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Qiwa Platform Guide — How to Use Qiwa as an Employee in Saudi Arabia

Qiwa (قوى) is Saudi Arabia's official labour portal, operated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD). For expat employees, Qiwa is where work permit transfers happen, employment contracts are stored, labour complaints are filed, and freelance permits are managed. Since the 2021 Kafala reforms, Qiwa became essential for any expat who wants to change jobs, check their contract terms, or verify their work permit status. This guide explains how to use Qiwa as an individual employee.

Highlights

  • ★Qiwa is the platform where work permit transfers (job changes) are initiated and approved — both employer and employee use Qiwa for this process.
  • ★Your employment contract is stored on Qiwa — you can view, download, and verify the terms your employer registered with MHRSD.
  • ★If your employer has not registered your contract on Qiwa, or has registered incorrect terms, you can flag this through the platform.
  • ★Labour complaints against employers — for unpaid wages, contract violations, or unsafe conditions — are filed through Qiwa.
  • ★The freelance work permit for independent professionals is applied for through Qiwa.
  • ★Qiwa is separate from Absher — Absher handles residency and personal government services; Qiwa handles employment and labour services.

Who Is This For?

Expat employees in Saudi Arabia who need to use Qiwa for work permit transfers, contract verification, labour complaints, or managing their employment status.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. 1Visit qiwa.sa on a browser or download the Qiwa app (available on iOS and Android).
  2. 2Log in using your Absher credentials (Iqama number and Absher password) — Qiwa uses a unified login with the national identity system.
  3. 3On first login, verify your identity via OTP sent to your registered Saudi mobile number.
  4. 4Navigate to 'My Services' to access the main employee services dashboard.
  5. 5To check your work permit status: My Services → Work Permits → view current permit details, expiry date, and employer.
  6. 6To view your employment contract: My Services → Employment Contracts → your registered contract with terms and conditions.
  7. 7To initiate or approve a work permit transfer: My Services → Work Permit Transfer → view pending transfer requests and approve or reject.
  8. 8To file a labour complaint: My Services → Labour Complaints → select complaint type → describe the issue → submit.
  9. 9To apply for a freelance permit: My Services → Freelance Work Permit → complete your professional profile and submit application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ✗Confusing Qiwa with Absher — they are separate platforms with different functions. Qiwa is for employment; Absher is for residency and personal government services.
  • ✗Not checking your registered contract on Qiwa — some employers register different terms than what was agreed verbally. Always verify your contract on Qiwa after joining a new employer.
  • ✗Waiting too long to file a labour complaint — MHRSD recommends filing complaints promptly. Very old claims can be harder to resolve.
  • ✗Assuming a work permit transfer happens automatically — both your new employer and you must take action on Qiwa for the transfer to complete.
  • ✗Not updating your Qiwa profile when changing jobs — your Qiwa profile should reflect your current employment status at all times.

Practical Tips

  • 💡Check your Qiwa profile when starting a new job — verify that your contract is registered correctly, your salary matches what was agreed, and your job title is accurate.
  • 💡If your employer is not paying your salary on time, Qiwa's wage protection system (WPS) data tracks salary payment compliance. You can see whether your employer is compliant before filing a formal complaint.
  • 💡For work permit transfers, the new employer initiates the transfer on Qiwa first — you then log in to Qiwa or Absher to approve it. You do not need to visit any government office.
  • 💡Qiwa shows your Nitaqat (Saudization) category for your employer — useful for understanding whether your position is at risk of being localised.
  • 💡The Qiwa app is generally faster than the website for checking work permit status and approving transfer requests.
  • 💡If you are filing a wage complaint, gather evidence first: payslips, bank statements showing salary deposits, and your employment contract from Qiwa.
  • 💡Qiwa has a dedicated helpline and WhatsApp support channel — responses are typically faster than email.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Qiwa and Absher?

Absher (absher.sa) handles residency, personal identity, and government services — Iqama, exit visas, traffic fines, dependents. Qiwa (qiwa.sa) handles employment and labour — work permits, job transfers, contracts, labour complaints. Both use the same Iqama-based login but serve different purposes. As an expat, you need both.

Can I change jobs using Qiwa without my employer's permission?

After completing 12 months of service, yes. Your new employer initiates the transfer on Qiwa and you approve it — your current employer's consent is not required. Before 12 months, a transfer is still possible if you have a documented labour dispute. See the changing jobs guide for full details.

How do I check if my employer is paying my salary correctly through Qiwa?

Qiwa integrates with the Wage Protection System (WPS). If your employer is registered in WPS, your salary payment history is visible. If your employer is consistently late or not paying through WPS, this is a basis for a labour complaint through Qiwa.

What happens if my contract on Qiwa is different from what I agreed with my employer?

The contract registered on Qiwa is the legally binding document from MHRSD's perspective. If the registered contract has incorrect salary, title, or terms, raise this with your employer's HR to correct it. If they refuse, you can file a complaint through Qiwa citing contract misrepresentation.

Can I use Qiwa to report unsafe working conditions?

Yes. Qiwa's labour complaint system covers wage disputes, unsafe working conditions, contract violations, and discrimination. Select the relevant complaint category when filing. MHRSD labour inspectors follow up on workplace safety complaints.