Saudi Arabia has introduced stricter requirements for Indian nationals applying for work visas. Effective from January 15, 2025, individuals wishing to work in Saudi Arabia will now be required to undergo a pre-screening process to validate their professional qualifications and educational background. This new policy, implemented by the Saudi government, aims to ensure that workers entering the country possess the necessary skills for the roles they will be filling.
As part of the revised visa application process, applicants will need to have their professional qualifications verified, ensuring they have the required expertise for their chosen professions. This decision follows a proposal made six months ago and is designed to address concerns regarding the underqualification of some workers from India. A lack of adequate training centers in India has been identified as a contributing factor to this issue.
Currently, over 2.4 million Indian workers are employed in Saudi Arabia, making India one of the largest sources of labor for the kingdom. The new visa policy is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to diversify the nation’s economy and enhance the quality of its workforce. The stricter visa regulations are part of efforts to ensure that foreign workers bring valuable skills that will contribute to the country’s long-term development goals.
For Indian workers, the new visa requirements may present both challenges and opportunities. While some may face difficulties in meeting the new standards, others will be encouraged to enhance their skills and qualifications in order to comply with the updated rules. Additionally, Saudi employers will be required to ensure that they are hiring workers who meet the new professional standards, which will involve verifying the necessary documentation and qualifications.
These changes reflect a broader trend towards tightening recruitment standards, a shift that will impact labor market dynamics between India and Saudi Arabia. However, the increased focus on skills and qualifications offers Indian workers the potential for better job prospects and career growth within the Saudi labor market, which remains one of the largest destinations for expatriates worldwide.