The Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Nepal has clarified that the skill certification program implemented for Nepali workers will not be halted. Saudi Ambassador Fahad Munaikir stated that the program aligns with government policy and the fee is only $50. Meanwhile, the Nepal Foreign Employment Business Association has expressed opposition, claiming the program imposes an economic burden on workers and could lead to new syndicates. Kathmandu, July 7.
The Saudi Embassy in Nepal affirmed that the Skill Verification Program (SVP) mandated for Nepali workers heading to Saudi Arabia for foreign employment will continue without interruption. The embassy emphasized that skill certification is compulsory and will remain in effect. During a meeting with representatives from the Nepal Foreign Employment Business Association, Ambassador Fahad Munaikir confirmed that this measure is an official government policy and will not be postponed.
Plans to establish a Skill Verification Center in Dhapasi, Kathmandu, were temporarily halted following opposition from manpower agencies. Subsequently, the center issued a notice suspending the program temporarily. However, the embassy has now confirmed that the program will be implemented starting July 1. Following the opposition, representatives from the association met with the ambassador at the Saudi Embassy in Kupundol for discussions.
Association president Dik Bahadur Khatri criticized the skill certification system, alleging it places an additional financial burden on impoverished workers and leads to extra charges by employment agencies. In response, Ambassador Munaikir clarified that the program is conducted according to Saudi government policy, and the certification fee is only 50 US dollars (approximately NPR 7,500). The embassy also informed that the program will be rolled out not only in Kathmandu but also in Lumbini, Janakpur, Narayangadh, and Mahottari.
