Saudi Arabia’s recent enforcement of mandatory skills certification for most categories of migrant workers marks a significant shift in its labour intake policy — and a serious challenge for Bangladesh.
With nearly 71 per cent of Bangladeshi overseas workers heading to the Kingdom in recent months, the new requirements under the Skill Verification Programme threaten to derail migration flows and compromise a vital source of remittance income.
Effective from 19 June, Bangladeshi workers, except for domestic staff, must now pass a two-part exam – theoretical and practical – and pay a $50 fee to qualify for Saudi work visas.
Administered under Saudi Arabia’s Takamol agency, the certification has expanded from five to 33 occupational categories in just over a year.
While upskilling workers is a laudable objective in theory, the abrupt enforcement and lack of adequate support mechanisms have left thousands in limbo.
This newspaper on Friday reported that the process is proving particularly burdensome for low-skilled labourers – cleaners, loaders, and others, many of whom are digitally illiterate and struggle to navigate computer-based exams.
The costs involved, including the test fee (charged per attempt), are unaffordable for many aspiring migrants.
For these workers, even a minor delay in migration translates into severe financial stress.
What is further concerning is the monopoly-like structure surrounding the certification process.
Critics, including members of the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA), have raised valid questions about why one company alone controls the testing, certification, and fees, sparking fears of exploitation and mismanagement.
While some argue that certification may eventually lead to higher wages and reduced fraud, these long-term benefits will mean little if workers are unable to pass through the current barriers.
The government must act swiftly. At the diplomatic level, Bangladesh should seek exemptions or phased implementation for certain low-skill categories.
For roles where certification is appropriate, greater investment must be made in accessible, subsidised training and digital literacy programmes.
It is also crucial to ensure transparency and competition in how testing is administered, avoiding monopolistic arrangements that place unfair financial burdens on the poorest workers.
Bangladesh cannot afford to lose access to its largest overseas job market. A balance must be struck between quality assurance and fairness, ensuring that skill certification raises standards, not walls.
Migrant workers deserve opportunity, not obstacles. The government must defend their interests now, before the doors close further.
