Known as Skill Verification Program (SVP) test, it has been made mandatory for certain categories of jobs in the first phase and gradually it will expand to all other jobs.
Launched in 2021, the Saudi Skill Verification Program aims at enhancing the quality of professional manpower and preventing unqualified employees from working in the country. The program mandates that professional workers who are already working or planning to work in Saudi have to take both written and practical exams.
Individuals applying for the professions listed below will be required to take this mandatory test. Total of 19 professions will have to take the test
- Building Electrician
- Plumber
- Pipe Fitter
- Automotive Electrician
- Welder
- Underwater Welder
- Flame Cutter
- Drilling Rig Electrician
- Electrical Equipment Assembler
- Electrical Transformer Assembler
- Electrical Panel Assembler
- Electrical Equipment Assembler
- Electrical Equipment Maintenance Worker
- Electrical Cable Connector
- Electrical Power Lines Worker
- Electronic Switch Board Assembler
- Black smith
- Cooling Equipment Assembler
- Heating, ventilation and Air Conditioning Mechanic.
The Saudi Arabian embassy in India has been informed recruiting agencies about the mandatory exam. It is to be noted that a large number of Indians including engineers, IT and other professionals legally enter Saudi under the above visas and later change their job titles. They do this as getting this type of visa is much easier. However, the system has been largely misappropriated by Indians and other foreign countries. Most Indians who come and land into trouble though fraudulent agents also come through some of these visas.Once the candidate receive their professional verification certificate, they can continue doing their current job and renew their visa or apply for a fresh work visa when seeking employment. This program was first implemented in Pakistan and now is getting expanded into other countries from where the influx of unskilled workers is high.
