Indian workers wishing to get jobs in Saudi Arabia will now have to face a new process. The Saudi government has made pre-verification of professional and educational qualifications mandatory for working visas from 14 January 2025. This rule has been implemented with the aim of enhancing the quality of Indian workers and improving standards in the labor market.
New process and potential challenges
- Work visas will now require professional verification test and verification of validity of educational certificates.
- Due to limited availability of verification centres, workers will have to travel to remote locations.
- Example: Verification centers for drivers are available only in Ajmer and Sikar, Rajasthan.
- Applicants from South India may face long distances and language barriers.
- This process is likely to increase time and financial burden.
Saudi Arabia’s 2030 vision
The move is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to improve employment standards and attract skilled workers.
- Under this policy, Saudi Arabia has also made changes in Iqamat (permission to stay) and visa rules.
- Now expatriates can renew their visa and Iqamat even while living abroad.
Contribution of Indian workers to Saudi labor market
- Currently, 24 lakh Indian workers are working in Saudi Arabia.
- Of these, 16.4 lakh are engaged in private sector and 7.85 lakh are engaged in domestic work.
- The new rule may make the employment process longer and more expensive, which will pose challenges to Indian workers.
need solution
Rajya Sabha MP Haris Biran has expressed concern over this issue and demanded opening of more verification centers so that applicants can get the facility.
This new policy of Saudi Arabia is a sign of giving priority to skilled workers, but due to this, Indian workers will have to face new obstacles in getting employment. These problems can be solved by better management and establishment of more centres.
