Changing a sponsor in Saudi Arabia is now handled mainly through digital employment services. For eligible non-Saudi workers in the private sector, the transfer process can be managed through Qiwa, without the traditional paperwork-heavy process.
The term “Kafala transfer” is still commonly used when people talk about moving from one employer to another. Officially, however, Saudi authorities use terms such as Employee Transfer and Transfer of Services. HRSD currently provides electronic services for these processes.
The rules can be different depending on the worker’s employment situation, contract, and the transfer route being used. This guide explains the current process, Qiwa steps, employer approval, requirements, possible costs, and important things workers should check before making a transfer.
Table of Contents
- What Does Changing Sponsor Mean in Saudi Arabia?
- What Is the Kafala System?
- What Are the New Sponsor Transfer Rules in Saudi Arabia?
- How to Change Sponsor in Saudi Arabia
- How to Change Sponsor Through Qiwa
- Can You Change Sponsor Without Current Employer Approval?
- Requirements to Change Sponsor in Saudi Arabia
- What Documents Are Needed for Sponsor Transfer?
- What Is the Role of Qiwa?
- How Long Does Sponsor Transfer Take?
- How Much Does Sponsor Transfer Cost?
- What Happens to Your Employment Contract?
- Can You Change Sponsor During a Contract?
- Can You Change Employer During the Probation Period?
- What Happens to Your Iqama After Sponsor Transfer?
- Common Problems During Sponsor Transfer
- What to Do If Your Transfer Is Rejected
- Important Things to Check Before Changing Sponsor
- FAQs
- Final Summary
What Does Changing Sponsor Mean in Saudi Arabia?
What Is Sponsor Transfer?
Change Sponsor in Saudi Arabia means transferring a non-Saudi worker’s employment services from one employer to another. In everyday language, many workers call this a Kafala transfer or sponsor transfer.
The official HRSD services use the term Employee Transfer. The current service allows businesses to hire non-Saudi employees who are already working for another employer in Saudi Arabia or transfer their existing non-Saudi employees between different establishments.
The process is now connected to digital employment systems. This means workers and employers can handle important parts of the process online instead of depending on traditional paper applications.
What Does Kafala Transfer Mean Today?
The word Kafala is still widely used by expatriate workers when discussing sponsorship and employer changes. However, Saudi labor services have moved toward a contractual employment relationship and electronic employee mobility.
HRSD’s Labor Reform Initiative introduced employee mobility for private-sector expatriate workers, with rules governing when and how a worker can move between employers. The initiative also connected employment mobility with documented employment contracts and digital services.
So, when someone asks how to change sponsor in Saudi Arabia, they are generally asking about the official employee transfer or transfer-of-services process.
What Are the New Sponsor Transfer Rules in Saudi Arabia?
2026 Employee Transfer Update
HRSD currently lists an updated Employee Transfer service with a release date of 8 September 2026. The service is electronic, available through Qiwa, and the Ministry currently lists its service level as immediate and its fee as free.
The current service allows businesses to transfer non-Saudi employees from another employer or move their existing non-Saudi employees between their own establishments.
This is an important part of the current digital employment system because the transfer request can be handled electronically through Qiwa.
Freedom of Movement Transfer
HRSD also currently lists a separate service called Transfer of Services from Another Employer (Freedom of Movement).
According to HRSD, this electronic service allows a resident employee to transfer to a new employer without needing approval from the current employer, subject to the applicable regulations and conditions. The service was also released on 8 September 2026 and is listed as free with an immediate service level.
This does not mean that every worker can automatically leave an employer whenever they want. The worker must fall within the applicable rules, and the electronic system verifies the relevant requirements.
Current Transfer Services at a Glance
| Item | Current Information |
|---|---|
| Main platform | Qiwa |
| Worker type | Eligible non-Saudi workers |
| Main service | Employee Transfer |
| Freedom of movement service | Available under applicable conditions |
| Service type | Electronic |
| Current listed fee | Free |
| Employee Transfer service level | Immediate |
| Documents listed for the current service | None |
| Employer approval | Depends on the applicable transfer route |
The most important point is that not every sponsor transfer follows exactly the same route. Workers should check which service applies to their situation rather than assuming that the same procedure works for everyone.
How to Change Sponsor in Saudi Arabia
Step 1: The New Employer Starts the Process
In a normal employment transfer, the new employer begins the process through the appropriate Qiwa service.If you are planning to move to a new employer, you can also check our latest Saudi Arabia job opportunities for current vacancies.
