Saudi Arabia has progressively digitised labour-mobility procedures through Qiwa, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development's online labour platform. Transfer of sponsorship (sometimes called a job or contract transfer) lets an expatriate worker move to a new employer without needing to exit and re-enter the country in many cases, but the exact eligibility conditions — timing, contract status, employer consent requirements and any exceptions — are set by MHRSD and can change, so this guide describes the general shape of the process rather than fixed rules.
Where the process is managed
Qiwa (qiwa.sa) is the primary platform where both the current and prospective employer, and in many cases the worker, interact with a transfer request. It is linked to broader government systems including Absher/Muqeem for residency status. Because rules differ depending on the type of contract, the profession, and whether the current employer object, check the current published conditions on Qiwa directly rather than relying on secondhand advice.
Factors that generally affect a transfer
- Whether your current employment contract is fixed-term or open-ended, and where you stand within it.
- Whether your current employer consents to the transfer, and what happens if they do not — the rules for employer objections have changed over time, so check the current position on Qiwa.
- Your profession and sector, since some categories are treated differently under Saudization and workforce-planning rules.
- Any outstanding obligations recorded against your iqama or contract, such as unresolved disputes.
A general step sequence
1Check your eligibility on Qiwa
Before agreeing to anything with a new employer, confirm through your Qiwa account (or ask HR to confirm) whether a transfer is currently possible for your contract type and status.
2Secure a written offer from the new employer
Get the role, salary and terms in writing before initiating any transfer request.
3Initiate or accept the transfer request in Qiwa
Depending on the current process, this may be started by the new employer, the current employer, or the worker, and may require mutual confirmation.
4Resolve any outstanding matters with the current employer
Final settlement, end-of-service entitlement calculations and return of any company property are typically handled around this point.
5Confirm the iqama sponsor update
Once the transfer is approved, your iqama sponsorship record should be updated to the new employer; verify this through Absher/Muqeem.
Before you resign
Do not resign from your current role, and do not stop attending work, until the transfer mechanics with the new employer are confirmed and you understand your notice obligations under your existing contract and Saudi Labour Law. Resigning prematurely can complicate both your transfer eligibility and any end-of-service entitlement.
If your current employer disputes the move or you are unsure of your rights, MHRSD provides channels for labour dispute resolution, and the underlying legal framework is published at laws.boe.gov.sa (Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers).
Common questions
Do I need my current employer's approval to transfer sponsorship?
It depends on the current rules and your contract status — requirements around employer consent and objections have changed over time. Check the live position on Qiwa or with MHRSD before assuming either way.
Can I be hired by a new employer without any transfer at all?
No. A change of sponsor requires a lawful transfer of your work status; simply starting to work for a different employer without completing the required process would put you outside the terms of your residency.
What happens to my end-of-service award when I transfer?
End-of-service settlement with your current employer is generally calculated and paid according to Saudi Labour Law and your contract when that employment ends. Confirm the calculation with your outgoing employer and check the general rules on our salary and end-of-service guide.
Where can I check my own transfer eligibility?
Through your account on Qiwa (qiwa.sa), or by asking your employer's HR/PRO team to confirm your current status. Do not rely on informal advice from recruiters.