The sponsor name transfer process remains one of the most crucial procedures for expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia. With over 13.4 million foreign workers currently employed in the Kingdom, understanding how to check your sponsor transfer status through the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), formerly known as MOL, is essential for a smooth transition between employers.
Understanding Sponsor Transfer in Saudi Arabia
What is Sponsor Name Transfer?
Sponsor name transfer, also known as Naqal Kifala (نقل كفالة), is the official process of changing your sponsorship from one employer to another in Saudi Arabia. Under the Labor Mobility Initiative launched in 2021 and enhanced through 2026, workers can transfer sponsors without requiring consent from their current employer under specific conditions.
Key Statistics on Sponsor Transfers (2024-2026)
| Year | Total Transfer Requests | Approved Transfers | Approval Rate |
| 2024 | 1.2 Million | 980,000 | 81.6% |
| 2025 | 1.45 Million | 1.21 Million | 83.4% |
| 2026 (Q1) | 420,000 | 361,000 | 85.9% |
Prerequisites for Checking Sponsor Transfer Status
Before you can check your sponsor transfer status, ensure you have the following:
Required Documents and Information
| Requirement | Description | Where to Obtain |
| Iqama Number | 10-digit residence permit number | Your physical Iqama card |
| Border Number | Immigration identification | Passport or Jawazat records |
| Mobile Number | Registered with Absher | Personal device |
| Absher Account | Active and verified | absher.sa |
| Qiwa Account | Employee portal access | qiwa.sa |
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsor Transfer
Your transfer request must meet these conditions:
- Valid Iqama with at least 90 days remaining
- No pending legal cases or violations
- Completed at least 12 months with current sponsor (unless exempted)
- New employer must have a Green or Platinum Nitaqat rating
- All GOSI contributions are up to date
How to Check Sponsor Name Transfer Status via Qiwa Portal
The Qiwa platform is the primary portal for checking your sponsor transfer status in 2026. Follow these detailed steps:
Step 1: Access the Qiwa Portal
- Open your web browser and navigate to qiwa.sa
- Select “Individuals” from the main menu
- Click on “Login via Nafath” or use your National Access credentials
Step 2: Authenticate Your Identity
- Open the Nafath app on your smartphone
- Enter the verification code displayed on the Qiwa website
- Confirm your identity through biometric or PIN verification
- Wait for successful authentication (usually 30-60 seconds)
Step 3: Navigate to Transfer Services
- From your dashboard, select “Labor Mobility Services”
- Click on “Job Mobility” or “نقل الخدمات”
- Select “My Transfer Requests”
Step 4: View Your Transfer Status
Your current transfer status will display with one of these outcomes:
| Status | Description | Action Required |
| Pending | Request under review | Wait 3-7 working days |
| Approved | Transfer confirmed | Complete Iqama update |
| Rejected | Request denied | Review rejection reason |
| In Progress | Processing by authorities | No action needed |
| Cancelled | Request withdrawn | Submit new request |
Alternative Methods to Check Sponsor Transfer Status
Method 1: Through Absher Platform
Absher remains a reliable secondary option for checking transfer status:
- Visit absher.sa or open the Absher app
- Log in using your Iqama number and password
- Navigate to “Passport Services” → “Query Services”
- Select “Sponsorship Transfer Status”
- Enter your transaction number if available
- View your current status and any pending actions
Method 2: Via HRSD Unified Number
Contact the Ministry directly through their service channels:
- Unified Number: 19911
- Working Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Languages Available: Arabic, English, Urdu, Hindi, Filipino, Indonesian
Information Required:
- Full name (as per Iqama)
- Iqama number
- Mobile number
- Previous employer details
- New employer details
Method 3: MHRSD Mobile Application
The MHRSD mobile app provides convenient status checking:
- Download from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
- Register using your Iqama and mobile number
- Navigate to “My Services”
- Select “Transfer Status Inquiry”
- View real-time updates on your request
Factors Affecting Processing Time
| Factor | Impact on Timeline |
| Document completeness | +/- 2 days |
| Nitaqat status of new employer | +/- 3 days |
| Pending violations | +5-15 days |
| GOSI clearance | +/- 2 days |
| Public holidays | Variable delays |
Common Issues and Solutions
Issue 1: Status Showing “Under Review” for Extended Period
Possible Causes:
- Incomplete documentation
- GOSI contribution discrepancies
- Pending exit/re-entry issues
Solution:
- Contact MHRSD at 19911
- Visit the nearest HRSD office with original documents
- Check GOSI portal for any outstanding issues
Issue 2: Transfer Request Rejected
Common Rejection Reasons:
| Reason | Frequency | Resolution |
| Invalid documents | 28% | Resubmit with corrected papers |
| Employer Nitaqat issue | 24% | Choose different employer |
| Pending violations | 22% | Clear violations first |
| Contract still valid | 18% | Wait for contract completion |
| GOSI issues | 8% | Resolve with the current sponsor |
Issue 3: Unable to Login to Qiwa
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Clear browser cache and cookies
- Use supported browsers (Chrome, Safari, Edge)
- Verify Nafath app is updated
- Ensure mobile number matches Absher records
- Contact Qiwa support at 920000105
Fees Associated with Sponsor Transfer
Understanding the fee structure helps with financial planning:
| Service | Fee (SAR) | Paid By |
| Sponsor Transfer Processing | 2,000 | New Employer |
| Iqama Renewal (if required) | 650/year | New Employer |
| GOSI Registration | Variable | New Employer |
| Work Permit Renewal | 800/month | New Employer |
| Document Attestation | 200-500 | Employee/Employer |
Note: Fees are subject to change. Always verify current rates on official portals.
Important Contact Information
Official Government Channels
| Authority | Contact | Purpose |
| MHRSD | 19911 | Labor inquiries |
| Absher Support | 920020405 | Portal issues |
| Qiwa Support | 920000105 | Platform assistance |
| GOSI | 920001177 | Insurance matters |
| Jawazat | 920020405 | Iqama issues |
HRSD Regional Offices
Major cities have dedicated offices for in-person assistance:
- Riyadh: King Fahd Road, opposite Ministry of Interior
- Jeddah: Palestine Street, near Balad area
- Dammam: King Saud Street, Eastern Province headquarters
Conclusion
Checking your sponsor name transfer status in Saudi Arabia has become significantly more accessible with digital platforms like Qiwa and Absher. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily monitor your transfer request and take appropriate action based on the status.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can I transfer sponsors in a year?
There is no official limit, but frequent transfers may raise red flags during processing.
Is there a fee to check transfer status?
No, checking your status through any official platform is completely free.
What happens if my current sponsor objects to the transfer?
Under the Labor Mobility Initiative, sponsor consent is not required if you have completed 12 months of service and your contract allows portability.
Can I check transfer status without Absher?
Yes, you can use the Qiwa portal, MHRSD mobile app, or call 19911 directly.
How long does sponsor transfer take in 2026?
The standard processing time is 7-14 working days, though complex cases may take up to 30 days.
