The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has introduced a new electronic service on the Qiwa platform titled Transfer of services from another employer – Freedom of movement, effective September 8, 2026. This service allows eligible expatriate employees to transfer to a new employer without the existing employer's approval, subject to specific regulatory conditions and system eligibility.
- New digital service launched on September 8, 2026
- Allows job transfer without current employer approval
- Process is entirely digital, immediate, and free of service charges
According to the official service listing released on September 17, 2026, in Riyadh, the process is entirely digital, immediate, and free of service charges.
The transfer procedure begins with the new employer generating a job offer via the Qiwa platform. The employee must then accept or reject this offer through their individual Qiwa account. Once accepted, the current employer receives an electronic notification. The system then conducts an automated verification of eligibility requirements. Final data updates and the issuance of a new work permit only occur once the Qiwa system confirms the employee meets all regulatory criteria.
HRSD emphasizes that this Freedom of movement route does not grant blanket permission for all workers. Transfers remain subject to compliance checks, including the employer's valid commercial registration, active establishment status, work permit validity, Wage Protection System compliance, Nitaqat status, and available transfer credits.
Employees are advised not to leave their current positions until the transfer is officially completed and the new work permit status is verified in the system. While the transfer service itself is free, this does not waive statutory fees related to work permits or Iqamas, which are governed by separate labor regulations. Workers are urged to review all contract terms—including salary, job title, and benefits—directly through the Qiwa platform rather than relying on verbal assurances or third-party agents. Employees should avoid sharing login credentials, passwords, or OTPs with brokers. For assistance with pending statuses or eligibility errors, users can contact the official Qiwa support line at 920000105 or via email at support@qiwa.sa.
