What is the Skills Verification Program?

The Skills Verification Program is a standardized test that assesses the skills and knowledge of foreign workers in a variety of professions. The test is based on the national occupational standards for each profession and is designed to ensure that workers have the skills they need to be successful in their jobs.

The SVP test is divided into two parts: a theoretical exam and a practical exam. The theoretical exam covers topics such as safety, regulations, and basic skills. The practical exam assesses the worker’s ability to perform the tasks required for their job.

Legal Framework: Cabinet Decision No. 195

The initiative operates under Cabinet Decision No. 195, which mandates that expatriate workers entering Saudi Arabia must:

• Possess verified academic and scientific qualifications.

• Demonstrate practical skills relevant to their profession.

The service enforces compliance with established Saudi standards, including:

1. Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations: Ensures job roles are aligned with clearly defined occupational criteria.

2. Saudi Unified Classification of Educational Levels and Specializations: Verifies workers’ qualifications against their field of expertise.

    

Key Features of the Professional Verification Program

1. Global Reach:

   • Covers 160 labor-exporting countries, ensuring consistent standards for workers entering the Kingdom.

2. Targeted Professions:

   • Focuses on 1,007 professions classified under groups 1 to 3 in the Saudi Unified Classification of Professions, including:

     • Engineering professions.

     • Healthcare roles.

     • Technical and specialized jobs.

3. Automated and Unified Platform:

   • Offers an efficient, simplified, and expedited process for qualification verification.

4. Collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

   • Ensures integration with visa processing and other pre-departure formalities.

Objectives of the Initiative

• Regulate the Labor Market: Eliminate unqualified workers and reduce mismatches in job roles.

• Enhance Workforce Quality: Ensure workers possess the expertise to meet industry demands.

• Boost Productivity: Elevate efficiency and professionalism in the workforce.

How Globaine EOR Can Help

1. Compliance with Professional Verification Requirements:

   • Pre-Employment Support: Ensure expatriate workers have the required documentation, qualifications, and skills verified before they enter Saudi Arabia.

   • Alignment with Standards: Guide businesses in navigating the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations and other compliance frameworks.

2. Streamlined Onboarding Processes:

   • Liaise with government agencies and ministries for expedited completion of verification and accreditation requirements.

   • Manage visa processing, work permits, and residency applications in line with the program.

3. HR and Recruitment Advisory:

   • Assist in identifying qualified candidates through partnerships with accredited agencies in labor-exporting countries.

   • Conduct audits of employee credentials to ensure compliance with Saudi regulations.

4. Automated Solutions for Document Management:

   • Offer a unified platform to track verification statuses and manage documentation for expatriate employees.

5. Ongoing Regulatory Updates:

   • Stay updated on changes to the Professional Verification Service and other Saudi labor laws, ensuring continuous compliance.

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Case Study: Ensuring Compliance for a Healthcare Recruitment Firm

Client Profile: A healthcare recruitment firm specializing in hiring expatriate doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals for Saudi hospitals.

Challenge: The client faced delays in onboarding due to incomplete verification of medical professionals’ qualifications and compliance gaps with Saudi standards. This led to project delays and reputational risks.

Globaine EOR Solution:

• Conducted a detailed audit of the recruitment pipeline to identify compliance gaps.

• Partnered with local Saudi authorities to ensure the verification of academic and professional credentials for all healthcare workers.

• Implemented an automated tracking system for verification statuses, ensuring timely updates for the client.

• Provided end-to-end visa and onboarding support to expedite the process.

Outcome:

• Successfully verified and onboarded 50+ healthcare professionals within 8 weeks, reducing onboarding timelines by 30%.

• Ensured 100% compliance with the Professional Verification Program, eliminating potential fines and delays.

   

Impact of the Initiative

• For Employers:

  • Improved access to a pool of skilled and verified workers, reducing hiring risks.

  • Compliance with Saudi labor regulations, avoiding penalties and disruptions.

• For Employees:

  • Ensures fair treatment and recognition of their qualifications.

  • Provides a clear pathway to employment in the Kingdom.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia’s Professional Verification Service marks a pivotal step in raising workforce standards and aligning the labor market with global benchmarks. For businesses, ensuring compliance can be complex, but with Globaine EOR’s expertise, you can seamlessly navigate the verification process, onboard top talent, and maintain full compliance with Saudi labor laws.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your recruitment and compliance needs in Saudi Arabia.