Saudi Arabia Implements Controversial Skill Certification, Charges $50 Fee Through Private Company

Despite requests from the Nepalese government and protests from foreign employment agencies, Saudi Arabia has implemented the controversial Skill Verification Program (SVP). The Saudi authorities are pressuring manpower agencies via email to pay a fee of 50 US dollars through a private company. The Foreign Employment Association of Nepal describes this process as a form of financial exploitation, adding an economic burden on both workers and agencies.

Kathmandu, 19 July — Despite appeals from the Nepalese government and strong opposition from foreign employment agencies, Saudi Arabia has launched the disputed Skill Verification Program (SVP) for Nepali workers. The Ministry of Youth, Labour and Employment had urged the Saudi government to withhold immediate implementation of the program. However, in practice, the Saudi side continues to collect fees through a private company, maintaining the program’s operation.

Dik Bahadur Khatri, President of the Foreign Employment Association of Nepal, has labeled this procedure as “outright fraud.” Initially, the program was introduced as an ‘Employer Pay Model,’ in which the employer would bear all associated fees. Currently, however, Nepali manpower agencies are being pressured through emails to remit 50 dollars. According to Khatri, authorized manpower companies are receiving emails requesting payment via a private firm named “Sai Vision Digital Pvt. Ltd” based in Samakhusi.

As Saudi Arabia advances its fee collection process, employment agencies have accused the state apparatus of ineffectiveness. Although the Nepalese government has officially called for suspension of the program, questions remain about how it is being enforced through private companies. Agencies also report plans to expand examination centers beyond existing ones, with additional centers slated for various locations in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur.