Saudi Arabia has made significant progress in creating job opportunities for qualified expatriates in the Kingdom. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has completed the first phase of the “Professional Verification” service, which is part of the “Professional Certification” programme.
This initiative covers 128 countries and works in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via a unified electronic platform overseen by the ministry. The ministry stated that this measure is in line with Cabinet Resolution No. 195. It is intended to ensure that expatriate workers entering Saudi Arabia have genuine academic qualifications and possess the necessary practical experience and skills required by the Saudi labour market.
The service targets high-skilled professions and verifies that the academic qualifications match the educational level and field according to approved standards such as the Unified Saudi Classification of Professions and the Unified Saudi Classification of Educational Levels and Specialties. This service is entirely automated, with simplified and fast procedures conducted through a unified platform for professional verification.
The ministry added that it is continuing to implement the stages of the “professional verification” plan, aiming to cover 160 countries worldwide for all professions, including engineering and healthcare, in coordination with relevant government agencies.
“Professional verification” helps ensure that unqualified expatriate workers do not enter the labour market and improves the quality of qualifications and skills data for expatriate workers. Through this service, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development aims to regulate the labour market, enhance the quality of jobs and services, and boost productivity.
