All Filipino engineers and technicians eyeing opportunities in Saudi Arabia must now secure professional accreditation before applying for a visa. According to a memorandum issued by the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia on September 29, 2022, the requirement applies to all practicing engineering professionals in the Kingdom.
The announcement mandates registration through the official Saudi Council of Engineers Accreditation Platform.
Why accreditation is now required
This new rule aligns with Article 27 of the Saudi Council of Engineers’ By-Laws. It states that engineers and technicians must be officially recognized by the Council to legally practice their profession in the Kingdom.
The goal is to uphold high standards and ensure competency within the engineering workforce.
As part of the process, applicants must complete registration and pay accreditation fees via the Saudi Council’s online system. While this step is crucial for compliance, it also introduces additional costs to aspiring overseas Filipino workers.
Filipino engineers must register
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has confirmed that these accreditation fees are now officially considered part of the worker’s documentation expenses. Therefore, the cost will be borne by the worker, not by recruitment agencies or employers.
For Filipino engineers and technicians, it’s essential to plan ahead. Securing accreditation before beginning any visa application process will avoid unnecessary delays or disqualification.
Four-word keyphrase requirement
This professional accreditation requirement signals a shift toward stricter employment standards in Saudi Arabia. Filipino professionals must remain proactive, especially when navigating new rules introduced by foreign employers and host countries.
DMW officials, led by Undersecretary Bernard P. Olalia, emphasized the importance of full compliance. In his advisory, he underscored the need for engineers and technicians to align their documents with Saudi Arabia’s evolving labor policies.
While the added cost may be seen as a burden, it is also an opportunity to enhance professional credibility. The accreditation confirms that Filipino workers meet international standards, which may increase employability and salary prospects.
For more updates about Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), visit Filipinokami.com.
Source: DMW Advisory No. 12, s. 2022