Managing Employee Transfers Between Sponsors Legally

Changing jobs in Saudi Arabia is now a digital process. In 2026, the old ways of moving from one company to another will be gone. Everything is managed through online portals like Qiwa and Muqeem. For business owners and managers, knowing how to handle an employee transfer between sponsors in Saudi Arabia correctly is the only way to stay safe and follow the law.

This move is often called Nakal Kafala. It lets a worker join a new company without leaving the country first. When you do it the right way, it is a smooth path that keeps everyone happy.

The Modern Way to Transfer

The legal employee transfer Saudi Arabia uses a system called contract mobility. This means the worker is tied to a digital contract, not a person. To start a company to company transfer process KSA, both the new boss and the worker must be ready.

The new company must have a good score in the Nitaqat system. This score shows that the company hires enough Saudi nationals. If your company is in the Red or Yellow zone, the government will not let you take on a new worker.

The 5 Simple Steps to Transfer

Switching sponsors in Saudi Arabia has five main stages. Each stage is carried out on the Qiwa platform.

• New Job Offer: The new employer signs into Qiwa and dispatches an online job offer. This should include the salary, the job title, and the work commencement date.
• Worker Says Yes: The worker receives a notification on their mobile phone. They have 10 days to review the offer and accept it by clicking. If they delay too much, the offer is automatically cancelled.
• Old Boss is Notified: After the worker agrees, the previous company is informed. They generally have 14 days to respond. They can either release the worker immediately or request the worker to serve a notice period.
• Notice Period: If serving a notice period is necessary, it generally lasts for 90 days. During this period, the worker is still employed by the old company. The computer system automatically keeps track of the days.

Last Step: Once the period is over, the new employer settles the government charges. After that, they update the worker’s record with the new company name via the Muqeem portal.

Important Iqama Transfer Rules KSA

You must follow the Iqama transfer rules KSA to avoid fines. Here are the main things to know:

• The Fees: The new boss must pay the transfer fee. It is 2,000 SAR for the first time a worker moves. It is 4,000 SAR for the second time, and 6,000 SAR for every time after that.
• Moving Without Permission: In 2026, a worker can move to a new company without the old boss saying yes if the boss does something wrong. For example, if they do not pay the worker for three months, or if they forget to renew the worker’s ID (Iqama).
• New Arrivals: If a new worker comes to Saudi Arabia and the boss does not give them an ID card within 90 days, that worker can move to a new company immediately.

Why You Might Need Help

Managing these portals can be tricky. This is why many leaders use GRO services in Saudi Arabia for employee transfer. A Government Relations Officer (GRO) is an expert who knows exactly how to use the websites. They can fix technical errors and make sure the move happens fast.

Using a pro service makes sure the legal employee transfer Saudi Arabia follows all the rules. This stops the company from getting big fines for making small mistakes.

Make Your Talent Moves Easy with TASC Corporate Services

Moving workers between companies should be simple. TASC Corporate Services provides the expert GRO services in Saudi Arabia for employee transfer that your business needs.

We take care of the whole company to company transfer process KSA. We watch the Qiwa portals, make sure you follow all Iqama transfer rules KSA, and finish the updates on Muqeem. We ensure every legal employee transfer Saudi Arabia is done perfectly so you can focus on your business. Contact TASC today to make your employee transfers easy.

FAQs

Can a worker move if they have a Final Exit visa? 

No. Once a Final Exit visa is issued, the worker must leave Saudi Arabia. They cannot legally transfer to a new employer until they exit and re-enter.

How long does the transfer process take? 

Without a notice period, digital processing takes one to two weeks. If a 90-day notice is required, the full transition typically takes about three months to complete.

Does the worker pay the transfer fee? 

No. Saudi law strictly requires the new employer to pay all government transfer fees. It is illegal for a company to deduct these costs from an employee’s salary.

What if the old boss says no?

If the contract is finished or the employer violated labor laws, the Ministry allows the transfer. The system protects worker mobility once legal contract obligations are fully met.

Can I change the worker’s job title? 

You must complete the sponsorship transfer first. Once the worker is officially under your company, you can apply for a profession change through a separate government digital request.