Saudi Arabia: Professional Verification Scheme Announced for Select Bangladeshi Nationals

Saudi Arabia’s Professional Verification scheme has expanded to select nationals of Bangladesh who will now be required to have their skills evaluated in their home country prior to obtaining a Saudi entry visa. This follows the initial launch of the program in January 2021, followed by the expansion of the program in a second phase for Pakistani nationals and third phase for Indian nationals. Bangladeshi nationals seeking employment in Saudi Arabia as plumbers, electricians, welders, refrigeration/air conditioning technicians, and automobile electricians must now undergo theoretical and practical tests to evaluate their skills. Those who pass the tests with a minimum score of 50% will be issued an internationally recognized certification with a five-year validity that will allow them to apply for an entry visa to work in Saudi Arabia. Saudi employers or sponsors must pay for all expenses associated with the program, including work visas, travel tickets, medical and police reports. The expansion of the scheme is expected to limit the pool of available candidates for Saudi employers from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, while increasing the overall processing timeframe and costs. The Saudi government is expected to expand the scheme to further nationalities.