The Ministry of Labor and Social Development (MLSD) and Saudi Council of Engineers have agreed to stop recruiting engineers with less than five years from abroad.

The two entities will oblige expat engineers to undergo occupational tests and job interview conducted by SCE to ensure they are qualified and well-equipped with their jobs.

Dr. Jameel Al-Bagawi, chairman of board of directors at SCE., alongside Dr. Ahmed Qattan, deputy minister for labor policies at MLSD, clarified the decision was made by the two entities to allow Saudi engineers to find job opportunities in both public and private sectors, as well as empowering and arming them with engineering work experience needed by the job market.

The two officials pointed out that expat engineers are required to present approved certificates of experience, and they will be hold accountable if it proves otherwise.

Previously, SCE issued a decision a few months ago to instruct expat engineers to have a minimum of three years of work experience and pass job interviews and occupational tests if they want to work in the Kingdom.