Saudi Arabia Work Visa New Update effective January 14th, 2025, Indian workers seeking employment opportunities in Saudi Arabia will face a new hurdle. The Kingdom has implemented a mandatory pre-verification process for all professional and academic qualifications submitted with work visa applications.
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A Strategy for Quality Control
This move, proposed six months ago, aims to address two key concerns:
- Quality Assurance: Saudi Arabia seeks to maintain high standards within its workforce by ensuring the validity and authenticity of Indian workers’ qualifications.
- Managing Inflow: The pre-verification process is also seen as a way to regulate the number of incoming Indian workers, aligning with the capacity of the country’s training centers.
Streamlining the Process
The pre-verification requirement is expected to streamline the recruitment process by:
- Reducing Fraudulent Applications: By verifying qualifications beforehand, Saudi authorities aim to eliminate applications based on false or misleading credentials.
- Facilitating Hiring: Employers can be more confident in the qualifications of potential Indian employees, potentially leading to faster and more efficient hiring practices.
Impact on Indian Workers
The new policy may pose temporary challenges for Indian workers seeking employment in Saudi Arabia:
- Potential Delays: The pre-verification process may add an extra layer of time and complexity to the visa application process.
- Meeting Requirements: Indian workers need to ensure their qualifications meet the specific standards set by Saudi Arabian authorities.
Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Approach
Despite the initial hurdles, the pre-verification process could ultimately benefit both sides. By fostering a more transparent and qualified workforce, it could lead to a stronger and more mutually beneficial relationship between Saudi Arabia and the Indian labor market.