HRSD’s current Employee Transfer service directs the business to use Qiwa and select the employee transfer service. The employer can then select the establishment and provide the information needed for the transfer request.
The new employer should make sure the employment information and job offer are correct before submitting the request.
Step 2: The Worker Receives the Transfer Request
Depending on the transfer route, the worker may receive an employment offer or transfer request through Qiwa.
For the Freedom of Movement service, HRSD specifically states that the new employer submits a job offer through Qiwa, after which the worker logs into their account to accept or reject the offer.
This means the worker should not accept a request without first checking the details of the new job.
Step 3: The Worker Reviews the Offer
Before accepting the transfer, check important details such as:
- New employer name
- Job title
- Salary
- Contract period
- Working conditions
- Other terms included in the employment offer
A transfer is connected to the employment relationship, so the worker should understand the new contract before accepting it.
Step 4: The System Checks the Request
After the required steps are completed, the Qiwa system checks the transfer according to the applicable rules.
For the Freedom of Movement service, HRSD says the existing employer is notified, the system verifies the requirements, and after approval the worker’s information is updated and a new work permit is issued.
Step 5: The Transfer Is Completed
Once the process is approved and the required system steps are completed, the employee’s employment information is updated.
The worker should then check their updated employment information and make sure the new employer and employment details are correctly reflected.
How to Change Sponsor Through Qiwa
Log In to Qiwa
Qiwa is the main digital platform used for several Saudi employment services. The current HRSD Employee Transfer service directs users to Qiwa for the transfer process.Workers can check the official Official Saudi Employee Transfer Service for current information about the electronic transfer process and service requirements.
The employer should use the appropriate Qiwa account and access the available services.
Select Employee Transfer
HRSD’s current instructions identify Employee Transfer as the relevant service.
The service can be accessed from the services section of the Qiwa account. The exact appearance of the platform may change as Qiwa updates its interface, so workers should follow the current options displayed in their account.
Select the Establishment
The employer selects the establishment where the worker will be transferred.
The current HRSD business service instructions say the employer can select the establishment, add the employee information, and submit the transfer request.
Add Worker Information
The employer enters the required employee information for the transfer.
HRSD’s current Employee Transfer service says the service itself is fully automated and does not require documents or paperwork.
Submit the Request
After checking the information, the employer submits the request.
If the transfer route requires worker acceptance, the worker can then review the request or job offer through their Qiwa account.
Worker Accepts the Offer
For the Freedom of Movement route, HRSD specifically explains that the worker logs into Qiwa and can accept or reject the job offer submitted by the new employer.
This gives the worker an opportunity to review the new employment terms before accepting.
Can You Change Sponsor Without Current Employer Approval?
Yes, in Certain Transfer Routes
One of the major questions workers ask is whether they can Change Sponsor in Saudi Arabia without asking their current employer for permission.
The answer depends on the applicable transfer route.
HRSD’s current Freedom of Movement service specifically allows a resident employee to transfer to a new employer without current employer approval, subject to the applicable regulations and conditions.
Therefore, workers should not assume that approval from the current employer is required in every case.
Existing Employer Notification
Even where approval is not required, the current employer may still be notified.
HRSD’s Freedom of Movement service states that the existing employer is notified of the request while the system verifies the requirements.
So, “no approval required” and “current employer is not informed” are not the same thing.
Why Eligibility Still Matters
The Freedom of Movement service is subject to applicable regulations and conditions.
A worker should therefore check the actual service available through Qiwa rather than relying on claims from unofficial agents, social media posts, or other workers.
Requirements to Change Sponsor in Saudi Arabia
Worker Requirements
The requirements can vary according to the transfer service and the worker’s circumstances.
Interestingly, the current HRSD Employee Transfer service page lists “No requirements” under its service requirements and states that no documents or paperwork are required for the service.
However, this should not be confused with saying that every possible transfer situation has no conditions. Different transfer routes can have different rules.
For example, the Freedom of Movement service is explicitly subject to regulations and conditions even though its service page currently lists no separate required documents.
New Employer Requirements
The employer’s eligibility can also matter in some transfer processes.
The broader HRSD service for requesting transfer of expatriate workers has listed establishment-level requirements such as a valid commercial registration, an active establishment, valid work permits across establishments under the unified number, wage protection compliance, and sufficient transfer capacity.
