Saudia(The COW News Digital)Pakistani nationals seeking employment in Saudi Arabia have been given a major facilitation with the formal implementation of the “Takamol Skill Verification Program” (SVP), a joint initiative between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia aimed at ensuring workforce quality and compliance with Saudi labor standards.
Under the agreement, the Takamol SVP has become mandatory for skilled workers entering Saudi Arabia for employment purposes. The program officially came into effect on July 1 and applies to Pakistani citizens as well as workers from other Asian countries. From now on, skill verification through Takamol is a compulsory requirement for obtaining a Saudi work visa.
The program is designed to ensure that foreign workers meet the professional and technical standards set by Saudi authorities for various occupations. Candidates traveling from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia must pass the Takamol SVP assessment relevant to their profession. Only applicants who successfully clear the test will be eligible to proceed with employment opportunities in the Kingdom.
Pakistan’s National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) is playing a key role in implementing the program. NAVTTC is coordinating with Saudi authorities and other stakeholders to facilitate workers, training centers, and assessment bodies, ensuring a smooth transition to the new system.
Officials say the initiative will help protect workers’ rights, reduce skill mismatches, and improve job placement outcomes for Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia. It is also expected to enhance the credibility of Pakistani skilled labor in the Saudi job market, which hosts millions of foreign workers across construction, technical, and service sectors.
For registration, applicants are required to visit the official Takamol SVP international portal and create an online profile by providing personal and professional details. After completing registration, candidates must select their profession, assessment center, and preferred test date. A roll number slip can then be downloaded for appearing in the assessment.
Applicants must attend the test at the designated time and location. The fee for obtaining the Takamol skill verification certificate is approximately 50 US dollars, equivalent to around PKR 14,100. Authorities have clarified that the fee covers assessment and certification costs.
Once a candidate successfully passes the assessment, the result and digital skill verification certificate are uploaded to the portal within 24 hours. The certificate can be downloaded directly and used for further visa and employment processing.
Officials believe the new system will bring transparency, standardization, and long-term benefits for both workers and employers, while strengthening labor cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
