Saudi Arabia expands ‘Professional Verification’ programme to 160 countries

Dubai: Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has completed the final phase of its 'Professional Verification' service, expanding the program to 160 labour-exporting countries as part of its 'Professional Accreditation' initiative.

Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the programme aims to ensure expatriate workers meet the academic, scientific, and practical skill requirements of the Saudi labor market before arriving in the Kingdom.

The move follows a Cabinet decision mandating the verification of workers' qualifications to align with local labor standards.

The service targets highly skilled professions and evaluates workers' efficiency by verifying their academic qualifications and aligning them with their educational background and field of expertise.

The programme utilises standards such as the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations and the Saudi Unified Classification of Educational Levels and Specialisations. The fully automated service operates through a unified platform, streamlining and expediting the process.

The initiative covers 1,007 professions under the Professional Verification plan, focusing on groups 1-3 professions such as engineering and health roles, in collaboration with relevant government agencies.

The ministry stated that the programme aims to regulate the labor market, enhance job quality and service standards, and boost workforce productivity across the Kingdom