Pakistani citizens seeking work visas for Saudi Arabia must now undergo mandatory skill verification under the Takamol Skill Verification Program (SVP), following a formal agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
According to official sources, the agreement has been finalized to implement the SVP under Takamol Company, making skills assessment a prerequisite for obtaining a Saudi work visa. The move is aimed at improving professional standards and ensuring that foreign workers meet Saudi Arabia’s labor market requirements.
What Is the Takamol Skill Verification Program (SVP)?
Saudi Arabia introduced the Skill Verification Program on July 1, targeting skilled foreign workers from Pakistan and other Asian countries. The program evaluates whether a worker meets the technical and professional standards required for a specific occupation in the Kingdom.
Under the new rules, Pakistani skilled workers must pass the SVP test before applying for a Saudi work visa. Without clearance from Takamol, visa processing will not proceed.
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How the Skill Verification Process Works
To obtain the Takamol Skill Verification Certificate, applicants must:
- Register on the SVP International Portal
- Enter personal and professional details
- Select their trade, assessment center, and test date
- Download the roll number slip
- Appear for the test at the assigned date, time, and location
Candidates who successfully pass the assessment will receive their result and digital skill certificate within 24 hours, which can be downloaded from the portal.
Fee Structure
The Takamol Skill Verification Certificate fee has been set at USD 50, which is approximately PKR 14,100. The fee is payable during the online registration process.
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Role of NAVTTC in Pakistan
The National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) is playing a key role in facilitating the implementation of the SVP in Pakistan. NAVTTC will coordinate with relevant institutions to streamline the verification process and help Pakistani workers prepare for skill assessments.
Why This Change Matters
Officials say the initiative will enhance the quality of the Saudi workforce while also opening better employment opportunities for certified Pakistani workers. By ensuring standardized skills, the program aims to reduce job mismatches, exploitation, and rejection rates.
Experts believe the policy will improve Pakistan’s reputation as a source of skilled labor and increase long-term employment prospects in Saudi Arabia.