These details are particularly important for employers rather than workers, but they help explain why a transfer request may not always proceed in the same way.
Employment Contract
Employment contracts are also an important part of the modern Saudi employment system.
HRSD has introduced electronic documentation of employment contracts through Qiwa, allowing contracts to be documented and reviewed digitally. A current HRSD guide explains that the employer submits a contract for documentation and the employee can approve, reject, or propose amendments.
This makes it important for workers to review their new contract carefully before accepting a transfer.
What Documents Are Needed for Sponsor Transfer?
Current Qiwa Transfer Service
The current HRSD Employee Transfer service states that the service is fully automated and does not require documents or paperwork.
That means workers should not automatically believe someone who asks for a large amount of money for “special transfer paperwork.”
However, workers may still need access to their personal and employment information when dealing with their account and employment records.
| Information | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Iqama information | Identifies the worker |
| Passport information | Personal identity record |
| Qiwa account | Used for digital employment services |
| Employment information | Helps identify the current relationship |
| New job offer | Shows the new employment terms |
| Employment contract | Records salary and other conditions |
The exact information shown or requested can depend on the service and the worker’s account.
What Is the Role of Qiwa?
Qiwa Is a Digital Employment Platform
Qiwa has become an important part of Saudi Arabia’s digital employment system.
HRSD currently uses Qiwa for employee transfer services, employment contract documentation, and other employment-related processes.
For sponsor transfers, this means workers can receive and review employment-related requests digitally instead of depending only on physical paperwork.
Qiwa and Employment Contracts
Employment contract documentation is another important part of the system.
HRSD’s guidance for documented employment contracts explains that the employer submits the contract through Qiwa, and the employee can approve, reject, or suggest amendments. Once both parties approve it, the contract is documented through the relevant system integration.
Because of this, workers should read their contract before accepting a new employment arrangement.
Qiwa and Employee Transfer
The current Employee Transfer service is specifically designed to help businesses hire non-Saudi employees who are already working for another employer or transfer their existing non-Saudi employees between establishments.
This is why Qiwa is the main platform workers should understand when they want to change employer.
How Long Does Sponsor Transfer Take?
Official Service Processing
The current HRSD Employee Transfer service lists its service duration as immediate. The service is also listed as electronic and free.
The Freedom of Movement service is also currently listed with an immediate service level.
Why an Individual Case May Take Longer
An “immediate” service level does not necessarily mean every real-world case will be completed instantly.
A transfer can involve different steps, including:
- New employer submission
- Worker review or acceptance where required
- System verification
- Notification of the current employer where applicable
- Updating employment information
- Issuing the new work permit where applicable
If there is an issue with the employment record or transfer eligibility, the process may require additional action.
How Much Does Sponsor Transfer Cost?
Current HRSD Service Fee
The current HRSD Employee Transfer service is listed as free.
The Freedom of Movement service is also currently listed as free.
This is useful information for workers because unofficial people may sometimes ask for money to “guarantee” a transfer.
Be Careful With Unofficial Payments
A worker should verify any requested payment through official Saudi government information before paying.
Government service fees and other employment-related expenses are not necessarily the same thing. If an employer or another party is responsible for a separate employment cost, that should be checked against the applicable official rules.
What Happens to Your Employment Contract After Sponsor Transfer?
The New Employment Relationship
When a worker transfers to a new employer, the employment relationship with the new employer needs to be properly recorded.
The worker should check the new employment offer and contract carefully.
Important points include:
- Salary
- Job title
- Contract duration
- Working hours
- Benefits
- Other agreed employment conditions
Why the Contract Matters
Saudi Arabia has been moving toward stronger electronic documentation of employment relationships.
HRSD’s contract documentation guidance says that employees can review contracts through Qiwa and approve, reject, or propose amendments before the contract becomes documented.
For this reason, a worker should not simply accept a transfer because the new employer promises that the salary or job will be different later.
The terms that matter should be checked in the official employment documentation.
Can You Change Sponsor During a Contract?
Contract Status Matters
A worker’s ability to move during an existing contract depends on the applicable rules and transfer route.
Saudi Arabia’s Labor Reform Initiative established employee mobility while also setting rules for movement during the validity of a contract. HRSD has stated that mobility can take place under specified conditions and notice requirements.
Therefore, workers should check their actual contract and Qiwa status before starting a transfer.
