Summary: A team from the Ministry of Labour discovered that the Skill Certification Center located in Basundhara, Kathmandu was charging fees from workers and issuing certificates without government approval. Following this, the center has been sealed. The ‘Skill Verification Program’ (SVP), which collects a fee of 50 US dollars per worker intending to go to Saudi Arabia, was being operated as a syndicate without official authorization, according to the inspection team. The ministry has decided to take further legal and administrative actions against the center for violating the law, based on the team’s report.
On July 24, preparations were underway to inaugurate the Skill Certification Program center in Basundhara, Kathmandu. The Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nepal was scheduled to formally open the Skill Verification Program (SVP). However, manpower agencies arrived at the center and vandalized banners and the entrance, disrupting the event. In response to business opposition, the Industry Training Institute (ITI), responsible for operating the center, announced the postponement of the SVP program. Despite this, some businessmen continued to oppose the center’s operation.
Meanwhile, Dik Bahadur Khatri, President of the Nepal Foreign Employment Association, and Hari Dangi, its General Secretary, along with officials from the Ministry of Labour, were investigating the situation. Officials from the Ministry of Youth, Labour and Employment mentioned they were seeking an official stance from the Saudi Embassy. Informally, they noted that decisions regarding the types of workers being sent and whether to conduct skill tests fall within the policy rights of the receiving country.
During this period, Labour Minister Ramji Yadav met with Saudi Ambassador Fahad Mohammed Al-Imnikhurabi. Minister Yadav specifically requested halting the SVP program. The ambassador assured that he would consult with the Saudi government and provide further information. Based on this assurance, the government concluded that the program would not be implemented immediately. However, shortly thereafter, the certification process began at the center.
Workers who paid a fee of 50 US dollars underwent a three-hour test administered by ITI, after which they were issued an SVP certificate. The Saudi Embassy in Kathmandu did not accept visa applications from workers lacking this certification. The Saudi authorities have been conducting skill tests mainly for laborers involved in tasks such as loading and unloading cargo, carrying loads, cart pushing, and construction work.
The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development had indicated that the skill certification program was conducted as a prerequisite for obtaining labor visas there. After implementation started, manpower companies began receiving emails requesting dollar payments. The email, sent through a private company named “Sai Vision Digital Pvt. Ltd.” in Samakhusi, instructed a payment of 50 US dollars. Upon realizing that the program was being operated without government permission or knowledge, a joint inspection team from the Ministry of Labour, Department of Foreign Employment, CTEVT, and Ministry of Education visited the center on July 21 to investigate. The team found that the center was charging workers 50 US dollars for skill testing and subsequently sealed the center.
During the inspection, it was found that ITI had only received permission from CTEVT to conduct skill training but was also performing skill testing and certification, which was against the authorization. Following directives from Minister Yadav, the team concluded that the program was issuing skill certification certificates in contravention of conditions laid down for foreign employment-bound workers. According to a member of the inspection team, the center was being operated like a syndicate, financially burdening workers.
“This is another form of syndicate. They did not obtain permission nor inform the government, yet have been imposing financial burdens on workers,” said the team member. “Since the program was being forcibly implemented, we have deemed it illegal and sealed the center.”
According to the official, charging extra fees for skill testing from ordinary workers who already take loans for foreign employment is an injustice to them. The inspection team is preparing to submit its report to the Ministry of Labour. The ministry stated it will take necessary legal and administrative actions based on that report.
