If you’re working in Saudi Arabia as a foreign employee, you’ve likely heard the term “Iqama” used in every part of your daily life, from dealing with banks and clinics to renewing contracts or signing a lease. It’s more than an ID. It’s your legal right to live and work in the country.
Many expatriates reach a point in their careers where they want to switch jobs. Whether it’s for better pay, improved working conditions, or a different location, this change isn’t as simple as handing in a resignation. It depends on one critical factor: whether your Iqama is transferable.
This guide breaks it all down. No legal jargon. Just clear answers on how you can check your status, what affects the process, and where to go if you’re unsure about your next step.
What Makes an Iqama ‘Transferable’?
When you’re hired by a company in Saudi Arabia, they become your sponsor. Your Iqama ties you to them. For you to move to a new job, your Iqama has to be shifted or transferred from your current employer to the new one.
If your Iqama is marked as transferable, your new company can take over your sponsorship. This avoids the need to exit and re-enter the country or restart your visa process.
But not every Iqama can be transferred automatically. Some are blocked. Some depend on employer approval. Some are tied to specific contract terms.
Why This Matters If You’re Planning a Career Move
Being able to transfer means freedom to accept better offers without facing legal or administrative trouble.
If your Iqama is not eligible for transfer, your plans may be delayed. Or worse, you could be stuck in your current job longer than you’d like.
For companies, it also helps to know if a potential hire is eligible for sponsorship. There’s no point offering someone a position if the government won’t allow the transfer to go through.
How to Check if Your Iqama Can Be Transferred
There are a few ways to do this. Some people prefer to speak directly with their HR team. Others go online to check government systems. Here’s how both routes work:
1. Use the Ministry of Labor Website
The Ministry of Labor (now part of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development) has a portal that allows workers and employers to view transfer requests.
To check your Iqama status there:
- Visit: mol.gov.sa
- Log in, or register with your Iqama number if you don’t have an account
- Go to the section for worker or transfer services
- Look for submitted or approved transfer requests
If your status shows “pending,” “in progress,” or “awaiting approval,” a request is active but not completed.
2. Log into Qiwa
Qiwa is an online platform used for most employment-related services in Saudi Arabia. If you’re already discussing a job change, your new employer will likely use this system.
- Go to: qiwa.sa
- Log in with your Iqama number
- Go to “Employee Transfer” to check eligibility or request progress
3. Check Absher
Absher is the main portal for government services related to personal status, including Iqama and sponsor information.
To confirm your current sponsor:
- Visit: absher.sa
- Log in to your personal account
- Under “My Services,” view your profile information
- Your sponsor’s name will be listed
Absher won’t show if your Iqama is eligible for transfer, but it will confirm whether the transfer has been completed.
What Could Stop You From Transferring Your Iqama
Even if a new company is ready to take you in, your current situation might block the move. Common issues include:
Employment Contract Still Active
If you’re in your probation period or your contract blocks early transfer, the system may not accept the request.
Iqama Expired
You cannot transfer an expired Iqama. It must be renewed first.
Legal Violations or Fines
Unpaid traffic violations, labor fines, or active huroob status may prevent your transfer from going through.
Employer Refusal
Some companies choose to deny transfers. Your new employer might need to raise the matter through Qiwa or the Labor Office.
Job Category Restrictions
Certain visa types or professions have limits on transfer eligibility.
Too Many Transfers
Although there’s no fixed number, having multiple past transfers can raise concerns during review.
How Many Times Can an Iqama Be Transferred?
There isn’t a published limit. Each transfer goes through approval based on your contract history, the new sponsor’s status, and labor regulations. If your iqama transfer request gets rejected, it could be due to a previous dispute, employer block, or quota limits in the company.
How the Transfer Process Works
If your Iqama is eligible, the steps are straightforward:
- The new employer submits a transfer request using the Qiwa system.
- Your current employer is notified and must approve, unless your case qualifies for automatic transfer.
- The new employer pays the applicable fee:
- First transfer: SAR 2,000
- Second: SAR 4,000
- Third or more: SAR 6,000
- Once payment is confirmed, the Ministry of Interior finalizes the transfer.
- Your Absher and Qiwa records update to show your new sponsor.
How to Check if the New Iqama Has Been Issued
Once the process is done, here’s how to verify that your new Iqama is active:
- Log in to Absher or Qiwa
- In Absher, check if your sponsor’s name has changed
- In Qiwa, your status will show as “Completed”
If both still show your previous sponsor, your request may still be pending or blocked.
Questions Job Seekers Ask Us Often
How can I check if my Iqama is active?
Log into Absher or Qiwa. The expiry date and validity will be listed clearly.
Is there a limit on how many times I can transfer my Iqama?
No published limit, but each request is reviewed carefully.
Can I transfer my Iqama if it’s expired?
No. You’ll need to renew it first before submitting a transfer.
What does it mean if my request says “under study”?
It means the application was submitted and is currently being reviewed by the Ministry or your current employer.
Need Help with Your Iqama Transfer?
Arab Manpower Service Link has supported thousands of foreign professionals across Saudi Arabia. Whether you’re changing jobs, dealing with expired documents, or facing employer refusal, we know how the process works and how to get it done properly.
We work with employers and job seekers across multiple sectors to resolve iqama transfer delays, handle documentation, and manage communication between all parties. With a strong presence across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and the Gulf, we continue to match the right talent with the right opportunities in Saudi Arabia.
If you’re unsure about your iqama status or need help with a transfer request, reach out to us today. We’re here to help.
