residency

How to Transfer Sponsorship (Kafala Transfer) in Saudi Arabia

A kafala (sponsorship) transfer allows an expatriate worker to move from one employer to another without leaving Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia's labor reform initiative has made this process more accessible. This guide explains how to initiate a transfer through the MHRSD platform.

Who Is This For?

Expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia who want to transfer their sponsorship to a new employer.

What You Need Before Starting

✓A valid Iqama
✓An active Absher account
✓At least one year of service with your current employer (in most cases)
✓A new employer willing to accept the transfer

Step-by-Step Process

1Log in to the Ministry of Human Resources portal at hrsd.gov.sa
2Navigate to 'Labor Reform Initiative' or 'Sponsorship Transfer'
3Submit a transfer request — you do not need your current employer's approval in most cases under the labor reform rules
4The new employer must accept the transfer request through their own Absher or MHRSD account
5Once approved, your Iqama will be updated to reflect the new sponsor
6Your new employer handles the Iqama renewal going forward

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✗Assuming you always need employer approval — the 2021 labor reforms removed this requirement in many cases
✗Transferring without a confirmed new job offer — ensure the new employer is committed before initiating
✗Not checking if your profession code allows transfer — some categories have restrictions
✗Leaving the country during a transfer — wait until the process is fully complete

Timing & Fees

The transfer process is free through the government portal. Processing typically takes a few days to two weeks depending on the employer's response.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my sponsorship without my employer's consent?

Under Saudi Arabia's Labor Reform Initiative (introduced in 2021), many workers can transfer without employer approval after completing one year of service. Check hrsd.gov.sa for your eligibility.

What happens to my Iqama during the transfer?

Your Iqama remains valid during the process. Once the transfer is complete, it is updated to show the new sponsor.

Can domestic workers transfer sponsorship?

Domestic workers are subject to different rules and may require employer approval. Check the MHRSD portal for the latest guidance on domestic worker transfers.