Saudi Arabia’s skills certification programme for Nepali workers suspended after protests
Summary
Saudi Arabia has suspended its mandatory skills certification programme for Nepali workers following protests by recruitment agencies in Kathmandu, citing concerns over increased costs and monopolistic practices.
Key Points
- Saudi Arabia suspended the mandatory skills certification programme for Nepali workers after protests by recruitment agencies in Kathmandu.
- The programme required Nepali workers to pay additional fees for certification and skills testing to obtain work visas in Saudi Arabia.
- Recruiters opposed the programme, claiming it created a monopoly and violated the labour agreement between Nepal and Saudi Arabia.
- The Ministry of Labour in Nepal has not yet issued an official position, and discussions are ongoing about the dispute.
