Saudi Arabia Updates Qiwa Employment Mobility Rules
Saudi Arabia's Qiwa platform allows eligible expats to transfer jobs without sponsor approval. Check the new mobility rules and eligibility.
The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has released detailed guidelines regarding Qiwa employment mobility, a vital component of the Kingdom's ongoing labor reforms. These updates are designed to increase flexibility within the private sector and reduce traditional sponsorship constraints.
Transferring Without Sponsor Approval
Under the updated regulations available on the Qiwa platform, eligible migrant workers can now transfer to a new employer without requiring approval from their current sponsor. This move is part of the broader Saudi Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to modernize the labor market and improve career movement for the expatriate workforce.
To qualify for this streamlined transfer, workers must meet specific requirements:
- Residency Duration: The worker must have completed at least 12 months in the Kingdom from their initial date of entry.
- Notice Period: A notice period of 90 days is mandatory, unless both the current and new employers reach a mutual agreement.
How the Qiwa Process Works
The electronic service is provided free of charge through the Qiwa platform. The process is fully digitalized to ensure efficiency and transparency:
- A prospective employer submits a formal job offer via the system.
- The worker reviews the offer through their personal Qiwa account and can either accept or reject it.
- Once an offer is accepted, the system automatically verifies the request.
- A new work permit is issued to complete the transition.
Important Eligibility Restrictions
While the reforms offer significant benefits, they are not universal. Workers who have been in the country for less than 12 months remain ineligible for these specific mobility provisions.
The Ministry advises all expatriate workers to carefully review their existing employment contracts and verify their specific eligibility status through their personal Qiwa accounts.