24Jan

If you’re living and working as expatriate in Saudi Arabia, you’ve probably heard the term “Iqama” before. The Iqama is a vital identification document that acts as your legal residence permit in the country. It’s essentially your official proof that you are authorized to live and work in Saudi Arabia. However, many foreign workers wonder if their Iqama is transferable, especially if they want to change jobs from one employe to another. 

So, for this purpose, we have crafted a detailed blog post which will help you understand how to check if your Iqama is transferable, and why it’s important for you if you’re a foreigner living and working in the kingdom.

What Is an Iqama?

Before we dive into how to check if your Iqama is transferable, let’s take a quick look at what an Iqama is and why it matters.

The Iqama is an official residence permit issued by the Saudi Arabian government. It is issued to foreign workers who are employed in Saudi Arabia. The Iqama serves as proof of identity and residency in the country. Without an Iqama, you won’t be able to legally live or work in Saudi Arabia.

When you come to Saudi Arabia to work, your employer sponsors your Iqama. They are responsible for your visa, Iqama, and overall employment status in the country. This is why the Iqama is closely tied to your employment status. If you want to change employers, your Iqama must be transferred to the new company. If you want to know if your Iqama is transferable, you must check the status of your Iqama and your sponsorship.

What Is a Transferable Iqama?

A transferable Iqama means that your legal sponsorship (under which your Iqama was issued) can be shifted from one employer to another. In Saudi Arabia, sponsorship is a system where your employer is legally responsible for your employment and residency status.

If your Iqama is transferable, it allows you to change jobs without having to leave the country or go through unnecessary complications. However, the transfer process must follow specific guidelines, and both your current employer (sponsor) and prospective employer must approve the transfer.

For example:

  • If you’ve completed the agreed period of your employment contract, your Iqama is often eligible for transfer.
  • On the other hand, if you’re still within your probation period or tied to a restricted job category, your Iqama may not be transferable.

Why Is It Important to Know If Your Iqama is Transferable in Saudi Arabia?

Knowing whether your Iqama is transferable is important for several reasons:

1. Changing Jobs: If you want to change jobs and work for a different company in Saudi Arabia, you’ll need to transfer your Iqama to the new employer. If your Iqama isn’t transferable, you might be stuck in your current job until your contract ends.

2. Legal Requirements: You must follow the legal process when transferring your Iqama. If the transfer isn’t done correctly, you could face legal issues that might affect your ability to stay and work in Saudi Arabia.

3. Job Opportunities: Sometimes, a better job offer might come your way, and you’ll want to know if you can transfer your Iqama to take advantage of it. Knowing if your Iqama is transferable can help you plan ahead.

How to Check If Your Iqama Is Transferable in Saudi Arabia?

There are several ways to check if your Iqama is transferable. Some methods involve checking online portals, while others may require you to visit government offices or ask your employer. Below are the steps you can follow to check if your Iqama is transferable:

1. Check Through the Ministry of Labor Website (MOL)

The easiest and most reliable way to check if your Iqama is transferable is through the Ministry of Labor (MOL) website. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Visit the MOL Website: Go to the official Ministry of Labor website (https://www.mol.gov.sa).

2. Log in to Your Account: You’ll need to log in using your credentials. If you don’t have an account, you can create one by registering on the website.

3. Select ‘Check Iqama Transferability’: Once logged in, navigate to the section where you can check your Iqama transferability. This section will provide detailed information about your Iqama’s status.

4. View Your Iqama Transfer Status: After entering the necessary details, the website will show whether your Iqama is transferable or not. It will also show any restrictions or issues that may prevent the transfer.

2. Use the Absher Portal

The Absher portal is another convenient way to check your Iqama’s transfer status. Absher is a government service platform that allows residents to access various government services online, including checking their Iqama status.

Here’s how you can check your Iqama transfer status on Absher:

1. Login to Absher: Go to the official Absher website (https://www.absher.sa) and log in using your Absher credentials.

2. Check Iqama Status: After logging in, search for the option related to Iqama services. This might be listed under “Labor Services” or “Resident Services.”

3. Find Transfer Status: You will see an option that shows whether your Iqama is transferable or not. The portal may also indicate whether there are any issues preventing the transfer.

3. Check with Your Employer

Another way to check if your Iqama is transferable is by asking your employer or company’s HR department. Since the employer is the sponsor of your Iqama, they have access to the official records and can tell you whether the transfer is possible.

Your employer should be able to guide you on the following:

  • Whether your Iqama can be transferred.
  • Any restrictions or conditions that may apply to the transfer.
  • The procedure for transferring your Iqama to a new employer.

4. Check with the Saudi Labor Office

If you’re unable to find the information online or through your employer, you can contact the Saudi Labor Office (Ministry of Labor) for assistance. You may need to visit the office in person or contact them via phone to inquire about the status of your Iqama.

Common Reasons Why Your Iqama May Not Be Transferable in Saudi Arabia

There are several reasons why your Iqama may not be transferable. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. Employment Contract Issues: If your current employment contract is still active and you are within the probation period, your Iqama might not be transferable. Some companies have clauses that prevent the transfer of Iqamas within the first year of employment.

2. Iqama Violations or Fines: If you have violated any laws or accumulated fines in Saudi Arabia, your Iqama transfer might be blocked until you resolve the issue. This could include things like traffic violations or failing to pay fees.

3. Employer’s Refusal: Your employer may refuse to transfer your Iqama, even if the law permits it. In such cases, you may need to resolve the issue through legal means or seek assistance from the Ministry of Labor.

4. Expired Iqama: If your Iqama has expired or is about to expire, it cannot be transferred until it is renewed. Make sure your Iqama is valid before attempting to transfer it.

5. Iqama Under Certain Sponsorship Conditions: Some Iqamas, such as those under a specific sponsorship program or certain work visas, may have transfer restrictions. These can be related to the type of job you are doing or the specific program your employer is a part of.

6. Multiple Transfers: If your Iqama has already been transferred multiple times, you may face restrictions on further transfers. The number of transfers allowed may vary depending on the rules set by the Ministry of Labor.

Steps to Transfer Your Iqama in Saudi Arabia

If your Iqama is transferable, here’s what you can expect during the transfer process:

1. Obtain a Job Offer: The first step is to find a new employer who is willing to hire you. The new employer must agree to sponsor your Iqama.

2. Obtain NOC from Current Employer: Your current employer will need to provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC), which gives you permission to transfer your Iqama to a new sponsor.

3. Submit Transfer Request: Once you have the NOC, submit a request for Iqama transfer to the Ministry of Labor. You can do this online through the MOL or Absher portal.

4. Wait for Approval: The Ministry of Labor will review your request and approve the transfer if everything is in order.

5. Complete the Process: Once approved, your Iqama will be transferred to your new employer, and you’ll be issued a new Iqama under their sponsorship.

Final Thoughts

Checking if your Iqama is transferable is a crucial step if you’re considering changing jobs in Saudi Arabia. It ensures that you’re following the correct legal procedures and avoiding any complications. Whether you check through the MOL website, Absher, or your employer, knowing the status of your Iqama will help you plan your next steps.

Remember, always follow the official procedures and make sure your Iqama is valid and in good standing before initiating a transfer. If you face any difficulties, don’t hesitate to consult the Ministry of Labor or a legal professional to ensure that the process goes smoothly.

By staying informed and following the necessary steps, you can make your career transition in Saudi Arabia hassle-free and legally compliant.

Get in touch with Yaqoot Manpower Services in Saudi Arabia if you’re seeking transferable iqama related help. You can also contact for manpower supply for your business or job consultancy if you’re a job seeker.