"Saudi’s Takamol makes millions on the back of migrant workers,"

Saudi Arabia’s Professional Accreditation Programme (PAP), also known as Takamol or Skills Verification Programme, is a mandatory testing scheme that has imposed financial and logistical burdens on migrant workers without corresponding benefits, while generating huge profits for the Kingdom. Governments at origin also reap some financial benefit from this programme. 

Launched in 2022, the PAP is managed by Takamol Holding, which is an initiative of Saudi’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD). As of October 2023, over 200,000 migrant workers have been accredited since its launch. At US$50 per person, even if half of these workers – a very conservative estimate – had paid the fees out of pocket, that amounts to US$5 million in total, of which at least 65-70% goes into Saudi’s coffers. Migrants are effectively paying for access to the labour market, as the accreditation scheme offers them no tangible benefits beyond meeting entry requirements...

In all of [countries partnered with Saudi on the scheme], the skills training and certification process is an independent stream of operation. Yet as per the agreement with Saudi, those existing certificates are not recognised, and instead potential recruits must go through additional certification through the Saudi-approved channels at an extra cost...

In Saudi, the fees start from SAR360 (US$95) for an individual test. MR has not been able to ascertain if employers foot the bill, or if deductions are made from workers’ wages to cover the cost. For tests taken at origin, the fee for the skills test is US$50 and is paid by workers. Origin countries seem eager to comply with the scheme, not only to secure access to their largest overseas labour market, but also because it’s an opportunity for government revenue...

“TTC receives US$13 and the rest goes to Saudi,” says Shakirul Islam, activist and Chairperson, Ovibashi Karmi Unnayan Program (OKUP). “This is clearly exploitation. My strong position is that all the stakeholders in this whole recruitment business are earning money from the migrant workers...”...