Iqama Transfer: Change Employer Without Consent

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Written by Bilal Irfan · Last updated 27 October 2026 · How we check facts

An Iqama or sponsorship transfer moves your work to a new employer. Since the labour reform of 14 March 2021, a worker who has completed 12 months in Saudi Arabia can transfer without the current employer’s consent, subject to conditions, and certain cases allow it earlier. The request is made through Qiwa.

Which route applies

You want to change employer
Does your current employer agree?
Yes
Agree the transfer on Qiwa
Employer and new employer both approve
No
Completed 12 months, or a listed case applies?
Request on Qiwa without consent

Cases without consent

As reported by Gulf News, a worker can transfer without the current employer’s consent in these cases:

  • No documented work contract within three months of entering the Kingdom.
  • Wages unpaid for three successive months.
  • The employer is absent because of travel, imprisonment, death or another reason.
  • The work permit or Iqama has expired.
  • A complaint about the employer’s involvement in licensing fraud, where the worker is not involved.
  • Proof that the employer is involved in trafficking.
  • A labour dispute where the employer misses two litigation or two amicable settlement sessions.
  • The employer states that he wants the worker to leave.

Steps

  1. Check eligibility. Open your Qiwa employee profile and check mobility eligibility and your employment status. Also check for a Huroob report.
  2. Find the new employer. The new employer must be ready to take you on and have the services available; a Red Nitaqat category can block transfers.
  3. Submit the request. Submit through Qiwa and follow the approval steps for you and the new employer.
  4. Confirm in Absher. After approval, check that your Iqama shows the new employer and the correct expiry.

Fees

No figure stated

Transfer fee amounts are quoted differently by different outlets, and none has been confirmed from a primary source. Use the amount shown on the Qiwa or Absher payment screen.

Questions

Can I change jobs without my employer’s consent?

Since the labour reform that took effect on 14 March 2021, workers who have completed 12 months in the Kingdom can transfer without the current employer’s consent, subject to conditions. There are also specific cases that allow a transfer without consent.

What are the cases allowing transfer without consent?

As reported: no documented contract within three months of entry, wages unpaid for three successive months, the employer absent, an expired work or residency permit, a complaint about licensing fraud, proof of trafficking, a labour dispute where the employer misses two sessions, or the employer saying he wants the worker to leave.

How do I request a transfer?

Through Qiwa, where you can check mobility eligibility on your employee profile and follow the transfer steps.

What does a transfer cost?

Fee figures circulate online but have not been confirmed from a primary source, so none is stated here. Check the amount on the Qiwa payment screen.

Sources

Iqama Guide is an independent information site. It is not a government website and does not process Iqama, visa or payment requests. Always confirm amounts and rules on Absher, Muqeem or the official authority before acting.