Notice Requirements
Notice requirements can be relevant when changing employment during an existing contractual relationship.
The exact requirement depends on the employment arrangement and applicable labor rules. Workers should not assume that every transfer has the same notice period.
If the Qiwa system shows a required notice or related action, the worker should follow the official process rather than leaving the current job without completing the required steps.
Can You Change Employer During the Probation Period?
Check Your Contract
Probation is a specific part of an employment contract, and its terms should be reviewed before making a transfer.
If you are currently within a probation period, check the employment contract in Qiwa and understand the applicable termination or transfer rules.
The safest approach is to rely on the documented employment terms and the transfer route available through Qiwa rather than assuming that probation automatically gives a worker unrestricted transfer rights.
What Happens to Your Iqama After Sponsor Transfer?
Employment Information Is Updated
After an approved transfer, the worker’s employment information is updated through the relevant government systems.
For the Freedom of Movement service, HRSD states that after approval, the data is updated and the new work permit is issued.
Workers should check their updated information after the transfer has been completed.
Check the New Employer Information
After the transfer, make sure the information connected with your employment is correct.
If something appears incorrect, contact the appropriate official service or support channel instead of waiting until the problem affects your employment or documentation.
Common Problems During Sponsor Transfer
Transfer Request Does Not Appear
Sometimes a worker may expect a transfer request but cannot see it in Qiwa.
First, check that you are using the correct Qiwa account and that the new employer has actually submitted the request.
If the request still does not appear, the new employer should check the request status from its side.
Worker Cannot Accept the Offer
For routes where worker acceptance is required, the worker should log into the correct Qiwa account and review the available request.
If there is an account or system issue, the worker should use official Qiwa or HRSD support rather than giving account access to an unofficial person.
New Employer Does Not Meet the Requirements
A transfer request can depend on the employer’s status and applicable requirements.
The broader HRSD expatriate transfer service has included establishment-level conditions such as commercial registration validity, establishment status, work permit validity, wage protection compliance, and transfer capacity.
Therefore, the worker may not always be responsible when a transfer cannot proceed.
Incorrect Employment Information
Another possible problem is incorrect information in the employment record.
Before accepting a new employment arrangement, check the information shown through the official system and ask the employer to correct anything that does not match the agreed terms.
What to Do If Your Sponsor Transfer Is Rejected?
Check the Reason First
If a transfer does not proceed, do not immediately submit multiple requests or pay an agent.
First, check the reason shown by the official system.
The issue could be related to the employer, employment record, transfer route, contract, or another system requirement.
Ask the New Employer to Review the Request
The new employer should check the request from its Qiwa business account.
HRSD provides specific electronic employee transfer services for businesses, so the employer can review the process from its side.
Use Official Support
If the problem cannot be understood from the Qiwa account, use official HRSD or Qiwa support channels.
Avoid relying only on WhatsApp messages, unofficial agents, or social media posts because the rules and service requirements can change.
Important Things to Check Before Changing Sponsor
Check Your New Salary
Before you Change Sponsor in Saudi Arabia, carefully check the salary mentioned in the new employment offer and contract.
Do not rely only on a verbal promise that the salary will be increased after the transfer.
Check Your Job Title
Make sure the new job title matches what you are actually being offered.
If your job title is important for your professional record, verify it before accepting the new employment arrangement.
Check the Contract Period
Look at the contract duration and other conditions.
A worker should understand whether the new contract is fixed-term or another type of employment arrangement before accepting it.
Check the New Employer
Confirm the name and details of the new employer.
Be careful if someone asks for your Qiwa password, OTP, or other account information. Your account should remain under your control.
Do Not Pay Unofficial Agents
The current HRSD Employee Transfer and Freedom of Movement services are listed as free.
This does not mean there can never be other employment-related costs in a worker’s situation, but it does mean workers should verify claims that a government transfer itself requires an unofficial payment.
Keep Copies of Your Important Information
Before starting the process, keep records of your employment contract, salary information, and other important employment documents.
This can make it easier to compare the old and new employment terms.
Important Difference Between Sponsor Transfer and Changing Job
These Terms Are Often Used Together
Workers sometimes use “change sponsor,” “change employer,” “Kafala transfer,” and “employee transfer” as if they all mean exactly the same thing.
For everyday discussion, they often refer to the same basic situation: moving employment from one employer to another.
However, the official government service names are more specific. HRSD currently uses Employee Transfer and Transfer of Services for relevant processes.
