Understanding the Nakal Kafala New Update 2026 regulates how foreign workers transfer their employment sponsorship across Saudi Arabia through the official Qiwa platform. Promulgated under the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), these labor laws aim to protect expatriate rights, improve job mobility, and digitalize the sponsor transfer process.
سعودی عرب میں نقل کفالہ (Sponsor Transfer) کے حوالے سے قویٰ (Qiwa) پلیٹ فارم پر نئی اپ ڈیٹ جاری کی گئی ہے۔ اب پردیسی ملازمین قانون کے مطابق اپنی ملازمت اور کفالت باآسانی تبدیل کر سکتے ہیں۔
Key Features of Nakal Kafala Rules in 2026
The updated Ministry guidelines streamline the transfer procedure while defining clear eligibility rules for both employees and employers:
- Transfer via Qiwa Platform: All job offers and sponsorship transfer requests are processed digitally on Qiwa without requiring manual paper approvals.
- Transfer Without Kafeel Permission: Workers can transfer sponsorship without current employer consent if the employer fails to renew the Iqama, delays salary payment for 3 consecutive months, or if the company red-category status triggers.
- Contract Completion Transfer: Upon completing the notice period or specified contract duration logged on Qiwa, workers can seamlessly transition to a new employer.
نئے قوانین کے تحت اگر اقامہ وقت پر تجدید نہ ہو، 3 ماہ تک تنخواہ نہ ملے، یا معاہدہ (Contract) ختم ہو جائے، تو ملازم قویٰ کے ذریعے پرانے کفیل کی اجازت کے بغیر نقل کفالہ کرا سکتا ہے۔
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Request Sponsor Transfer on Qiwa
Expatriate workers can accept and initiate job transfer requests on Qiwa by following these operational steps:
- Receive Job Offer from New Employer: The new company registers and submits an official job offer contract on the Qiwa platform.
- Log In to Individual Qiwa Account: Open the official Qiwa Individual Portal using your National Single Sign-On (Absher credentials).
- Navigate to Job Offers: Select Individual Account, go to Job Offers or Sponsorship Transfer Requests.
- Review Contract Details: Carefully inspect salary terms, probation periods, and job designation listed in the digital employment contract.
- Accept Request: Click Accept Offer within 10 days of issuance to authorize the transfer process.
- Complete Ministry Approval & Fee Payment: Once accepted, the new employer pays the administrative transfer fees, and Jawazat updates the Iqama sponsor record.
نیا کفیل قویٰ پر جاب افر بھیجے گا۔ آپ کو اپنے ابشر لاگ ان سے ‘Qiwa Individual’ میں جا کر اس افر کو چیک کرنا ہے اور 10 دن کے اندر منقبول (Accept) کرنا ہے۔
Sponsor Transfer Eligibility Criteria & Rules
To qualify for a smooth sponsorship transfer under Nakal Kafala New Update 2026 guidelines, verify that the following status conditions are met:
- The worker must hold a valid passport and no pending traffic fines or legal violations.
- The new employer’s company must hold an active commercial registration (CR) and maintain green-category Saudization compliance.
- The worker must not be marked with a “Huroob” (Absconding) status at the time of request initiation.
نقل کفالہ کے لیے آپ کا پاسپورٹ صحیح ہونا چاہیے، کمپنی کے پاس سی آر (CR) ایکٹیو ہونا چاہیے اور آپ پر کسی قسم کا ہندسہ یا حروب درج نہیں ہونا چاہیے۔
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does a Nakal Kafala request take on Qiwa?
Once accepted by the worker and approved by MHRSD, the transfer process typically completes within 1 to 7 business days after fee payment.
Who pays the Nakal Kafala transfer fee in Saudi Arabia?
According to Saudi Labor Law, the new employer (new sponsor) is legally responsible for paying the sponsorship transfer fee.
Can I transfer sponsorship if my Iqama is expired?
Yes, if your Iqama is expired, you can transfer your sponsorship to a new employer on Qiwa without requiring approval from your previous sponsor.
