A Saudi Arabian skills certification program for Nepali workers has been suspended following protests and concerns raised by foreign employment agencies. The agencies allege Saudi authorities circumvented established bilateral labor agreements and imposed unexpected financial obligations on Nepali migrant workers. These new costs have sparked significant opposition, leading to the program’s temporary halt. Nepal’s government has yet to officially comment on the suspension, but is reportedly investigating the claims. The program aimed to certify Nepali workers in various trades before deployment to Saudi Arabia. The suspension impacts prospective workers and raises questions about the future of labor migration between the two countries. Further negotiations are expected to address the concerns and potentially reinstate the program with revised terms.