Living and working in Saudi Arabia requires understanding the Kafala (sponsorship) system. Whether you’re an expatriate worker, domestic helper, or professional employee, knowing how to verify your Kafeel (sponsor) information is essential for your legal status and peace of mind.
What is Kafeel (Sponsor) in Saudi Arabia?
A Kafeel is a Saudi citizen or company that sponsors an expatriate worker’s visa and legal residency in the Kingdom. The sponsor is legally responsible for the employee and must ensure compliance with Saudi labor laws.
Key Responsibilities of a Kafeel:
| Sponsor Responsibility | Description |
| Iqama Processing | Issuing and renewing residence permits |
| Work Permit | Obtaining legal work authorization |
| Exit/Re-entry Visa | Approving travel documents |
| Final Exit | Processing end-of-service departure |
| Legal Accountability | Responsible for employee’s legal status |
Important: Under the 2024-2026 labor reforms, certain professions now have more flexibility in changing sponsors without employer consent.
Why Should You Check Your Kafeel Sponsor Information?
Understanding your sponsor details is crucial for several reasons:
- Verify Employment Status – Confirm your legal working relationship
- Iqama Renewal – Ensure sponsor information matches official records
- Transfer of Sponsorship – Required when changing employers
- Legal Protection – Avoid issues with unauthorized sponsors
- Government Services Access – Many services require sponsor verification
- Huroob (Absconding) Check – Confirm no false reports against you
Method 1: Check Kafeel Name Using MOL Website (mol.gov.sa)
The Ministry of Labor (MOL) provides the most reliable method to verify sponsor information online.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Step 1: Visit the official MOL website: mol.gov.sa
- Step 2: Navigate to “E-Services” or “الخدمات الإلكترونية”
- Step 3: Select “Labor Query Services”
- Step 4: Click on “Iqama Query” or “Worker Query”
- Step 5: Enter your Iqama Number (10 digits)
- Step 6: Enter the Image Code (Captcha verification)
- Step 7: Click “Search” or “بحث”
Information Displayed:
- Kafeel Name (Arabic)
- Kafeel ID Number
- Profession/Job Title
- Iqama Validity Status
- Work Permit Status
Method 2: Check Sponsor ID Through Absher Platform
Absher is the primary government portal for expatriates and citizens to access various services.
Using Absher Individuals (Absher Afrad):
- Step 1: Go to absher.sa
- Step 2: Log in with your credentials (username, password, or Nafath, OTP)
- Step 3: Navigate to “My Services” → “Query Services”
- Step 4: Select “Passport” → “Personal Information“
- Step 5: View complete sponsor details, including:
- Full Kafeel Name
- Sponsor ID Number

Second Method Through Absher
- Step 1: Go to absher.sa
- Step 2: Log in with your credentials (username, password, or Nafath, OTP)
- Step 3: Navigate to “Dashboard” → “More Details”
- Step 4: Check the Sponsor details in section → “Personal Information“
- Step 5: View complete sponsor details, including:
- Full Kafeel Name
- Sponsor ID Number

Absher Registration Requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
| Valid Iqama | Must be active and not expired |
| Mobile Number | Registered with sponsor |
| Email Address | Valid email for verification |
| Fingerprint | Must be registered in system |
Method 3: Check Sponsor Information via SMS
Saudi Arabia offers SMS-based services for quick verification.
MOL SMS Service:
- Send SMS to: 500
- Format: IQAMA [Space] Iqama Number
- Example: IQAMA 2312345678
Response Information:
- Sponsor Name
- Profession
- Iqama Status
- Work Permit Validity
Method 4: GOSI Website Verification
The General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) website can also reveal sponsor information for insured workers.
Steps:
- Step 1: Visit gosi.gov.sa
- Step 2: Click “Online Services”
- Step 3: Select “Subscriber Services”
- Step 4: Enter Iqama Number and verification code
- Step 5: View employer (sponsor) details and contribution history
GOSI Information Includes:
- Current Employer/Sponsor Name
- Registration Number
- Salary as per GOSI records
- Insurance subscription status
Understanding Your Kafeel Information: What Each Field Means
| Field | Arabic | Description |
| Kafeel Name | اسم الكفيل | Sponsor’s full legal name |
| Kafeel ID | رقم هوية الكفيل | 10-digit national ID number |
| Establishment Number | رقم المنشأة | Company registration number |
| Profession | المهنة | Your official job title |
| Iqama Status | حالة الإقامة | Valid/Expired/Cancelled |
| Border Number | رقم الحدود | Entry registration number |
Common Issues When Checking Kafeel Information
Problem 1: “No Record Found”
Possible Causes:
- Iqama number entered incorrectly
- New Iqama not yet registered in the system
- System temporarily unavailable
Solution: Wait 24-48 hours and try again, or contact MOL directly.
Problem 2: Wrong Sponsor Name Displayed
Possible Causes:
- Recent transfer not updated
- Data entry error during registration
Solution: Visit the nearest Jawazat office with original documents.
Problem 3: Huroob (Absconding) Status Shown
Possible Causes:
- The sponsor filed a false absconding report
- Employment dispute
Solution: File a complaint through MOL Friendly Settlement or visit labor court.
2026 Updates to the Kafala System in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia continues to reform the sponsorship system under Vision 2030 initiatives:
Recent Changes (2024-2026):
| Reform | Implementation Status |
| Job Mobility Initiative | Active – Eligible workers can transfer |
| Exit/Re-entry Without Sponsor | Active for certain professions |
| Contract Verification System | Mandatory digital contracts |
| Wage Protection System | Enhanced monitoring |
| Premium Residency Option | Alternative to traditional Kafala |
Professions with Enhanced Mobility:
- Healthcare professionals
- Engineering specialists
- IT professionals
- Accounting experts
- Administrative professionals
Important Contact Information
| Authority | Contact | Purpose |
| MOL Call Center | 19911 | Labor inquiries |
| Absher Support | 920020405 | Portal assistance |
| Jawazat | 920033334 | Passport/Iqama issues |
| GOSI | 8001243344 | Insurance queries |
Tips for Expatriates in Saudi Arabia
- Save Screenshots – Always save proof of your sponsor verification
- Keep Documents Updated – Renew Iqama before expiry
- Know Your Rights – Familiarize yourself with Saudi labor law
- Report Issues Early – Don’t wait if you notice discrepancies
- Use Official Channels – Avoid third-party verification services
Conclusion
Checking your Kafeel sponsor ID and name is a straightforward process in 2026, thanks to Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation. Whether you use the MOL website, Absher portal, SMS service, or GOSI platform, verifying your sponsor information protects your legal status and ensures smooth residency in the Kingdom.
Regular verification helps avoid potential issues with Iqama renewal, visa processing, and employment disputes. With the ongoing Kafala reforms under Vision 2030, expatriates now have more rights and flexibility than ever before.
Stay informed, stay legal, and keep your documents updated!