Always Check the Official Service
Because different services can have different rules, use the service that actually appears for your situation in Qiwa.
This is especially important if your employment contract is still active, your employer has a different status, or you are trying to use a freedom-of-movement route.
Special Cases Workers Should Understand
Workers With an Employment Contract
If you have a documented employment contract, check its terms before moving to another employer.
The contract can contain information about duration, notice, salary, and other employment conditions.
Workers With Contract Problems
If there is a serious problem with your employment relationship, do not simply stop going to work without understanding the applicable process.
Saudi Arabia has digital labor services and dispute-resolution mechanisms designed to address employment issues. HRSD’s Labor Reform Initiative also introduced the Wedy service for labor dispute settlement.
Workers With “Absent From Work” Status
There are also special government initiatives concerning workers whose status has been recorded as absent from work.
HRSD launched an initiative through Qiwa in 2025 allowing certain workers in specified “absent from work” situations to regularize their status by transferring to a new employer, subject to specific conditions. The Ministry said the initiative included certain workers whose status changed after work discontinuation or after the expiration or termination of a documented contract.
This is a separate situation from an ordinary sponsor transfer, so workers in this position should check the specific official program rather than applying the normal process automatically.
What Employers Should Know About Sponsor Transfer
Employer Starts the Process
For a normal employee transfer, the new employer plays an important role in starting the request.Before accepting a new job, workers should also check the salary and complete employment package. You can read our guide onSaudi Arabia Minimum Wage for Foreign Workers to understand the current salary information.
The current HRSD service allows businesses to select Employee Transfer, select the establishment, add worker information, and submit the request.
Employer Must Use the Correct Information
The employer should enter accurate information because the transfer is connected to the worker’s official employment record.
Incorrect information can create delays or problems with the request.
Employer and Worker Both Have Responsibilities
A successful transfer is not only the responsibility of the worker.
The new employer needs to complete its part of the Qiwa process, while the worker must review and accept the offer where required.
Why the New Digital Process Matters
Less Paperwork
The current Employee Transfer service is described by HRSD as fully automated and does not require documents or paperwork for the service.
This makes the process more straightforward for employers and workers who are eligible to use the service.
Better Contract Visibility
Digital employment contracts also give workers a clearer way to review their employment terms.
The Qiwa contract documentation system allows employees to approve, reject, or propose amendments to contracts submitted by employers.
Easier Employment Mobility
Saudi labor reforms have gradually introduced greater employee mobility for eligible private-sector expatriate workers.
HRSD’s Labor Reform Initiative explains that employee mobility allows expatriate workers to move between employers under defined rules and conditions.
FAQs
1. How can I change sponsor in Saudi Arabia?
Eligible non-Saudi private-sector workers can use the applicable employee transfer service through Qiwa. The new employer normally starts the process, and the worker may need to review and accept the employment offer depending on the transfer route.
2. Can I change sponsor without my current employer’s approval?
Under the current Freedom of Movement service, an eligible resident employee can transfer to a new employer without current employer approval, subject to the applicable regulations and conditions. The current employer is notified of the request.
3. Is sponsor transfer available through Qiwa?
Yes. HRSD currently provides Employee Transfer and related transfer-of-services services through Qiwa for eligible employment situations.
4. Is changing sponsor in Saudi Arabia free?
The current HRSD Employee Transfer service and Freedom of Movement service are both listed as free. Other employment-related costs or obligations can depend on the specific situation, so workers should check official information before paying anyone.
5. How long does sponsor transfer take in Saudi Arabia?
HRSD currently lists the Employee Transfer service and Freedom of Movement service with an immediate service level. However, an individual case can still depend on system verification and completion of the required employer and worker steps.
6. Do I need to visit a government office to change sponsor?
The current employee transfer service is electronic and handled through Qiwa. HRSD states that the service is fully automated and does not require documents or paperwork.
Final Summary
The process to Change Sponsor in Saudi Arabia is now mainly handled through digital employment services. Eligible non-Saudi workers can use Qiwa-based employee transfer services, while the Freedom of Movement route can allow a transfer without current employer approval when the applicable conditions are met.
Before accepting a new transfer, workers should check the employer, salary, job title, contract, and information shown in Qiwa. The rules can depend on the worker’s situation, so the latest HRSD and Qiwa information should always be checked before starting or accepting a sponsor transfer.
