If you’re living and working in Saudi Arabia as an expat, the employment system you knew has fundamentally changed — and staying informed could make all the difference in your career.
The rules have changed. Your rights have grown.
The KAFALA System Is Gone — For Good
Many expats in Saudi Arabia still believe they need their employer’s permission to change jobs. They do not.
The KAFALA system was officially abolished in October 2025. This is not a rumor — it is law. Over 13 million migrant workers in the Kingdom now have rights they never had before. Yet most of them are still living as if the old rules apply.
That ends today.
When Can You Transfer to a New Employer?
You are legally eligible to transfer your job under any of the following conditions:
- ✅ Your contract has expired
- ✅ Your salary has been unpaid for 3 consecutive months
- ✅ Your employer failed to renew your Iqama after expiry
- ✅ Your employer is on Red Nitaqat status
- ✅ You have completed 12 months of service and served the required notice period of 90 days
If any of these apply to you — you have the right to move. No permission needed.
How Transfers Work — The Qiwa Platform
All job transfers in Saudi Arabia are now managed digitally through the Qiwa Platform. Here is how the process works:
- Once you initiate a transfer request, your current employer has 14 days to respond
- If they do not respond — or if the conditions are met — the system proceeds automatically
- No delays. No manipulation. The platform handles it.
Every expat worker and HR professional must be familiar with Qiwa. If you are not using it, you are already behind.
Transfer Fees — What to Expect
Transfers through Qiwa come with the following fees:
| Transfer | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1st Transfer | SAR 2,000 |
| 2nd Transfer | SAR 4,000 |
| 3rd Transfer & Beyond | SAR 6,000 |
A small price for freedom — and for the career you deserve.
Good News for Families
Spouses and adult children on family-sponsored Iqamas can now obtain work permits directly from HRSD — without needing a separate employer sponsor.
This is a door that is now open. One that was firmly shut before.
Three Things Every Expat Should Do Right Now
1. Check Your Contract Status Open Qiwa and review your contract details. Know your start date, your end date, and exactly when you become eligible to transfer.
2. Know Your Nitaqat Status Your right to transfer depends on your employer’s Nitaqat classification. If your company is on Red Nitaqat — you have more leverage than you think.
3. Stop Accepting Bad Treatment The law has changed. Most bad employers are counting on you not knowing it. Do not let outdated fear hold you back. You have rights — use them.
Why This Matters Now
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is actively reshaping the Kingdom’s economic and workforce landscape. These labor reforms are part of a broader effort to create a more competitive, transparent, and fair employment environment — one that works for both employers and employees.
The candidates who succeed in Saudi Arabia over the next five years will be the ones who understand that the system has flipped — in their favor.
The more informed you are, the better positioned you will be to navigate this evolving landscape with confidence.