Saudi Professional Accreditation Program verifies skills of about 209,500 expatriate workers

Foreign workers work at a construction site in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (File/Reuters)
Foreign workers work at a construction site in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (File/Reuters)
Short Url
Updated 20 October 2024
Follow

Saudi Professional Accreditation Program verifies skills of about 209,500 expatriate workers

Foreign workers work at a construction site in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (File/Reuters)
  • Scheme bids to ensure that workers possess necessary qualifications 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development is continuing its efforts to improve the quality of labor market outcomes through the Professional Accreditation Program, which has achieved record numbers since its launch and accredited about 209,500 workers in various professions, covering over 1,000 occupations worldwide.

The program aims to ensure that expatriate workers possess the necessary skills and qualifications in line with the requirements of each profession, aligning with the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations to guarantee a more efficient and high-quality work environment, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

The program includes the professional verification and professional inspection services, both of which operate according to specific mechanisms and methodologies.

The professional verification service aims to verify the skills, experience, and certifications of expatriate workers in high-skill jobs. This process is fully automated and conducted through a unified electronic platform with a maximum processing time of 15 working days.

The professional inspection service targets workers with medium and low skill levels in professions that do not require academic degrees. It also assesses the skill levels of expatriate workers through practical and theoretical tests conducted both before and after workers enter the Kingdom.

The program enables employers to assess their workforce while using around 127 professional examination centers inside and outside the Kingdom.

The service is used by five countries among the largest exporters of expatriate workers to the Saudi labor market: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Egypt.

The program continues to grow and expand, covering additional countries and more professions, and this will result in raising awareness among employers and government and private institutions about the importance of employing qualified expatriate workers, ensuring job performance quality and improving the professional qualifications of workers across various sectors.

The program aims to regulate the entry of workers with the necessary knowledge and skills into the Kingdom and contribute to creating a labor market with trusted competencies.


Expo showcases Korean creativity at Boulevard City

Expo showcases Korean creativity at Boulevard City
Updated 03 November 2024
Follow

Expo showcases Korean creativity at Boulevard City

Expo showcases Korean creativity at Boulevard City
  • The blend of modern and traditional elements provided visitors with a deeper understanding of Korean culture, showcasing its evolution and depth

RIYADH: An expo in Riyadh has showcased the diversity of Korean culture, drawing crowds to Boulevard City.

The Korea Brand Expo was held on Oct. 31-Nov. 1 as part of Riyadh Season.

Opening its doors from 5 p.m. until midnight, the expo created an inviting space for attendees to immerse themselves in the latest Korean goods while enjoying a variety of artistic performances.

One of the highlights of the event was the appearance of renowned Korean artist Kwon Yuri, who captivated the audience with her presence and talent.

Alongside her, popular musical groups such as NOMAD and OZMSR energized the crowd with their performances, creating a lively ambience that reflected the dynamic spirit of contemporary Korean music.

The Changtique band added another layer to the musical experience by performing traditional Korean music, celebrating the nation’s rich artistic heritage.

The blend of modern and traditional elements provided visitors with a deeper understanding of Korean culture, showcasing its evolution and depth.

In addition to the musical acts, the event featured a variety of engaging activities designed to entertain and connect fans with their favorite stars. Interactive signing sessions allowed attendees to meet and greet their idols, creating memorable moments that fans will cherish.

Talk shows with Korean celebrities offered insights into their personal stories and experiences, fostering a deeper connection between the artists and the audience.

The Korea Brand Expo served as an excellent platform for introducing local audiences to a wide array of Korean products, all within an environment that seamlessly blended art, creativity and innovation.

Visitors had the opportunity to explore diverse exhibits that showcased the latest trends in fashion, accessories, technology and lifestyle. Each exhibit was thoughtfully curated to reflect the essence of Korean culture, providing a captivating experience for all who attended.

Entry to the exhibition was free. The Korea Brand Expo not only celebrated Korean creativity, but also strengthened cultural ties, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

As the event concluded, it was clear that the expo highlighted the richness of Korean culture and its potential to inspire and connect with audiences around the world.


The wheel of time: Jazan’s vibrant pottery reflects heritage

The wheel of time: Jazan’s vibrant pottery reflects heritage
Updated 02 November 2024
Follow

The wheel of time: Jazan’s vibrant pottery reflects heritage

The wheel of time: Jazan’s vibrant pottery reflects heritage
  • Pottery in Jazan is a lasting symbol of authenticity and belonging through the efforts of artisans and enthusiasts

RIYADH: In Saudi Arabia’s Jazan region, pottery is not just a craft but also among the oldest heritage crafts embodying the region’s cultural identity. Its creative legacy echoes locals’ dedication to preserving the traditions of their ancestors.

