Immigration
Skill Verification Program (SVP) for Pakistani, Indian, Sri Lankan, and Egyptian workers in Saudi Arabia
Summary
Saudi Arabia has implemented the Skill Verification Program (SVP) to assess the skills of foreign workers before they enter the country. This mandatory program ensures workers possess the necessary qualifications for specific professions, improving the quality of the Saudi labour market and deterring unqualified individuals. Currently, the program applies to workers from Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and Egypt, with plans to expand to other countries and job categories.
The Detail
Launched in 2021, the SVP aims to attract skilled professionals and enhance the performance of the Saudi labour market. Pakistan was the first country to implement the program, paving the way for its expansion to other nations.
Current scope:
Pakistan: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) launched the first phase of the Skill Verification Program (SVP) in Pakistan. Five professions, such as plumber, electrician, welder, refrigeration/air conditioning technician, and automobile electrician, were selected for the skill testing in the first phase of the external track of the program.
India: The SVP was then extended to other countries including India, where the program’s launch was initiated in New Delhi and Mumbai, signifying a significant step towards assessing professional workers. Under the SVP, individuals already employed in Saudi Arabia or intending to work there are required to undergo comprehensive written and practical exams. The program’s scope encompasses 19 trades associated with electrical, welding, plumbing, and air conditioning fields, making it mandatory for workers seeking employment in these domains.
Sri Lanka: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) launched the Skill Verification Program (SVP) in Sri Lanka as part of a scheme to attract more skilled workers from that country.
Five professions, such as plumber, electrician, refrigeration/air conditioning technician, automobile mechanic and automobile electrician, were selected for skill testing in the first phase of the external track of the program, which is being implemented under the Ministry’s Professional Accreditation Program.
Key Points:
In December 2023, following the successful implementation of the SVP in Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia expanded the program to include Egypt. This expansion reinforces the programme’s effectiveness in ensuring a qualified workforce and attracting skilled professionals from various countries.
The programme launched its first phase, targeting five vocational fields: plumbing, electricity, welding, automobile mechanics, and carpentry. Additional vocational fields are planned for inclusion in future phases.
The SVP involves both written and practical assessments to gauge a worker’s skills and knowledge. Successful candidates receive a professional verification certificate, which is essential for visa renewal or obtaining employment visas in certain professions. This initiative aims to attract skilled talent, contribute to Saudi Arabia’s economic growth, and protect the local workforce from unfair competition by unqualified individuals.
How we can help
We are closely monitoring these changes in Saudi Arabia, and can advise you with respect to the impact of those changes as well as conduct any assessments your business might need to comply with the new requirements.
Contact us
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
Anir Chatterji
EMEA Immigration Partner
Ali Ibrahim
Director, Middle East Immigration
Ahmed Amer
Manager, Middle East Immigration
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Contact us on the following address: me-immigration@vialto.com
Vialto Partners (“Vialto”) refers to wholly owned subsidiaries of CD&R Galaxy UK OpCo Limited as well as the other members of the Vialto Partners global network. The information contained in this document is for general guidance on matters of interest only. Vialto is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event will Vialto, its related entities, or the agents or employees thereof be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information in this document or for any consequential, special or similar damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
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Further information on Vialto Partners can be found here: www.vialtopartners.com
Vialto Partners (“Vialto”) refers to wholly owned subsidiaries of CD&R Galaxy UK OpCo Limited as well as the other members of the Vialto Partners global network. The information contained in this document is for general guidance on matters of interest only. Vialto is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event will Vialto, its related entities, or the agents or employees thereof be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information in this document or for any consequential, special or similar damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
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