Iqama Transfer In Saudi Arabia: The complete Guide

Iqama Transfer In Saudi Arabia. If you’re an expatriate living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, you’re likely familiar with the Iqama, your essential residency permit that grants legal status to live and work in the country. But what happens when you change jobs or sponsors? This is where the Iqama transfer process comes into play a crucial step in managing your employment and residency status.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through every detail of the Iqama transfer process in Saudi Arabia, including eligibility, requirements, rules, costs, and how to check your transfer status online. Whether you’re planning a job switch or exploring better career options, this article is your one-stop solution for understanding the transfer of Iqama in KSA.

An Iqama transfer, also known as a sponsorship transfer, is the process of legally changing your sponsor (Kafeel) when you move from one employer to another in Saudi Arabia. This process is necessary to ensure your residency permit (Iqama) reflects your new employment status and sponsor.

Previously, transferring Iqama required employer consent. However, recent reforms in Saudi labor laws have made this process more accessible, particularly for foreign workers seeking better job opportunities without being tied down by rigid sponsorship policies.

Transferring an employee from another business owner requires several legal and business requirements:

• You must have an active establishment.
• Your Commercial Record  must be active.
• The work permits of all establishments in the same establishment group must not have expired.
• Establishments must comply with the Wage Protection System.
• The number of transfers should not exceed the recruitment quota for the medium green Nitaqat level (for establishments in the Expansion phase).

There are several conditions that must be met by you and your new employer in order for your Iqama to be successfully transferred:

Employee Requirements:

• You must have a valid work contract with your current employer.
• You must have worked for your current sponsor for at least one year.
• Labor laws in Saudi Arabia must be followed.
• Transfer notification to your current employer.

Employer Requirements:

• A transfer request must be submitted through the Qiwa platform by the new employer.
• Smooth transitions require the cooperation of the current employer.

Thanks to recent labor law changes, expatriates in Saudi Arabia now have more flexibility in their employment journey:

• No Employer Approval Required: As of March 2021, foreign workers no longer need their current sponsor’s permission to transfer Iqama, provided certain conditions are met.
• Freedom to Switch Jobs: Employees can now change jobs without the fear of losing legal status.
• Automated Transfer via Qiwa Platform: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) now allows online transfer requests without needing to visit the labor office unless required.

The Iqama transfer fees vary depending on the type of employee and the number of previous transfers.

Category	Fee (SAR)
Domestic Workers (1st transfer)	600
Domestic Workers (renewal)	350
Muqeem + Work Permit (above 18)	500
Employer Sponsorship Transfer (1st time)	2000
Each Subsequent Transfer	+2000

You can transfer your Iqama without your current sponsor’s permission under specific scenarios:

1. Automatic Iqama Transfer (Auto-Transfer Conditions)

• Delayed Iqama Issuance: If your employer fails to issue an Iqama within 90 days of your arrival.
• Expired Iqama: If your Iqama is expired and not renewed within 3 days.
• Unpaid Salaries: If you haven’t received salaries for 3 consecutive months.
• Red Nitaqat Status: If your sponsor falls under the Red Nitaqat category.
• Declared Huroob: If your employer files a Huroob (absconding report), you have 60 days to resolve or transfer.

2. Iqama Transfer With Court Approval

• Contract Expiry: Once your employment contract ends.
• Tasattur (Commercial Cover-Up): If you report illegal business activity by your sponsor.
• Court Ruling in Your Favor: If you win a labor dispute.
• Transfer Before Contract Ends (Article 77): If you’ve completed 12 months and give a 3-month notice.

To avoid delays or rejections, ensure you do not fall under the following categories:

• Expired Passport: Must be renewed before applying.
• Stamped Final Exit/Re-entry: Makes you ineligible.
• Criminal Record: Individuals with records may be disqualified.
• Traffic Violations: Repeated offenses can impact your application.
• Runaway Status (Huroob): Must be resolved before transfer.

If you qualify for an auto-transfer, follow this streamlined online procedure:

• Step 1: Initiation by New Employer: Your new Kafeel submits a transfer request through the Qiwa platform.
• Step 2: Ministry Approval: The Ministry of Labor reviews and approves the request within 24 hours.
• Step 3: Status Tracking: Track your application on the Ministry of Labor (MOL) website.
• Step 4: Fee Payment: Pay the Iqama transfer fee (usually between SR 2000 and SR 6000).
• Step 5: Absher Confirmation: Once the sponsor name updates in the Absher app, the process is nearly done.
• Step 6: Visit Jawazat: Finally, visit a Jawazat (passport office) to collect your new Iqama.

For court-related transfers, follow these steps:

• Step 1: New Employer Visit: The new sponsor visits the labor office with the court ruling and documents.
• Step 2: Review & Entry: Maktab Amal verifies documents and updates the system.
• Step 3: Fee Payment: Pay applicable transfer fees.
• Step 4: Absher Update: Check your Absher account for sponsor change.
• Step 5: Collect New Iqama: Visit Jawazat for Iqama printing.

You need to prepare several key documents to ensure that your online transferable Iqama application runs smoothly. Here’s what you typically need:

• Your passport must be clear and valid.
• Please provide a copy of your current valid Iqama.
• It is essential that your new employer signs a job contract.
• Your current and new employers must consent to the transfer in a letter.
• Online application forms must be completed from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development portal.
• As requested by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

When you use the Employee Transfer service, you can cancel a transfer request. You can cancel a transfer request by following these steps:

• Log into your business account on Qiwa.
• Select Employee Transfer from the Services page.
• You can find the Requests sent by you section by scrolling down.
• You can cancel a request by clicking the action icon, then clicking ‘Cancel request’.
• Review the request details.
• You can cancel the transfer request by clicking the ‘Cancel transfer request’ button.

Transferring an Iqama in Saudi Arabia is now more straightforward than before, thanks to the country’s labor reforms. Whether you qualify for an automatic transfer or require court approval, knowing the rules, rights, and responsibilities will help you navigate the process with confidence.

The Iqama transfer process in Saudi Arabia is your gateway to career growth and better working conditions. Stay updated with new laws, follow the official channels like Qiwa and Absher, and always keep your documentation ready to avoid setbacks.