Over the years, the people of Jazan learned to transform clay into durable and functional tools and utensils. These handcrafted items reflect the beauty of Jazan’s nature and the depth of its heritage — a historic art form that strengthens the relationship between locals and land.

Jazan’s artisans have mastered the art of pottery, molding the clay extracted from dry valleys known as “valley clay.” The clay is carefully collected, purified and kneaded to become soft and moldable, Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

Simple tools are used in molding clay items before leaving them to dry under the sun for several days. The plates are later placed in traditional kilns at high temperatures to become durable and solid to withstand high temperatures and daily use.

Among the pieces created are cooking pots, cups and utensils that continue to be valuable and are used to cook and serve traditional dishes. 

Cooking in clay pots is part of experiencing the region’s heritage and brings with it the warmth of the past. The slow and even distribution of heat makes enhances the dishes that are cooked in it, such as madhbi and mandi.

Despite the emergence of modern household appliances, clay pots for cooking and serving food are still widely popular in Jazan and beyond. 

However, SPA’s report noted that although pottery is an appreciated part of heritage in Jazan, it is facing several challenges, including the lack of young Saudi craftsmen and the lack of natural clay resources.

This has compelled local authorities to intensify efforts to support the craft of pottery, such as organizing training courses that enable youths to acquire the skills for carrying the legacy of this tradition into the future.

Local festivals are also being organized to introduce visitors to the importance of pottery in the region’s heritage and its role in the Saudi culture, SPA reported. 

Pottery in Jazan is a lasting symbol of authenticity and belonging through the efforts of artisans and enthusiasts. It combines locals’ love for land and nature and represents a significant aspect of the region’s cultural identity.


Saudi authorities arrest 21,370 visa violators, border intruders in a week

Saudi authorities arrest 21,370 visa violators, border intruders in a week
Updated 03 November 2024
Follow

Saudi authorities arrest 21,370 visa violators, border intruders in a week

Saudi authorities arrest 21,370 visa violators, border intruders in a week

RIYADH: A campaign to track down and arrest violators of residency, employment and border security regulations was conducted across the Kingdom in last week of October. 

A total of 21,370 violators were caught throughout Saudi Arabia, including 12,274 violators of the residency regulations, 5,684 violators of the border security regulations, and 3,412 violators of the employment regulations.

Some 1,492 people were arrested while attempting to cross the border into the Kingdom, of whom 35 percent were Yemeni citizens, 61 percent Ethiopians, and 4 percent of other nationalities. Moreover, 34 people were caught for attempting to irregularly cross the border out of the Kingdom.

Fifteen people were detained for their involvement in transferring, sheltering or employing violators of residency, employment and border security regulations.


Saudi agency aids 258 orphans in Jordan

Saudi agency aids 258 orphans in Jordan
Updated 03 November 2024
Follow

Saudi agency aids 258 orphans in Jordan

Saudi agency aids 258 orphans in Jordan

AMMAN: King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has distributed monthly aid to 258 orphaned children from low-income Jordanian and Syrian refugee families in Mafraq and Irbid, Jordan.

Working with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization, the Saudi aid agency provided year-long support covering basic living expenses, educational materials, Eid clothing, and recreational activities. The program aims to eventually support 1,000 orphans across Jordan.

Meanwhile, the aid agency recently concluded its project to combat blindness in Kano, Nigeria. The week-long campaign provided vital eye care to the community, including conducting 5,956 examinations, performing 411 surgeries, and distributing 914 eyeglasses.

This initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global health and humanitarian aid.


Saudi delegation attends GCC meeting in Doha

Saudi delegation attends GCC meeting in Doha
Updated 03 November 2024
Follow

Saudi delegation attends GCC meeting in Doha

Saudi delegation attends GCC meeting in Doha

Saudi Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Industrial Affairs Khalil bin Salamah led Saudi Arabia’s delegation at the 53rd Gulf Cooperation Council Industrial Cooperation Committee meeting in Doha, Qatar.

The meeting discussed several topics of mutual interest that aim to advance the industrial sectors in GCC countries, Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Salamah held bilateral meetings with several GCC Ministers of Industry and Commerce including Oman’s Qais Al-Yousef; Kuwaiti's Khalifa Al-Ajeel; and Bahrain's Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro.