Naqal Kafala is the process of transferring your sponsorship (kafala) from one employer to another in Saudi Arabia. If you have found a new job, or you need to move to a different sponsor, a successful transfer means your Iqama moves to the new employer and you can legally work for them. This guide explains how it works, who can apply, what documents you need, and the mistakes that cause delays.
What Is Naqal Kafala?
Under the sponsorship system, every expatriate worker in Saudi Arabia is linked to a sponsor, usually their employer. Your Iqama, work permit, and right to work are tied to that sponsor. Naqal Kafala means moving that sponsorship to a new employer, through the official systems — mainly Qiwa and Absher.
Who Can Apply for Naqal Kafala?
Most expatriate workers can request a sponsorship transfer, but the rules depend on your situation:
- Workers with a valid contract: If you are moving to a new employer at the end of your contract, or with your current sponsor’s agreement, the transfer is usually straightforward.
- Workers whose sponsor agrees: If your current employer accepts the transfer, they approve the request online and the process moves forward.
- Workers in special situations: Saudi labour reforms allow a transfer without the current sponsor’s consent in certain cases — for example, if your Iqama or work permit has expired and not been renewed, if your wages have not been paid, or if your employer has closed down. The exact conditions change from time to time, so your case needs to be checked individually.
- Domestic workers: The rules for domestic workers are different from company workers, and transfers follow a separate process.
Documents Needed for Sponsorship Transfer
Before starting Naqal Kafala, gather these documents:
- A valid passport
- Your current Iqama (Iqama number and expiry date)
- A job offer or employment contract from the new employer
- The new employer’s commercial registration details
- Your current employer’s details
- A recent passport-size photo (white background)
- Any clearance or release letter from your current sponsor, if available
Fees apply to a sponsorship transfer, and the amount varies depending on your situation and how many times you have transferred before. The official system shows the exact fee when the request is submitted — message us on WhatsApp to check it for your case.
Naqal Kafala Step by Step
- Get a job offer from the new employer. The new company must be eligible to hire foreign workers and must have an available visa or quota for your profession.
- The new employer submits the transfer request online through the Qiwa platform.
- Your current sponsor approves the request. The current employer receives a notification and approves the transfer online. If your case qualifies for a transfer without consent, this step works differently.
- Pay the transfer fee through the official payment system (SADAD) once the request is approved.
- The new employer issues your work permit under the new company.
- Confirm your Iqama is updated. Check Absher to make sure your Iqama now shows the new sponsor’s name.
Processing time varies. Some transfers complete quickly when all documents are ready and both employers respond on time. Delays are common when one side is slow to approve, or documents are incomplete.
What Happens If Your Current Sponsor Does Not Agree?
A transfer is much easier when your current sponsor agrees, but if your sponsor refuses or does not respond, you may still have options.
Under the labour reforms, a worker may be able to transfer without the sponsor’s consent in specific situations, such as unpaid wages, an expired Iqama or work permit that the employer failed to renew, or the employer going out of business. Each case is judged on its own facts, and you may need evidence such as wage records or your Iqama status. If you are in this situation, get your case checked properly first — the wrong step can put your legal status at risk.
Common Problems That Delay Naqal Kafala
- Unpaid traffic fines or government dues — these can block the transfer.
- Expired Iqama or passport — both need to be valid before the transfer can go ahead.
- The new employer has no available quota for your profession.
- Your profession on the Iqama does not match the job the new employer is offering.
- A huroob (absconding) report on your record — this must be dealt with before any transfer.
- The current sponsor does not respond to the approval request within the allowed time.
Most of these can be fixed — check everything before submitting rather than fixing a rejection afterwards.
What to Watch Out For
- Do not work for the new employer before the transfer is complete. Working under the wrong sponsor is a serious violation.
- Keep a copy of everything. Save your job offer, contract, payment receipts, and screenshots of your Absher status.
- Use official channels only. The transfer is done through Qiwa and Absher. Be careful with anyone who promises a transfer outside the official system.
- Check your contract terms. Some contracts have conditions about leaving early, including notice periods. Understand your contract before you start the transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my sponsorship without my sponsor’s permission?
In some situations, yes. The labour reforms allow a transfer without consent in specific cases, such as unpaid wages or an expired Iqama that the employer did not renew. Whether your case qualifies depends on the facts, so get it checked before you apply.
How long does Naqal Kafala take?
It varies. When both employers respond quickly and all documents are ready, the transfer can move fast. Delays happen when approvals are slow or documents are missing.
How much does a sponsorship transfer cost?
The fee varies depending on your situation and whether you have transferred before. The official system shows the exact amount when the request is submitted. Contact us on WhatsApp and we can check the current fee for your case.
Can I transfer if my Iqama has expired?
An expired Iqama can be one of the grounds for a transfer without your sponsor’s consent, but it can also block other steps. Your case needs to be checked individually, so bring your documents to our office and we will guide you.
Need Help With Naqal Kafala in Jeddah?
Transferring sponsorship is an important step, and mistakes can cost you time and money. Visit Al Hijaz General Service in Al-Khumra, Jeddah (Street 60, opposite Mustawsaf Nofa), or message us on WhatsApp at +966559956131. We are open 10 AM to 11 PM. Bring your Iqama, passport, and your new job offer, and we will check your status and follow up on your transfer request. Please note that final approval is always decided by the relevant government authority.