How to Transfer Iqama Sponsorship in Saudi Arabia (2025 Step-by-Step Guide)

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In Saudi Arabia, expatriate workers are employed under a sponsorship system known as the Kafala system. Your iqama — the residency permit that allows you to live and work legally — is tied directly to your employer.

Thanks to labour reforms under Vision 2030, expatriates now have more flexibility to transfer their iqama sponsorship between employers, especially when contract obligations are not fulfilled. This guide explains eligibility, requirements, and the step-by-step digital transfer process through Qiwa and MHRSD in 2025.

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✅ What Does Iqama Sponsorship Mean?

Your employer is legally responsible for:

  • Work visa & iqama issuance

  • Salary and benefits compliance

  • Residency & work permit renewals

  • Exit and re-entry authorizations

Previously, changing employers required sponsor approval — but now employees can transfer in multiple valid situations.

✅ 2025 Labour Reform Highlights

According to updated MHRSD rules:

  • Iqama transfer can proceed without employer consent in certain conditions

  • All requests are processed online via the Qiwa portal

  • If the current employer does not respond within 10 days, approval may be automated

  • Labour law violations, salary delays, or expired contracts strengthen eligibility

These changes improve transparency and employee protection in the Saudi labour market.

✅ Who Is Eligible for Transfer?

You can request a transfer if any of the following apply:

  • Your contract has expired

  • Salaries were unpaid for 3 consecutive months

  • Employer agrees to transfer

  • Employer violates labour laws or contract terms

  • Iqama or work permit expired without renewal

Qiwa will show your real-time eligibility status.

✅ How to Transfer Sponsorship: Step-by-Step

Step 1 — New Employer Initiates Request (via Qiwa)
Your new company submits transfer request using your iqama number.

Step 2 — Current Employer Review
They may approve or object — objections must be valid based on labour law.

Step 3 — MHRSD Verification
Contract records, salary compliance, and employer status are checked.

Step 4 — Sponsorship Transfer Fee Payment
Fees (paid by the employer):

TransferCost
1st transferSAR 2,000
2nd transferSAR 4,000
3rd+ transferSAR 6,000

Step 5 — Iqama Update
Jawazat updates your residency details → new iqama issued.

✅ Required Documents

  • Valid passport copy

  • Current iqama copy

  • New employment contract

  • Registered online contract in Qiwa

  • Medical report (if requested)

✅ How to Track Status

You can check progress through:

  • Qiwa — Transfer Requests

  • Absher.sa — Updated employer name

  • MHRSD Labour portal

Confirm completion before transfer of duties.

✅ If Employer Rejects Transfer

If refusal is unjustified, you can escalate via a labour dispute request with supporting salary and contract records. MHRSD can override employer refusal when violations exist.

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If you need professional help preparing job documents for the Saudi market, Labeeb Writing & Designs provides:

These services help ensure your GCC job applications succeed.

✅ Conclusion

Saudi Arabia’s latest reforms give expatriates greater control over their employment. By following official procedures, maintaining valid records, and using trusted guidance, your iqama transfer can be smooth, fast, and compliant.

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