Starting January 14, 2025, Indian workers seeking employment in Saudi Arabia will be required to undergo pre-verification of their professional and educational qualifications, as per a new mandate by the Saudi government. This move is part of the kingdom’s efforts to enhance recruitment standards, improve workforce quality, and align with its Vision 2030 initiatives.

The Saudi mission in India issued a circular announcing that professional verification procedures will now be a mandatory requirement for issuing work visas. The policy, proposed six months ago, aims to regulate the number of incoming workers, address limited training center capacity, and ensure higher retention rates for expatriates in Saudi Arabia's labor market.

Stricter Recruitment Process

Under the new rules, establishment owners and HR departments in Saudi Arabia are encouraged to verify the qualifications and documents of expatriate employees before hiring. This pre-verification step is expected to streamline the recruitment process and attract more skilled talent.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia has updated rules for expatriates regarding exit/re-entry visa extensions and the renewal of Iqamas (residency permits). The General Directorate of Passports announced that expatriates, including those currently outside the kingdom, can now renew their Iqamas online.

Challenges for Indian Workers

India remains a significant source of labor for Saudi Arabia, with over 2.4 million Indian workers residing in the kingdom. However, the new verification process has highlighted logistical challenges for applicants. A shortage of test centers in India, particularly for roles like drivers, has created difficulties for workers, especially those from southern states who must travel to northern regions such as Rajasthan for verification.

Speaking on the issue, Haris Beeran, a Rajya Sabha member, pointed out the need for more accessible test centers to ensure smoother compliance with the new rules.

Elevating Workforce Standards

The introduction of mandatory pre-verification is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to raise labor standards and attract highly skilled expatriates. Under its Vision 2030 initiative, the kingdom aims to diversify its economy and build a robust, qualified workforce to support its development goals.

This policy underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to improving recruitment quality and ensuring better integration of foreign workers into its labor market, signaling a shift toward a more structured and efficient system.