Sponsorship Transfer

Job Change or Sponsorship Transfer or Tanazul If you are on Company visa:


Saudi Arabia has been the best place for employment to expatriates whether they are new visitor or experienced. But, changing job or Naqal Kafala or transferring your Sponsorship (Tanazul) from one company to another company in Saudi Arabia is very difficult. However there are only two ways to do a job change or Tanazul for those who are on  company visa.

First way is go for final exit and come with new visa.
Second way is transfer your Sponsorship to another company, If your employer agree (rarely possible). Employer never agrees transferring you to another company as it is hard and lengthy process to get new visa.

Sponsorship Under Red Category:


If your company is in red, You can get easily transfer to another company without revealing your first company. You can check your company category by following this link "Nitaqat Color Category".


Job Change on Own (Paid or Azad) Visa:


If you are on your own visa (Azad visa) then you can switch easily from one company to another company without transferring Sponsorship to one company, Azad visa is no more entertained in Saudi Arabia and treated as illegal if they caught.


Things to Do Before  Changing Sponsorship (Naqal Kafala) :

1. Read your current company contract, terms and  conditions.
2. Assure you got offer or request letter from new employer requesting transfer.
3. Always be pleasing and kind to current sponsor (employer), satisfy him (else he have right to complain on you).

Things not to Do Before Changing Sponsorship (Naqal Kafala) : 

1. Do not reveal your mind planning to any of your colleague or employer.
2. Do not think of Exit/ Re-Entry visa.

Sponsor Transfer Without Kafeel Approval

Sponsor Transfer Without Current  Sponsor Approval

Sponsorship transfer is also known as Naqal Kafala in Saudi Arabia.
Labor Ministry made it possible for employees to transfer their sponsorship legally without  kafeel approval in Saudi Arabia. If the employees met any of the below condition.


If your current company is in Red or Yellow Nitaqat  categories of Sponsorship. Labor Ministry allows you to transfer your Sponsorship to another company without informing your current sponsor. To know you current sponsor Nitaqat color read this article.Nitaqat Categories of Employer

Iqama Sponsorship Transfer, If you are a new employees in Saudi Arabia and your company or sponsor failed to provide Iqama or Muqeem card to you within 3 months, then you can change your sponsorship legally with another company without current kafeel approval.

1. Being an employee of your current sponsor, If you did not receive salary from more than 3 months then you are free to join another company. You can transfer your Sponsorship to another company without your current sponsor approval.
2. If you are new in Saudi Arabia as employee and your kafeel or sponsor is in Red or Yellow category, Then you can transfer your Sponsorship without kafeel approval, However you need to contact Labor officers in this situation.
3. If your Iqama or Muqeem is expired before one month and your sponsor did not renew it, Then also you can transfer to new sponsor with the help of labor office.
4. Most of the companies failed in Wage Protection System of Labor Ministry, Tjose companies employees can transfer their Sponsorship to new companies.

Labor Ministry allows employees with the above conditions for Sponsorship transfer to any individual company. If your current sponsor is under Green Nitaqat category then you need your kafeel approval for Sponsorship transfer.

It is not possible for Sponsorship Transfer if you met any of below condition:

1. If your Passport is expired.
2. If you have a valid final exit visa or exit re-entry visa.
3. If you or your new sponsor have any traffic violations.
4. If Labor Ministry (MOL) does not approve your Sponsorship transfer.
5. If you are under huroob or run away status.
6. If sufficient funds not available for transfer service.