Saudi Arabia makes skills test mandatory for Nepali workers, Adding $100 cost before employment

KATHMAND: Nepali workers seeking employment in Saudi Arabia will now be required to pass a mandatory skills assessment before receiving labor approval and a work visa, introducing a new compliance requirement that industry representatives warn could increase the financial burden on migrant workers.

The new rule came into effect today and applies to workers traveling to Saudi Arabia under new employment visas. Under the system, applicants must successfully complete a designated skills examination and obtain certification before becoming eligible for labor permits and visa processing.

Workers who fail the assessment will not be allowed to proceed with employment procedures for Saudi Arabia.

Additional Cost of $100 Per Worker

The mandatory certification process carries a fee of USD 100, equivalent to approximately NPR 15,000, which workers must pay to sit for the examination and receive certification.

The new requirement is expected to add to the overall cost of foreign employment for thousands of Nepali workers, many of whom already borrow money to cover recruitment, medical, documentation, and travel expenses before departing for overseas jobs.

Saudi Arabia remains one of Nepal’s largest labor destinations, employing hundreds of thousands of Nepali migrant workers across construction, manufacturing, hospitality, transport, and service sectors.

Industry Raises Concerns Over Financial Burden

Former President of the Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Agencies, Rajendra Bhandari, expressed concern that the new system could place additional pressure on low-income workers seeking overseas employment opportunities.

According to Bhandari, workers who do not pass the test will be unable to secure employment approval for Saudi Arabia, making the certification process a mandatory gateway for migration.

He argued that the additional USD 100 fee could further increase migration costs at a time when many workers are already facing significant financial challenges.

Bhandari also alleged that there is potential for irregularities within the certification process if adequate oversight is not maintained. He claimed that some intermediaries and training centers could attempt to exploit workers by charging additional fees under the pretext of guaranteeing exam success.

According to him, concerns have emerged that some workers may be asked to pay substantially higher amounts beyond the official examination fee through informal arrangements.

Concerns Over Transparency and Coordination

Industry stakeholders have questioned whether sufficient consultation was conducted with Nepal’s government and labor sector representatives before implementation of the new system.

Critics argue that introducing mandatory certification without broader coordination could create confusion among workers, recruitment agencies, and employers during the transition period.

Some labor market observers have warned that if monitoring mechanisms remain weak, the new requirement could inadvertently create opportunities for unauthorized middlemen to profit from vulnerable job seekers.

The concerns come as Nepal continues efforts to reduce migration costs and improve protections for workers seeking employment abroad.

Saudi Arabia Says Measure Aims to Improve Workforce Quality

Saudi authorities have stated that the purpose of the certification requirement is to ensure that foreign workers entering the Kingdom possess the technical skills and competencies required for their respective occupations.

The system is designed to improve workforce quality, enhance productivity, and ensure that employees meet professional standards before arriving in the country.

Similar skills-verification programs have been introduced in several labor-importing countries as part of broader workforce modernization and labor market reforms.

Supporters of the policy argue that internationally recognized skills certification could ultimately benefit workers by improving employability, increasing workplace safety, and potentially supporting higher wages for qualified personnel.

Impact on Nepal’s Foreign Employment Sector

The new requirement is expected to have a significant impact on Nepal’s foreign employment industry, particularly because Saudi Arabia remains one of the country’s most important labor destinations.

According to labor experts, the key challenge will be ensuring that the certification process remains transparent, affordable, and free from exploitation.

With labor migration continuing to play a critical role in Nepal’s economy through remittance inflows, stakeholders are urging the government to closely monitor implementation and ensure that workers are not subjected to unnecessary costs or fraudulent practices.

If effectively managed, the system could help improve the skills profile of Nepali workers in overseas labor markets. However, if oversight remains weak, concerns persist that the additional requirement could become another financial hurdle for aspiring migrant workers already facing rising migration expenses.