Many residents and expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia need to change their sponsor’s status during their residency period. The reason could be an employee transferring from one company to another, a change in the establishment’s business activity, or even the sponsor changing from an individual to an establishment and vice versa. In this article, we explain everything related to modifying the sponsor’s status in Saudi Arabia, in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Interior (Passports) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

What does modifying the sponsor’s status mean?

Modifying the sponsor’s status means changing the legal status of the sponsor from one type to another. For example:

  • Changing the sponsor from an individual to an establishment (company)
  • Changing the sponsor from an establishment to an individual
  • Changing the status of the establishment itself (e.g., from a sole proprietorship to a company)
  • Modifying sponsor data related to the type of business activity

This service is important because it regularizes the worker’s status and prevents violations.

Cases that require modifying the sponsor’s status

1. Employee transfer from individual sponsorship to company sponsorship

If you are sponsored by an individual (such as a private driver or domestic worker) and want to work for a company, you must first modify the sponsor’s status.

2. Change in the establishment’s business activity

If the company sponsoring you changes its business activity or transitions from a sole proprietorship to a limited liability company, the sponsor’s status changes automatically upon updating the commercial register.

3. Transfer of sponsorship with a change in status

In the case of transferring sponsorship from one sponsor to another with a difference in the type of sponsor (individual → company or vice versa), you need to submit a request to modify the sponsor’s status.

Conditions for modifying the sponsor’s status

  • Valid Iqama — The worker’s Iqama must be valid
  • No outstanding violations — There must be no traffic or residency violations against the sponsor or the worker
  • Current sponsor’s consent — In the case of transferring sponsorship with a status modification
  • Documented contract — The contract between the worker and the new establishment must be documented on the Qiwa platform
  • No absconding report — There must be no registered absconding report against the worker
  • Payment of the financial fee — Payment of the status modification fees, if applicable
  • Medical insurance — Valid medical insurance in the name of the new establishment

Steps to modify the sponsor’s status

Method 1: Via the Qiwa Platform

  1. Access the Qiwa website (qiwa.sa) or open the app
  2. Log in with your establishment account
  3. Select Labor Services ← Modify Sponsor Status
  4. Select the worker whose status needs to be modified
  5. Upload the required documents
  6. Confirm the request and await approval

Method 2: Via the Absher Platform

  1. Access Absher Individual (absher.sa)
  2. Select Passports Services
  3. Select Modify Sponsor Status
  4. Complete the data and upload the documents
  5. Pay the fees, if applicable

Method 3: Via the Passports Office

You can visit the Passports Office or the Expatriates Department in your area and submit the request in paper form if the electronic procedure is not feasible for you.

Required Documents

  • Copy of a valid Iqama
  • Copy of passport
  • Copy of the commercial register (for establishments)
  • Social insurance enrollment certificate (for employees)
  • Employment contract documented on the Qiwa platform
  • Current sponsor’s consent (in the case of transfer with status modification)

Processing Time and Fees

The processing time for a sponsor status modification request is typically 3 to 15 business days, depending on the type of modification and the completeness of the documents. Fees vary based on the type of modification and the number of workers covered. It is recommended to inquire about the updated fees via the Qiwa platform or the Passports Office.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I modify my sponsor’s status while on a visit visa?
A: No, modifying the sponsor’s status is only available to holders of valid residency permits (Iqama).

Q: Will my Iqama expire if I change my sponsor’s status?
A: No, the sponsor’s status changes, but the Iqama remains valid as long as its validity period has not expired.

Q: Does modifying the sponsor’s status require the old sponsor’s consent?
ج: إذا كان نقل كفالة مع تعديل الصفة، أي نعم. أما إذا كان تغيير صفة المنشأة نفسها، لا يحتاج.

س: هل ممكن أقدم على تعديل صفة الكفيل إلكتروني بالكامل؟
ج: أي نعم، عبر منصة قوى أو أبشر بدون مراجعة مكتب الجوازات في معظم الحالات.

س: كم مرة تقدر تعدل صفة الكفيل؟
ج: نظامياً ما في حد محدد، لكن يفضل التأكد من عدم وجود تعارض مع شروط الإقامة.

الخاتمة

تعديل صفة الكفيل من الخدمات المهمة اللي تساعد المقيمين والعمالة على تنظيم أوضاعهم حسب التغيرات في عملهم أو نشاط كفيلهم. الخدمة متاحة إلكترونياً بشكل كبير عبر أبشر وقوى، وهذا يسهل الأمور ويختصر الوقت. إذا كان عندك استفسار محدد عن حالتك، الأفضل تتواصل مع الجوازات أو وزارة الموارد البشرية عشان تحصل على رد دقيق.