The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) in Saudi Arabia has expanded its ‘Professional Verification’ service to workers from 160 countries. This initiative is part of the ‘Professional Accreditation’ program, designed to ensure that expatriate workers possess the necessary skills and qualifications before entering the Kingdom. The program is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The service was introduced following a decision by the Council of Ministers to align expatriate workers’ qualifications with Saudi labor market standards. The program verifies workers’ academic and practical skills to ensure they meet the demands of their specific professions. It uses the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations and the Saudi Unified Classification of Educational Levels and Specializations to assess and validate qualifications.
Currently, the Professional Verification service includes 1,007 specific professions, particularly those in skilled fields like engineering and healthcare. It targets workers in job groups categorized under levels 1-3 of the Saudi Unified Classification of Professions. The process is fully automated and is designed to provide a streamlined and efficient experience for both workers and employers.
The ministry’s goal is to regulate the labor market, improve job quality, and increase workforce productivity. By focusing on enhancing the skills of expatriate workers, the initiative aims to ensure a higher standard of services and job performance across the Kingdom.