Changing jobs in Saudi Arabia is now structured, digital, and legally protected. The days are gone when workers were fully dependent on employer consent. All thanks to labor reforms. The platforms like Qiwa and clear enforcement by the MHRSD. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development introduces simple policies. Under which, expatriates can move between employers with confidence. But they need to follow the rules.
This guide is written to talk about how to transfer to new employers in Saudi Arabia. Disclosing it under the new Saudi labor law for the transfer of sponsorship. Further, the new rules for the transfer of sponsorship in Saudi Arabia in 2026 have been discussed. Learn it along with the latest clarifications.
What Is an Employer Transfer: Iqama Transfer
An expat’s legal residence and work authorization, which is also called an iqama. The Iqama is linked to a sponsoring employer in Saudi Arabia. An employer transfer or a sponsorship transfer allows a foreign worker to move from one employer to another. They don’t even need to leave the Kingdom.
All employer transfers must be processed digitally through Qiwa as of 2026. The final Iqama updates are completed via Absher Business or Muqeem.
New Saudi Labor Law for Sponsorship Transfer:
The new Saudi labor law for transfer of sponsorship was introduced under the LRI – Labor Reform Initiative. It continues to apply in 2026 without rollback.
What the Law Guarantees to Employees
- Digital, transparent transfer process
- Defined timelines for employer response
- Protection against unfair blocking
- Limited cases where employer consent is not required
What the Law Does Not Do
- It does not allow unrestricted job hopping
- It does not remove employer consent in all cases
Transfers remain rule-based and contract-driven.
New Rules for Transfer of Sponsorship in Saudia 2026
The new rules for the transfer of sponsorship in Saudi Arabia 2025 continue to apply in 2026. You may transfer without current employer approval only if one or more violations exist, including:
- The employment contract has expired
- Salary unpaid for 3 consecutive months
- The employer failed to renew the Iqama
- The labor contract is not registered on Qiwa
- Employer is non-compliant with WPS
If none of these apply, employer approval is still required.
Eligibility Criteria: How to Change Employer in Saudi Arabia
The criteria that make employers eligible for transfer have been discussed as follows.
Employee Requirements
The workers are obliged to provide:
- Valid Iqama
- Active labor contract on Qiwa
- Completed probation period (unless violation-based transfer)
- Notice period fulfilled (if applicable)
Current Employer Must Be
- Active in MHRSD systems
- Compliant with WPS
- Registered with GOSI
- Holding a valid Commercial Registration
New Employer Must Be
- Active on Qiwa
- Eligible under Nitaqat (Saudization)
- Authorized to issue work permits and insurance
You may also transfer without employer approval in cases like:
- Contract expiration
- Delays in salary payments (more than 3 months)
- Employer failing to renew your Iqama
- The labor contract is not registered on Qiwa
How to Transfer Employer in Saudi Arabia Via Absher & Qiwa: Steps Involved for 2026
Transferring employers involves some essential steps to follow. These are step-by-step instructions mentioned below.
- Initiate Transfer Request via Qiwa
Your new employer must log in to the Qiwa platform and initiate a “Transfer of Services” request using your Iqama number.
- Current Employer Notification
Once the request is submitted, Qiwa will automatically notify your current employer. They have up to 14 days to respond.
- Approval from Current Employer (if applicable)
Typically, your current employer’s approval is required. However, in cases like contract expiration or employer violations (delayed salaries, non-renewal of Iqama), approval may not be necessary.
- Employee’s Approval
As the employee, you’ll receive a notification to approve the transfer in your Qiwa account. This step is mandatory.
- Finalization
Once approved on Qiwa, the new employer must complete the process in Absher Business or Muqeem to update your Iqama status and issue your new digital work permit.
60-Day Grace Period After Contract End: 2026 Update
Expats receive a 60-day grace period after contract termination or contract expiry in 2026. During this period, the employee must transfer to a new employer or exit Saudi Arabia legally. If no action is taken, the worker may be marked “Absent from Work”, which can block future transfers.
“Absent from Work” Status – 2026 Clarification
MHRSD introduced correction windows. This allows limited rectification for workers wrongly marked absent. If eligible, status may be corrected, and the transfer may proceed via Qiwa. This relief is case-based and not automatic.
Timeframe & Cost of Employer Transfer (2026)
Discover how much time it takes for the employer transfer and their cost.
Processing Time
The entire process takes around one to four weeks. Delays occur if documents, insurance, or Nitaqat status are non-compliant.
Government Fees
These are the government fees involved:
| Transfer Count | Fee (SAR) |
| First | 2,000 |
| Second | 4,000 |
| Third | 6,000 |
Additional costs may include:
- Medical insurance update
- Iqama renewal
- Final settlement clearance
Common Issues During Employer Transfer
Below are the most frequent issues that may arise during the process:
- Expired or incorrect Iqama data
- Employer failing Nitaqat requirements
- Unregistered labor contracts
- Pending GOSI contributions
- If the employer is blocking the transfer without a legal basis
- Technical delays on Qiwa or Absher
Tips for a Smooth Employer Transfer in 2026
Find out the top tricks to experience a smooth employer transfer in 2026:
- Keep your Qiwa contract updated
- Save salary slips and WPS records
- Verify new employer eligibility before initiating
- Track deadlines carefully
- Use MHRSD complaint channels if blocked unfairly
- Act within the 60-day grace period
Final Thoughts: How to Transfer Employer in Saudi Arabia in 2026
The labor system of KSA now balances worker mobility with employer protection. The transfer of sponsorship is supported by Qiwa and MHRSD enforcement. This makes job changes clearer and safer. Foreign workers and Saudi employers have more predictable outcomes and satisfaction when moving from one job to another.
Transferring to a new employer in Saudi Arabia can become smooth. You may sound legally secure if you meet eligibility requirements. Further, don’t forget to respect timelines and follow the official process.
Still unsure how to move forward? Companies like Connect Resources Saudi Arabia offer professional support in handling complex employer transfers, labor law compliance, and full Employer of Record (EOR) services. Whether you’re switching employers or planning to hire globally, they can guide you every step of the way.
