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How to Transfer Sponsorship in Saudi Arabia
If you are changing employers in Saudi Arabia, your employment services may need to be transferred from your current employer to the new one. The process is handled electronically through Qiwa, so the request can be submitted without visiting a Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development office.
The service is officially referred to as "Transfer of Employee Services" or "Transfer of Expatriate Workers' Services." It allows an eligible employer to request the transfer of an expatriate worker from another employer.
What Is Sponsorship Transfer in Saudi Arabia?
"Sponsorship transfer" is the common term used for changing the employer responsible for an expatriate worker's employment services in Saudi Arabia.
Today, the process is handled electronically through Qiwa. The new employer submits the transfer request, provides the required employee information, and starts the employment contract process.
How to Transfer Sponsorship Through Qiwa
The transfer request is started by the new employer, rather than the employee.
Step 1: The New Employer Logs In to Qiwa
The new employer should log in to the Qiwa Business account and open the available employee services.
The Ministry's service guide directs establishments to Qiwa for the employee service transfer process.
Step 2: Open Employee Service Transfer
From the Qiwa services area, the employer selects Employee Service Transfer and chooses the option to transfer an employee from another employer.
The employer then selects the establishment from which the employee is being transferred.
Step 3: Add the Employee's Information
The new employer enters the required information for the employee.
The Ministry's service guide specifies employee information such as the ID number and date of birth as part of the transfer request.
After entering the information, the employer reviews the employee and transfer details before adding the employee to the transfer request.
Step 4: Create the Employment Contract
After adding the employee to the transfer request, the employer can begin creating the employment contract through the Qiwa process.
The employee should review the contract details carefully before accepting anything.
Step 5: Complete the Required Approval
Once the request and employment contract are submitted, the employee may need to complete the required action through their Qiwa account.
The exact steps shown to the employee can depend on the transfer request and the current Qiwa process.
Step 6: Wait for the Transfer to Be Completed
After the required parties complete their actions and the applicable conditions are satisfied, the transfer can proceed through the electronic system.
You can then check your employment information to confirm that the transfer has been completed.
What Are the Requirements for Sponsorship Transfer?
The requirements can depend on the employer and the employee's situation.
For the employer, the Ministry currently lists requirements that include:
- A valid commercial registration.
- The establishment must be active.
- Valid work permits across establishments under the unified number.
- Compliance with the Wage Protection Program.
- Other establishments under the same unified number meeting the required classification conditions.
- Sufficient establishment credit for the transfer.
The service is designed to be completed electronically and does not normally require paper documents to be submitted to the Ministry.
How Much Does Sponsorship Transfer Cost?
The Ministry's current service page lists the employee transfer service itself as free. However, this should not be confused with other government charges that may apply to the employment or residency process.
Before making any payment, check the current amount and payment responsibility through the relevant official government or banking channel.
How Long Does the Transfer Take?
The Ministry currently lists the service duration as immediate, although the actual completion of an individual transfer can depend on the request, employer conditions, employee actions, contract approval, and other applicable requirements.
Can an Employee Transfer to a New Employer Without Visiting the Ministry?
Yes. The Ministry describes the employee transfer service as an electronic service that allows expatriate employee services to be transferred from another employer without visiting the Ministry. The service channel is Qiwa.
What Should You Check Before Accepting a Transfer?
Before accepting a transfer or employment contract, check the information carefully, including:
- Employer name
- Job position
- Employment contract details
- Salary and other contractual terms
- Contract duration
- Any applicable notice requirements
If something is incorrect, ask the new employer to correct the information before completing the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sponsorship transfer done through Qiwa?
Yes. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development lists Qiwa as the service channel for transferring expatriate employee services.
Who starts the sponsorship transfer request?
The new employer starts the employee service transfer request through its Qiwa Business account.
Does the employee need to visit the Ministry?
The service is electronic and is designed to be completed without visiting a Ministry office.
Is the employee transfer service free?
The Ministry's current service page lists the service fee as free. Other government charges related to the employee's employment or residency may be separate.
Where can I get official help?
For questions about the employee transfer service, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development lists 19911 as its contact number.
Official sources
- Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development: Request for Transfer of Expatriate Workers
- Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development: Guide to Services Provided for Expatriates
- Qiwa: Electronic employment and labor services