India and Saudi Arabia Collaborate to Enhance Workforce Skills
In a major development for global workforce mobility, the National Skill Development Corporation International (NSDCI) of India has joined hands with Saudi Arabia’s Takamol Holding to roll out the Skill Verification Program (SVP). This partnership aims to ensure that Indian workers heading to Saudi Arabia have the right skills and certifications required to excel in their jobs.
This collaboration is a key milestone in strengthening the economic relationship between India and Saudi Arabia, two countries that already share deep historical, cultural, and trade ties.
What is the Skill Verification Program (SVP)?
The Skill Verification Program (SVP) is designed to assess and certify the practical and theoretical skills of Indian workers who are planning to work in Saudi Arabia.
Under this program, workers will go through a two-stage evaluation process:
- Theoretical test – to check knowledge of the trade.
- Practical test – to assess hands-on skills on the job.
Those who pass both stages will receive a joint certificate issued by NSDCI and Takamol Holding. This certificate will serve as a formal recognition of the worker’s qualifications in the Saudi job market.
Why is the SVP Important?
This program offers multiple advantages:
- It boosts the confidence of Saudi employers in hiring Indian workers.
- It helps Indian workers secure better job roles and salaries.
- It reduces the risk of workers facing job insecurity or exploitation due to skill mismatch.
- It improves the overall image of Indian talent in global markets.
Overall, the SVP is expected to make the recruitment process smoother and more reliable for both employers and employees.
Trades Covered Under the Program
At the launch stage, the SVP will focus on five high-demand trades:
- Electricity
- Plumbing
- Automotive Electrician
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
- Welding
These sectors are crucial for Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors.
In the next phase, the program will expand to cover additional trades, including:
- Plastering
- Tiling
- Masonry
- Carpentry
- Automotive Mechanics
- And more
This expansion will further broaden the opportunities available to Indian workers across industries.
Where Will the Tests Be Conducted?
To support this initiative, ten international test centers have already been set up across India. Some of the key locations include:
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Kerala
- Uttar Pradesh
- Bihar
- West Bengal
These centers are equipped to conduct the skill verification assessments in a standardized and professional environment.
Looking ahead, more centers are expected to open in:
- Rajasthan
- Assam
- Ahmedabad
- Karnataka
This will help make the program accessible to a larger number of workers across the country.
How Will This Impact Indian Workers?
For thousands of Indian workers looking for employment in Saudi Arabia, the SVP offers greater transparency and opportunity.
Here’s what the partnership will deliver:
- Better job opportunities in Saudi Arabia.
- Recognition of their skills on an international stage.
- Increased job security thanks to formal certification.
- Protection against exploitation and unfair treatment.
- Potential to negotiate higher wages due to certified skills.
By improving the reputation and trust in Indian labor, the program paves the way for long-term economic benefits for Indian families and communities.
How Does This Fit Into Saudi Vision 2030?
The partnership aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, an ambitious national plan aimed at:
- Reducing dependence on oil revenue.
- Diversifying the economy.
- Building a highly skilled local and foreign workforce.
By collaborating with countries like India, Saudi Arabia is looking to bring in world-class talent to support its transformation. This is particularly important as the kingdom invests heavily in megaprojects like NEOM city, smart cities, and new industrial zones.
Statements from Leadership
Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and MD of NSDC International, shared that this partnership marks an important step in the globalization of Indian skills. He highlighted that India has long been a trusted partner for Saudi Arabia in terms of talent and workforce, and the SVP will only strengthen this reputation.
Officials from Takamol Holding emphasized the importance of international cooperation in achieving Saudi Arabia’s workforce goals, noting that India’s rich talent pool will play a critical role in supporting the kingdom’s growth.
Looking Ahead
This agreement not only improves the chances of employment for Indian workers but also sets a global benchmark for skill certification and mobility between countries.
It opens the door for similar partnerships between India and other nations, further cementing India’s role as the skills capital of the world.
For young workers and experienced professionals alike, the message is clear: investing in skills and certification is the best way to secure a prosperous future, both at home and abroad.
Final Thoughts
The collaboration between NSDC International and Takamol Holding is a win-win deal for both India and Saudi Arabia.
It strengthens economic ties, supports workforce development, and empowers thousands of workers to achieve their global dreams. As the program grows, it will not only benefit individual workers but also contribute to the economic progress of both nations.
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