Saudi labor law now allows expatriate workers to transfer their sponsorship without needing the current employer’s approval in specific cases — a major change from the old system where the sponsor had full authority over the transfer decision.
Cases Where Transfer Is Allowed Without Sponsor Consent
A worker has the right to transfer their sponsorship immediately without employer approval in the following cases:
- Non-payment of salary for 3 consecutive months
- Expiration of fixed-term contract without renewal
- Completing one full year at the establishment (for indefinite contracts)
- Failure to document the employment contract on the Qiwa platform within 3 months of arrival
- Failure to renew iqama after its expiry
- Closure of the establishment, its bankruptcy, or license cancellation
- Validated labor complaint against the employer
- False absconding report proven to be invalid
- Sponsor in the Red Nitaq category with the Ministry of Human Resources
Requirements for the New Establishment
Before submitting a transfer request, make sure the new establishment meets these conditions:
- In the Medium Green Nitaq category or higher
- Valid commercial licenses and active commercial registration
- Compliant with the Wage Protection Program (WPS)
- No traffic or security violations
- The worker has not been transferred more than 4 previous times
Sponsorship Transfer Fees 2026
The new employer bears the full transfer fees — and they increase with each transfer:
| Transfer Number | Fee |
|---|---|
| First transfer | 2,000 SAR |
| Second transfer | 4,000 SAR |
| Third transfer and beyond | 6,000 SAR |
Steps to Transfer Sponsorship via Qiwa
- Log in to the Qiwa platform (hrsd.gov.sa)
- Select Transfer Services ← Instant Transfer Track
- Enter the worker’s details and iqama number
- The worker approves the transfer request through their Qiwa account
- The new employer approves through Absher
- Pay the fees electronically
- Issue a new iqama under the new sponsor’s name
Domestic Workers — Musaned Platform
Domestic workers (drivers, maids) are handled through the Musaned platform with different conditions:
- At least 6 months with the current sponsor
- No registered absconding reports
- Worker’s approval of the request
- Proof of financial capability of the new sponsor
Processing Time
The transfer process takes between 2 to 10 working days in normal cases — and may take longer if there’s an objection or missing documents.
You can track the request status through: Absher ← Passports ← Inquiry About Sponsorship Transfer Request.
Source: Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development — Executive Regulations of the Saudi Labor Law, Article 14. Always check the official platforms for the latest updates.
