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

In Saudi Arabia, every expatriate worker is employed under a sponsorship system — commonly known as the Kafala system. This means your residency and work authorization (iqama) are legally linked to your employer.

However, with the Kingdom’s labour reforms under Vision 2030, it’s now easier than ever to transfer iqama sponsorship between employers without complicated approvals, provided you meet specific conditions.

This guide explains how to transfer sponsorship legally in 2025, step by step — covering eligibility, documentation, costs, and the digital process via the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) and Qiwa portal.

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What Is Iqama Sponsorship in Saudi Arabia?

An Iqama is the Saudi residency permit issued to foreign workers, authorizing them to live and work legally in the country.

Each expat’s iqama is sponsored by their employer — meaning your company is responsible for:

• Work visa issuance
• Residency renewals
• Salary and benefits compliance
• Exit and re-entry permissions

Changing employers used to require the sponsor’s approval, but reforms in recent years have empowered expatriates with more flexibility under specific conditions.

Recent Labour Reforms (2025 Update)

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) introduced significant changes to simplify sponsorship transfers.

As of 2025:

• Employees can now transfer iqama without employer consent under certain conditions.
• All transfer requests are processed digitally via the Qiwa platform.
• Employers are obligated to approve transfer requests within 10 days, or the system proceeds automatically if conditions are met.
• Labour violations or delays in salary payments can justify automatic transfers.

These updates aim to make the Saudi labour market more transparent, efficient, and employee-friendly.

Eligibility for Iqama Transfer

You can request an iqama transfer if you meet one of the following criteria:

1. Contract Expiry: Your current employment contract has ended, and your employer has not renewed it.
2. No Salary Payment: Your employer failed to pay salaries for three consecutive months.
3. Employer Consent: Your current employer agrees to transfer sponsorship.
4. Labour Law Violations: Your company commits legal or contractual violations confirmed by MHRSD.
5. No Valid Contract: Your iqama or work permit has expired without renewal.

To confirm eligibility, log in to your Qiwa account — it automatically displays your transfer status based on labour records.

Step-by-Step Iqama Transfer Process (2025)

Here’s how to transfer your sponsorship in Saudi Arabia under the current system:

Step 1: New Employer Submits Transfer Request

Your new employer must initiate the transfer via the Qiwa platform.

• The request includes your iqama number and job details.
• The system notifies your current employer automatically.

Timeline: The current employer has 10 days to approve or object. If they do not respond within this period, the transfer proceeds automatically (in eligible cases).

Step 2: Current Employer Review and Approval

Once the transfer request appears on their Qiwa dashboard, your current employer can:

• Approve the transfer, allowing immediate processing.
• Reject the transfer, only if contractual obligations are active.

If your employer refuses without valid cause and you qualify under the new regulations (e.g., unpaid salary), you can escalate through the Labour Dispute Committee or MHRSD support channels.

Step 3: Ministry of Human Resources Approval

After both employers confirm (or after auto-approval), the system forwards your request to MHRSD for final review.

This verification includes:

• Contract validity
• Wage protection compliance
• Employer establishment status

Once approved, you receive a transfer confirmation email and can download your updated digital contract from Qiwa.

Step 4: Payment of Transfer Fee

The new employer pays the iqama transfer fee electronically via SADAD or Absher.

As of 2025, the fee structure is approximately:

• SAR 2,000 for first transfer
• SAR 4,000 for second transfer
• SAR 6,000 for third or subsequent transfers

Note: Employers are legally responsible for all sponsorship transfer costs, not the employee.

Step 5: Iqama Update and Printing

Once payment is completed, your new employer updates your iqama details in the Jawazat (Passport Office) system.

You can then:

• Visit the nearest Jawazat branch or kiosk to print your new iqama card.
• Verify updated details on Absher.sa under “My Services > Iqama Information.”

Your new sponsor and job title should now reflect in your record.

Documents Required for Transfer

Prepare the following before initiating your transfer:

• Copy of your current iqama
• Copy of passport (valid for at least 6 months)
• Employment offer letter or new contract
• MHRSD-registered contract in Qiwa
• Medical report (if requested)
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) if required (for early transfer cases)

Having clean, attested, and up-to-date documents helps avoid delays.

