New Delhi, In a significant revelation, Union Skill Minister of State Rajeev Chandrasekhar informed the Lok Sabha that Saudi Arabia has emerged as the leading destination for skilled workers trained under the Skill India International Centres (SIIC) between April 2022 and December 2023. Out of the 25,300 candidates securing employment abroad, 13,944 found opportunities in Saudi Arabia. The data further indicated Qatar (3,646), the United Arab Emirates (2,832), and the United Kingdom (1,248) as other notable destinations.
The minister highlighted the ministry’s proposal to establish 30 SIICs across states, aligning with this year’s Budget announcement. The selection of SIIC locations is based on migration patterns, overseas mobility demand, and feasibility parameters. These centers aim to provide destination-based skilling, re-skilling, up-skilling facilities, assistance in placements, counseling, assessment/trade testing, emigration assistance, and post-placement support.
As of now, two SIICs have been established in Varanasi and Bhubaneswar. The ongoing establishment process is in line with the government’s commitment to facilitating skilled mobility for the youth.
The minister highlighted active government-to-government memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with eight countries, including Australia, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, Qatar, the UAE, and the UK. These MoUs provide a comprehensive framework for cooperation, covering areas such as information exchange, standard setting, mutual recognition of qualifications, training of trainers, internship programs, and support for skilled mobility.
The revelations underscore India’s commitment to leveraging its skilled workforce globally and building strategic partnerships for mutual benefit.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
