Iqama Transfer Process in Saudi Arabia

Key steps include securing a job offer, obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current employer, and submitting relevant documents for government approval. After approval, a new Iqama is issued under the new sponsor’s name. Staying updated on legal procedures and requirements is crucial, as regulations may evolve over time.

Online Iqama Transfer

Saudi Arabia has introduced Qiwa, a digital platform designed to streamline labor-related services. Qiwa’s Employee Transfer feature allows expatriates to transfer their Iqama online, saving time and reducing administrative hurdles. This convenient tool offers quick access to important employment procedures, including Iqama transfers.

Conditions for Transfer

To complete a transfer through Qiwa, both the employee and new employer must meet several conditions:

Employee Requirements: The employee must have an active contract with their current employer, have completed at least one year of employment with them, and be covered by Saudi labor laws. Additionally, the employee must notify their current employer of their intention to transfer.
Employer Requirements: The prospective employer needs to submit a job offer through Qiwa and cooperate with the current employer to manage the transfer of sponsorship smoothly.

Transfer Process

To start the transfer process, follow these steps:

Register or Log In: Create an account on Qiwa or log in with your existing credentials.
Select the Service: Choose the “Employee Transfer” option.
Submit Documents: Upload required documents, such as the current Iqama, new employment contract, an exit visa from the current employer, and any other relevant paperwork.
Fee Payment: Pay the necessary transfer fees.
Submit for Review: Complete all steps and submit the application for evaluation.

In-Person Iqama Transfer at the Ministry of Labor

If you prefer handling the Iqama transfer process in person, the Ministry of Labor (MoL) office, particularly the Riyadh branch, is available for in-office processing.

Required Documents

The following documents are necessary for an in-person transfer:

A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current employer
A new employment contract
A valid passport
Your current Iqama
An exit visa from the current employer, if applicable

Transfer Steps

To process your Iqama transfer at the MoL office:

Document Submission: Present all required documents at the designated counter.
Complete Forms: Fill out necessary forms or applications.
Pay Fees: Pay the designated Iqama transfer fee.
Follow-Up: Processing times may vary, so you may want to inquire about the estimated timeframe.
Collect New Iqama: Upon approval, return to the MoL office to retrieve your updated Iqama.

Checking the Status

You can track your Iqama transfer status through either the MoL KSA website or the Absher platform.

Tracking Through MoL KSA

Visit the Ministry of Labor website and select the “Naqal Kafala” (Transfer of Sponsorship) section.
Choose the second option on the page, then enter your Iqama number and verification code.
Click on the bottom right to proceed. The page will display your sponsor’s name, transfer application number, and transfer date.

Tracking Through Absher

Log in to your Absher account and navigate to “My Account.”
Select “Dashboard” and click on “More details” under your personal information.
The sponsor’s name will be shown. If the transfer is completed, the new sponsor’s name will appear; if not, the current sponsor’s name will remain.

Iqama Transfer Fees

The cost of transferring an Iqama increases with each subsequent transfer. The first transfer fee is SAR 2,000, the second transfer is SAR 4,000, and the third transfer rises to SAR 6,000.

Understanding these phases and expenses ensures a flawless Iqama transfer process, thereby enabling expatriate movement between Saudi Arabia's several employment sites or firms. Ahead of time planning and document preparation help to guarantee a hassle-free experience whether working from the MoL office or Qiwa.

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