Dhaka, July 5 -- 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 occ...