How to Check Iqama Transfer Status

You can track your iqama transfer through:

1. Qiwa Portal — under “Employee Services > Transfer Requests.”
2. Absher Platform — displays the updated employer name and iqama number.
3. Ministry of Labour website — to verify employer status and work permit validity.

Always confirm the completion before resigning or starting with the new employer.

What If the Employer Refuses to Approve?

If your current sponsor rejects your transfer without a valid reason, you can file a formal complaint through the Labour Office (MHRSD).

You’ll need to provide:

• Evidence of contract expiry or unpaid wages
• Communication records (emails, salary slips, etc.)

Once verified, MHRSD can override employer refusal and authorize the transfer.

Expats are advised to handle such disputes professionally and through legal channels.

Processing Time and Validity

The full iqama transfer process usually takes 7–21 business days, depending on employer responsiveness and document readiness.

Your new iqama will typically be valid for 1–2 years, renewable under the new employer.

Keep both digital and printed copies for administrative and travel purposes.

Key Tips for a Smooth Transfer

1. Ensure your current iqama is valid before applying for transfer.
2. Maintain a clean employment record — no absconding or disciplinary cases.
3. Verify both employers’ statuses as “green” or “compliant” in MHRSD’s Nitaqat system.
4. Keep all correspondence documented.
5. Use official government portals only (Qiwa, Absher, MHRSD).

If you’re unsure how to manage this professionally, explore Labeeb’s Expert Career Support Services.

Rights and Responsibilities After Transfer

Once your iqama is transferred:

• You are fully under the new employer’s sponsorship.
• The old employer cannot control exit or re-entry permits.
• Your previous contract obligations officially end.
• You may apply for dependent visas or renew existing ones under your new sponsor.

Always verify that your iqama and MHRSD contract show the same employer to avoid system conflicts.

How Labeeb Writing & Designs Supports Expats in Saudi Arabia

At Labeeb Writing & Designs, we specialize in helping expatriates across the GCC manage their career transitions and documentation professionally.

Our expert services include:

• Professional CV Writing for Saudi Employers
• ATS Resume Optimization for GCC Jobs
• Cover Letter Writing for Job Applications
• LinkedIn Profile Enhancement
• Interview & Career Coaching
• Career & Visa Guidance for Expats

We help professionals present themselves effectively and handle GCC employment processes with confidence.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia’s 2025 labour reforms have made iqama sponsorship transfers faster and fairer. Expats now enjoy greater freedom to change employers, provided they meet contract and performance requirements.

By following the correct steps, keeping documents updated, and using official portals, you can complete your transfer smoothly without unnecessary delays.

Take control of your Saudi career journey today with Labeeb Writing & Designs — your trusted partner for GCC employment and relocation support.

FAQs

1. Can I transfer iqama without my current employer’s consent?
Yes, if your contract has expired, salary was unpaid for 3 months, or the employer violated labour laws.

2. How much does iqama transfer cost?
The fee ranges between SAR 2,000–6,000, depending on the number of transfers. Employers are responsible for payment.

3. How long does the transfer process take?
Typically 7–21 working days, depending on document verification and approvals.

4. Can I travel during the transfer process?
It’s best to avoid travel until your iqama is officially updated under the new sponsor.

Arabic Summary (خلاصة بالعربية)

تتيح الإصلاحات العمالية الجديدة في المملكة العربية السعودية لعام 2025 للموظفين الأجانب نقل كفالتهم بسهولة عبر منصة قوى دون الحاجة إلى موافقة الكفيل في بعض الحالات مثل انتهاء العقد أو تأخر الرواتب. يوضح هذا الدليل الخطوات الكاملة لإتمام نقل الإقامة، من التقديم إلى تحديث الهوية، مع أهم النصائح لتجنب التأخير. يقدم فريق Labeeb.ae دعمًا مهنيًا متكاملًا لمساعدة المقيمين على إدارة انتقالهم الوظيفي في السعودية بثقة واحترافية.