As demand for skilled workers grows in major labour markets like Saudi Arabia, potential emigrants are now required to prove their skills and competencies. This new reality is embodied by the Takamul Test, which has been recently introduced at the Technical Training Centre (TTC) in Jashore.
This initiative has not only reduced the challenges faced by migrant workers but has also opened up new opportunities for Bangladesh’s future labour market, potentially strengthening the country’s economic backbone.
Through this exam, the Saudi government can directly select skilled workers, ensuring that qualified individuals are sent abroad, while also curbing the influence of middlemen.
Engineer Kazi Irfat Mahmud, Principal of the Jashore TTC, shared his insights with Times of Bangladesh.
He noted that there are 17 Takamul centres across the country, with the Jashore centre launching on 30 August this year.
Shahriar Hassan, Assistant Director of the District Employment and Manpower Department in Jessore, stated, “Since the introduction of the Takamul test, the visa processing for workers going to Saudi Arabia has reached a new level. Our main goal is to ensure that a worker leaves for abroad completely prepared for their jobs.”
So far, more than 300 migrant aspirants have sat the test, significantly easing the financial, physical, and time burdens for migrant workers in the southern region of Bangladesh. The test also allows workers to connect directly with Saudi authorities by taking the exam online.
Currently, only the Loader-Unloader division is operational in Jashore.
For the Takamul test, a fee of USD 50 is charged, which is paid online to the Takamul agency approved by the Saudi government. A portion of this fee is allocated to the respective test centres.
A visit to Jashore’s TTC on Saturday revealed a well-organised testing environment. Inside, a spacious hall resembled a mini workshop where several young workers were engaged in various tasks.
Talking to some of the participants, it was clear that the Takamul test has become an essential part of the process for migrant workers seeking employment in specific sectors in Saudi Arabia.
A candidate named Rakib Hossain shared, “I used to worry about where I would take the exam. Now, I can take the exam in my own city, which has made things much easier for me. It saves both time and money.”
Previously, workers had to travel to larger cities like Dhaka to sit for the exam, incurring extra travel and accommodation costs. However, now they can take the test in their own town, saving both time and money.
According to the TTC authorities, the Takamul test consists of two stages. The first stage is a computer-based theoretical test, which evaluates the candidate’s knowledge. The second stage is a practical test, where an examiner monitors the participant’s work to ensure safety procedures are followed correctly.
Engineer Kazi Irfat Mahmud highlighted that the test fee, procedural complexities, and the lack of sufficient training centres are still barriers for some workers. However, he is optimistic that these challenges will be overcome in the future.
