How to change your sponsor on your iqama in Saudi Arabia (2025 Guide)

Sponsorship transfer, officially known as Naqal Kafala, allows expatriate workers to legally change their employer in Saudi Arabia. Under the Kingdom’s ongoing labor reforms and the Labor Reform Initiative (LRI), the process is now more digital, transparent, and structured through the Qiwa and Absher platforms.

To change your sponsor is a serious legal step. It affects your residency your mobility your job security and your ability to stay in the Kingdom. A proper and legally compliant transfer ensures that your Iqama remains valid you avoid violations and you can continue working without interruptions. This guide explains everything you need to know from eligibility criteria to step by step instructions required conditions fees and which things to avoid to prevent rejection.

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Who Can Change Their Sponsor in Saudi Arabia?

Not every expatriate can change sponsorship freely. The eligibility depends on your contract type, employer status, and compliance with Ministry regulations.

You can apply to change the sponsorship if:

• Your employment contract has been expired and your employer refuses its renewal.
• You complete the minimum contract period under your current employer.
• Your employer is in the Red Nitaqat category.
• Your employer violated the contract or did not provide salary for 3 consecutive months.
• Your employer does not issue or renew your Iqama.
• There is an ongoing labor dispute with evidence.
• You have an agreement with your current employer to change sponsorship.

You are NOT eligible if:

• You have Huroob status.
• You have unpaid fines or legal restrictions.
• Your Iqama is expired for more than a certain grace period.
• You attempt transfer without meeting Qiwa requirements.

Important Rules You Must Know Before Applying

1. All Transfers Are Done Through Qiwa

Saudi Arabia has centralized employer-to-employer transfers on the Qiwa Platform. Both your current sponsor and your new sponsor must have active Qiwa accounts.

2. Digital Approval Required

The process to change sponsor is not manual anymore. Approval must come from:

• Current sponsor
• New sponsor

Each party receives a notification in Qiwa.

3. Worker Must Approve the Offer

After your new employer generates a Job Offer, you must accept it within 10 days in Qiwa.

4. Once Transfer is Completed

• Your Iqama will update under the new sponsor.
• You can renew your Iqama with your new employer through Absher/Jawazat.

Step by Step Process: How to Change Sponsor in Kingdom Saudi Arabia (2025)

Below is the modern and latest official process:

Step 1 — Your New Employer Sends a Digital Job Offer

The new sponsor must:

1. Log in to Qiwa (Business Account)
2. Go to Employee Transfer
3. Click Initiate Transfer
4. Send a Job Offer with:
   • Salary
   • Profession
   • Contract duration
   • Company activity

You will receive a notification in your Qiwa personal account.

Step 2 — You Accept the Job Offer in Qiwa

You must accept that offer within 10 days otherwise it will expire.

Steps:

1. Log in to Qiwa (Personal Account)
2. Go to Job Offers
3. Click Accept

This signals HRSD that both parties agree.

Step 3 — The Change Sponsor Request Goes to the Current Employer

After you accept:

• Qiwa automatically sends a request to your existing sponsor.
• They must respond within the allowed time period (usually 14 days).

If the current sponsor accepts:

The change sponsor process moves to Jawazat/MOI for final ID update.

If they ignore the request (no response):

Qiwa automatically approves it after expiration of the response period.

If they reject the request:

Transfer is blocked unless you qualify for self-transfer under LRI rules.

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Step 4 — Qiwa Confirms Transfer Approval

Once HRSD approves:

• The sponsorship instantly transfers.
• Your Iqama data is updated in the government system.

You can confirm through:

• Absher → b
• Qiwa → Employment Contract

Step 5 — New Employer Issues or Renews Your Iqama

Your new sponsor must:

1. Pay the Iqama fee
2. Renew health insurance
3. Complete Jawazat procedures

Once completed, you are officially under the new employer.

Fees for Sponsorship Transfer

The fees varies depending on the number of transfers:

Additional costs may include:

• Work permit fees
• Iqama renewal fees
• Insurance costs
• Company service charges

Most employers pay these fees, but clarify before accepting the job offer.

Common Reasons Sponsorship Transfer Requests Get Rejected

Here are the most frequent causes:

1. Employer’s Qiwa account not active

Both companies must have active accounts.

2. Nitaqat category too low

If the new employer is in Red, the transfer is blocked.

3. Worker profession mismatch

Some professions require qualifications or cannot be transferred.

4. Contract violations or missing documents

Inaccurate job details or expired contracts can cause rejection.

5. Legal issues or Huroob

Pending cases or Huroob status stops all processes.

How Long Does Change Sponsor Process Transfer Take?

• With both employer approvals: 3–7 days
• If current employer ignores the request: up to 14 days
• If documents are incomplete: longer than 2 weeks

Transfers under labor disputes may take more time.

Final Tips to Ensure a Smooth Sponsorship Transfer

• Keep your Iqama valid at all times.
• Maintain a professional relationship with your current sponsor.
• Review your new contract carefully before accepting.
• Make sure both employers have active and compliant Qiwa accounts.
• Track transfer status in your Qiwa dashboard.

Conclusion

Changing your sponsor in Kingdom Saudi Arabia has become more streamlined and digital and for this thanks to Qiwa and LRI reforms. Whether you are changing jobs for career growth salary upgrade or workplace issues following the proper legal process ensures your residency stays valid and protected.

A smooth transfer depends on clear communication between you and your current sponsor and your new sponsor along with fulfilling all HRSD and Jawazat requirements.

Done correctly, transferring sponsorship gives you a fresh start, better opportunities, and continued legal status in the Kingdom.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I transfer sponsorship without my current sponsor’s approval?

Yes — only if you qualify under the Labor Reform Initiative (LRI), such as unpaid salary for 3 months, expired Iqama, or employer contract violations.

Q2: Can the worker initiate the transfer?

The worker cannot start the transfer, but the worker can accept or reject job offers and approve contracts in Qiwa.

Q3: How do I check if my transfer is completed?

Login to:

• Absher → Iqama Information, or
• Qiwa → Employment Contract

You will see your new sponsor’s name.

Q4: Does sponsorship transfer cancel my old contract?

Yes indeed once the transfer is complete, your previous contract is terminated and replaced with the new one.

Q5: Can I travel during the transfer process?

It depends on your employer and transfer stage. Ideally, wait until the transfer shows completed in Absher.

Q6: How many times can I transfer my sponsorship? There is no set limit, but fees increase with each transfer.

READ MORE : Iqama KSA