Saudi Arabia Implements Skill Verification Exam for Indian Job Seekers
In a move to enhance the quality of professional work, Saudi Arabia has introduced a skill verification exam for Indian nationals seeking employment in the country, as reported by The Economic Times. The Skill Verification Program (SVP) test has now become mandatory for specific job roles and may be expanded to other categories in the future. Currently, the exam is required for 19 professions, including plumbers, welders, electricians, and automotive technicians.
The Skill Verification Program was launched in 2021 by Saudi Arabia and involves both written and practical tests for individuals already working or planning to work in the country. The Saudi Arabia Embassy in India has notified recruiting agencies about the implementation of the skill verification test.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia recently relaxed its visit visa rules, allowing all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) residents to apply for a visit visa. Visitors can now obtain multiple-entry visas valid for up to 90 days, with a one-year validity period, excluding the Haj season. Additionally, single-entry visas for up to 30 days are available with a three-month validity period, provided the applicant possesses a residency ID from a GCC country valid for at least three months.
In another development, Saudi Arabia has replaced visa stickers with e-visas in its missions across seven countries, including India, the UAE, and the Philippines. Passport stickers have been replaced with QR codes, as announced by the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.