that there is an understanding on this issue between Saudi and Nepali private sector businesses. “This decision appears to have been made without sufficient consultation. The government also needs to deliberate on how to certify skills before sending workers abroad. For this reason, we have communicated formally with the Saudi side through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” Sharma clarified.
To date, no response has been received from Saudi Arabia regarding Nepal’s request, according to the spokesperson. An official highlighted that the government is focused on establishing skill certification arrangements through private entities based on ‘B2B’ (business-to-business) agreements between the two countries’ private sectors. “Such agreements must comply with legal frameworks. While certifying skills, it is also important to ensure that the process does not impose additional financial burdens on Nepali workers,” the official stated.
Saudi Arabia expressed satisfaction with Nepal’s announcement to conduct skill certification programs domestically. The intention of this initiative is to ensure that skilled workers meet the necessary professional standards required in Saudi Arabia. “This program will officially take effect on June 17, 2026, covering five professions initially and will gradually extend to others,” the announcement stated. The certification process will involve direct assessment, with a fee of 50 US dollars charged for each skill certification. “Workers must select one job category from the available options and then choose an appropriate location and date to participate in the assessment,” the guidelines provide.
Saudi Arabia has made skill testing mandatory for the following five categories of workers: load and unload laborers, wheelbarrow operators, construction laborers, and workers involved in construction tasks.
Labor expert Amina Paudel, who has been involved in Saudi Arabia’s reform initiatives, noted, “This step seems aimed at preventing allegations of labor exploitation at the international level.” She added, “If we do not accept these conditions, they might turn to other countries to recruit workers.”
It is imperative for Nepal to advance labor diplomatic dialogues and begin preparations in advance regarding the number and type of workers required. Such steps would also enhance Saudi Arabia’s trust in Nepal as a labor partner.