Saudi Arabia announces mandatory employment test for Indians

Saudi Arabia

Launched in 2021, the Skill Verification Program (SVP) aims to ensure that only qualified professionals are allowed to work in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has made it mandatory for Indians to take the Skill Verification Program (SVP) test, according to a report by The Economic Times.

The move is part of the kingdom’s efforts to enhance the quality of its professional workforce and combat the issue of unqualified employees.

The test is mandatory for specific categories of jobs in the initial phase, with the intention to gradually expand it to encompass all other occupations.

Launched in 2021, the Skill Verification Program (SVP) aims to ensure that only qualified professionals are allowed to work in Saudi Arabia.

The Skill Verification Program began its first phase in India in December 2022, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) and as reported by SPA. The launch initially took place in New Delhi and Mumbai.

Under this program, professional workers who are already employed in Saudi Arabia or plan to work there must undertake both written and practical exams.

The test is now required for a total of 19 professions, including building electricians, plumbers, welders, and electronic switchboard assemblers.

The Saudi Arabia embassy of India has notified recruiting agencies about this mandatory exam.

A number of Indians, including engineers, IT professionals, and others, legally enter Saudi Arabia under the aforementioned visas and subsequently change their job titles.

Some individuals who fall victim to fraudulent agents also enter Saudi Arabia under these visas.

Once candidates receive their professional verification certificates, they can continue in their current job and renew their visa, or apply for a fresh work visa when seeking employment.

Individuals applying for the professions listed below will be required to take this mandatory test. A total of 19 professionals will have to take the test:

• Building Electrician
• Plumber
• Pipe Fitter
• Automotive Electrician
• Welder
• Underwater Welder
• Flame Cutter
• Drilling Rig Electrician
• Electrical Equipment Assembler
• Electrical Transformer Assembler
• Electrical Panel Assembler
• Electrical Equipment Assembler
• Electrical Equipment Maintenance Worker
• Electrical Cable Connector
• Electrical Power Lines Worker
• Electronic Switch Board Assembler
• Black smith
• Cooling Equipment Assembler
• Heating, ventilation, and Air Conditioning mechanics.