Iqama Transfer Without Sponsor: The 2025 Loophole Every Expat Needs to Know Before Changing Jobs
Iqama transfer without a sponsor’s permission, also known as transfer without kafeel approval, is now possible in Saudi Arabia under specific labor reform rules. These rules give expatriates more freedom to switch employers without needing their current sponsor’s consent. This article explains every method, condition, process, tables, and FAQs in a clear and well-structured 800-word guide.
Overview Table: Legal Ways to Transfer Iqama Without Sponsor Approval
| Transfer Method | Sponsor Approval Needed | Who Qualifies | Main Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qiwa Automatic Transfer | No | Private-sector workers | Contract ended or employer violations |
| Job Mobility Program | No | New and existing expatriates | 90 days completed + contract uploaded |
| Salary Delay Transfer | No | Workers unpaid for 3+ months | Salary proof from bank/WPS |
| Company Closure Transfer | No | Workers in closed companies | Establishment marked non-operational |
| Wrong Huroob Transfer | No | Workers falsely accused | Complaint proof at MOL |
| Contract Not Uploaded | No | Workers without documented contract | 90 days passed after arrival |
What Is an Iqama Transfer Without Sponsor Approval?
This process allows expatriates to transfer to another employer without needing their current sponsor’s permission. It is legal under Saudi labor reforms and processed through the Qiwa platform. The system automatically checks if the worker qualifies based on contract status, salary history, employer rating, and compliance level. This ensures protection for workers facing contract issues, unpaid wages, or employer negligence.
1. Conditions Where You Can Transfer Iqama Without Sponsor Approval
Contract expired
If your employment contract has expired and the employer has not renewed it in Qiwa, you may transfer freely.
Completed 12 months with the employer
You qualify to transfer after serving one full year under the same sponsor.
Contract not uploaded in Qiwa
If your employer fails to upload a contract within 90 days of your arrival, you gain automatic transfer rights.
Salary delay
If you have not been paid for three consecutive months, the law allows you to transfer without approval by presenting salary records or WPS data.
Employer violations
If your company is marked “non-operational,” “downgraded,” or enters the red category, you can legally transfer.
False Huroob
Workers wrongly reported as “absconding” can file a complaint. If proven, they may transfer without the sponsor.
2. How the Transfer Works Step-by-Step
Step 1: Get a job offer
Your new employer sends a digital job offer through the Qiwa platform.
Step 2: Accept the offer in Qiwa
You must accept the contract within the platform. No old sponsor approval is needed if you meet qualifying conditions.
Step 3: System verification
Qiwa automatically checks your contract, compliance records, salary history, and employer status.
Step 4: Transfer approval
If you’re eligible, Qiwa grants instant transfer approval.
Step 5: New employer pays the fees
After approval, the new employer completes the transfer process and issues a new contract.
3. Transfer Fees and Categories
| Transfer Type | First Transfer Fee | Second Transfer Fee | Additional Transfers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal Transfer | Employer pays | Employer pays | Employer pays |
| Transfer Without Sponsor Approval | Employer pays | Employer pays | Employer pays |
| Domestic Worker Transfer | SAR 2000–4000 | Varies | Varies |
In all cases, the employer is responsible for paying transfer fees.
4. Most Common Reasons Workers Use This Method
Contract expired
Many workers transfer when employers refuse to renew contracts.
Salary delays
Three months without pay allows automatic transfer.
Employer threats or abuse
Workers facing harassment or misuse of authority can seek MOL approval to transfer.
Company shutdown
If your employer’s establishment closes or loses licensing, you gain immediate rights to transfer.
Huroob misuse
If a sponsor threatens workers with Huroob or files it unjustly, the case can be overturned, enabling transfer.
5. Signs You Are Eligible for Transfer Without Sponsor
You may qualify if you notice any of the following:
- No documented employment contract appearing in Qiwa
- Delays in salary for 3 months or more
- Establishment category turns red
- Company license suspended
- Employer refuses contract renewal
- Threats of Huroob or unjust reporting
- Completed one-year stay with the employer
6. What to Do If Your Employer Blocks Your Transfer
File a labor complaint
Submit your issue through the Ministry of Labor portal.
Provide evidence
Upload bank statements, text messages, old contracts, or any relevant documents.
Request transfer in Qiwa
Once the complaint is active, you may request transfer based on violations.
Legal support
Workers facing complex situations, particularly false Huroob, may use legal counsel.
Benefits of Iqama Transfer Without Sponsor Approval
- Gives expatriates stronger job mobility
- Protects workers from abuse and salary delays
- Eliminates dependency on sponsor permission
- Encourages fair employment contracts
- Enables better job opportunities and salaries
- Ensures smoother employment transition via Qiwa
Important Rules to Remember
- You must have a job offer from another employer to initiate transfer
- Transfer fees are paid by the employer, not the worker
- Your Iqama must be valid at the time of transfer
- You must respond to job offers within the time limit
- Huroob cases must be legally resolved
Final Thoughts
Iqama transfer without sponsor approval is one of the strongest rights expatriate workers now have in Saudi Arabia. Whether your contract expired, salary is delayed, or your employer violates labor laws, you can switch employers legally without fear of rejection. Qiwa’s automated system ensures fairness by checking contract status, salary payments, and employer compliance.
Knowing your rights is essential. If your employer fails to meet obligations or tries to block your transfer, the law supports you.
Best One-Line FAQs
1. Can I transfer without my sponsor’s approval?
Yes, you can transfer if your employer violates rules, delays salary, or your contract ends.
2. Who pays for the Iqama transfer?
Transfer fees are always paid by the employer.
3. Can I transfer if my employer refuses to upload a contract?
Yes, after 90 days without a documented contract, you gain automatic transfer rights.