Guide to Transferring Domestic Worker Sponsorship in Saudi Arabia
1. What is the service?
The domestic worker sponsorship transfer service allows the employer to transfer the sponsorship (guarantee) responsibility for a domestic worker from the current sponsor to a new sponsor, whether within the same establishment or to another employer, while maintaining the worker’s legal status and renewing their residence permit in accordance with Saudi regulations.
2. Conditions and Requirements
- The current employer and the new sponsor must be legally residing in the Kingdom.
- The domestic worker must hold a valid residence permit (Iqama) and have no escape reports or security violations on record.
- The worker must have completed the probationary period specified in the contract (usually 3 months), and there must be no pending labor disputes.
- The number of domestic workers permitted for the new sponsor must not exceed the limit allowed by regulations (usually one worker per household, with specific exceptions depending on the case).
- All financial dues owed by the worker (such as electricity and water bills, or any registered fines) must be settled.
- The domestic worker’s consent to the transfer and their signature on the consent form, if required.
3. Detailed Steps (Step-by-Step)
- Log in to the Absher (Individuals) platform via absher.sa or the Tawakkalna app, if the service is available there.
- Select Services → Work → Domestic Worker Sponsorship Transfer.
- Read the terms and conditions and agree to them.
- Enter the current worker’s details (Iqama number, passport number, current sponsor’s name).
- Enter the new sponsor’s details (National ID number, Iqama number if a resident, or Commercial Registration number if an entity).
- Upload the required documents:
- A copy of the worker’s valid Iqama.
- A copy of the worker’s passport.
- The current and new employment contracts (if applicable).
- Proof of payment for any dues or fines.
- Review the application and verify the accuracy of all data.
- Pay the prescribed fees using the available payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, or Mada).
- Submit the application and keep the reference number.
- Track the application status via Absher; you will usually be notified of approval or a request for additional documents within 3–5 business days.
- After approval, print a copy of the transfer decision and update the worker’s Iqama via Muqeem or by visiting the passport office if necessary.
4. Cost (If Known)
The official fee for transferring a domestic worker’s sponsorship is 2,000 Saudi Riyals (the amount may change according to ministry decisions). It is recommended to verify the updated amount before payment via the Absher portal or the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development website.