The sponsorship system is considered one of the most important systems established by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between the expatriate worker and the employer, to guarantee the rights and duties of each of them, but with the developments taking place in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, transferring sponsorship has become an important matter in the labor market.
What is a sponsorship transfer?
Sponsorship transfer is considered a legal procedure that allows the transfer of sponsorship of an individual coming to work to another employer in line with the conditions set by the Ministry of Human Resources.
What is the new sponsorship system in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has abolished the old sponsorship system and replaced it with the new sponsorship system, which works to preserve Saudi laws in improving the relationship between the expatriate worker and the employer, guaranteeing their rights, and avoiding problems that occur in the contract.
Conditions for transferring sponsorship in the new system for domestic workers
RequiredTo transfer the guaranteeThe new regime in the Kingdom has several conditions, the most prominent of which are:the following:
- The resident who wishes to transfer sponsorship must obtain the approval of the old sponsor.
- The resident’s passport must be valid and not expired.
- The worker must not be less than 21 years old.
- There are no legal violations against the new employer.
- The number of times the sponsorship must be transferred must not exceed four times.
- The sponsored person must not be a registered fugitive.
Sponsorship conditions for foreigners
Among the conditions of sponsorship for foreigners are the following:
- The sponsor must be of Saudi nationality.
- To be able to provide housing and salary for the worker.
- The worker must have entered the Kingdom legally.
- There must be a legal employment contract between the worker and the employer.
Sponsorship transfer fees in the new system
Fees vary according to the number of times sponsorship has been transferred and are borne by the new employer, and are as follows:
- First time: 2,000 Saudi riyals.
- Second time: 4,000 Saudi riyals.
- Third time: 6,000 Saudi riyals.
- Fourth time: 6,000 Saudi riyals.
A fee of 100 riyals is paid on the Musaned platform, which is paid by the new employer.
Procedures for transferring sponsorship to domestic workers in the new system
To facilitate the process of transferring domestic worker sponsorship from one individual to another in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within the new system, the following specific procedures can be followed:
- The old employer submits a sponsorship transfer request viaSupports.
- Registers the new employer’s data.
- After that, the request goes to the worker for approval.
- After the worker approves, the new employer approves the application.
- After that, a sponsorship transfer invoice is issued and the new employer or recruitment office pays it.
- After paying the invoice, the request is transferred to the platformPreachAffiliated toMinistry of Interior.
- After that, the new employer approves the application via:Passports.
- Then he requests the issuance of a new residence permit for the worker in his name.
When is the transfer of sponsorship prohibited?
There are many situations that hinder the process of transferring sponsorship. Here’s her statement:
- The presence of violations
There are legal or traffic violations committed by either party that prevent the transfer of sponsorship.
- Expiration of residency
When the worker’s residency period expires and he does not renew it, he is prevented from transferring sponsorship.
- Rejection by legal authorities
When legal authorities refuse to transfer sponsorship due to violations or security reasons.
- The worker escapes
If there are complaints filed against the worker due to her escape or absence, it is not possible to transfer sponsorship.
- The old sponsor refused
The old sponsor does not agree to transfer the worker’s sponsorship to a new sponsor.
Transferring sponsorship without the sponsor’s approval, the new system
Sponsorship can be transferred without the sponsor’s approval in certain cases subject to the laws of the Ministry of Human Resources, and among these cases are the following:
- Not giving the worker a salary for three months without reasons.
- If the worker’s residence permit expires and the employer does not renew it for him.
- The worker was subjected to ill-treatment and had to resort to government agencies.
- If the work environment is dangerous and threatens the worker and reduces his safety.
- When the employment contract is not documented by the competent authorities, or is not signed by both parties.
Common problems in transferring sponsorship for domestic workers
The sponsor or worker may face problems in transferring sponsorship. The most prominent of these problems are the following:
- If the passport expires, all papers of the worker and sponsor must be valid.
- The presence of legal or traffic violations.
- The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development refused to transfer sponsorship.
- If the employer mistreats the worker, the worker may request termination of the contract and transfer of sponsorship to a new sponsor.
- Refusing to pay the worker’s salaries for 3 months, it also allows the worker to transfer sponsorship without informing the old sponsor.
Important tips from Gazelle office experts for transferring domestic worker sponsorship
Jazl office experts advise the following to facilitate the process of transferring domestic worker sponsorship legally:
- All regulatory conditions must be compatible with the laws of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
- Ensure that there are no violations against the domestic worker or the employer.
- The new contracts must be approved by the Musaned platform to guarantee the rights and duties of both parties.
- Choose a recruitment office that is authenticated and authorized by government agencies so that the sponsor does not face problems in transferring sponsorship.
- Resorting to the recruitment office when facing any problems or complications.
- There is a team from the Gazelle office dedicated to addressing problems that may occur in the future and resolving them in accordance with the laws issued by the Ministry of Human Resources.
The role of recruitment offices and supports in the sponsorship transfer process
Recruitment offices and platforms play SupportsA pivotal role in facilitating and organizing the sponsorship transfer process in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
These entities aim to improve the experience of expatriate workers and employers by providing a set of services and guidance that ensure the process runs smoothly and efficiently.
Here’s a detailed explanation of its role:
Providing information and consultationsRecruitment offices provide comprehensive information about the conditions and procedures for transferring sponsorship.
These offices contribute to educating workers and employers about their rights and duties, which helps avoid conflicts and misunderstandings.
Sponsorship transfer proceduresRecruitment offices are responsible for managing all paperwork and administrative procedures related to the transfer of sponsorship, such as submitting applications and following them up with the competent authorities.
This facilitates the process and saves time and effort for both parties.
Conflict resolutionRecruitment offices play the role of mediator in resolving disputes that may arise between the worker and the sponsor.
By providing advice and suggestions, these offices help reach consensus solutions that protect the rights of both parties.
Coordination with government agenciesRecruitment offices deal directly with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and other government agencies to ensure that all legal and regulatory procedures related to the transfer of sponsorship are followed.
Jazel office for transferring sponsorship
Jazl Office provides recruitment and sponsorship transfer services with high efficiency. It also helps you in all procedures related to transferring sponsorship quickly and in a manner consistent with the laws and regulations enacted by the Ministry of Human Resources, as it is certified byMinistry of Human ResourcesAll procedures are legally documented in a way that preserves the rights of all parties.
Frequently asked questions
Is it permissible to transfer the sponsorship before the end of the contract?
Sponsorship may not be transferred before a new employment contract is concluded between the worker and the employer.
Does the sponsor have the right to refuse to transfer the sponsorship after the end of the contract?
Yes, the employer has the right to refuse to transfer the worker’s sponsorship after the end of the contract, except in cases excluded by Saudi law.
Is the sponsorship transfer request submitted through Absher or Musaned?
Yes, a request to transfer sponsorship can be submitted through Musaned, and after the Musaned platform approves the request, the rest of the procedures can be completed through Absher.
It can be transferred through the Musaned platform in easy steps:
- The employer logs in to the Musaned platform.
- You can choose the employment page.
- Select “Labor Management”
- Then click on the “Transfer Services” box.
- Then choose “Include the worker’s services in the direct transfer service.”
- Writing the domestic worker’s data.
- Submit the request.
Can transportation fees be refunded in case of cancellation?
If after completing the sponsorship transfer process, the fees cannot be refunded, whether the transfer was through Musaned or Absher, aIf the refund was before the transfer process and without reasons or violations, it can be refunded.
Can sponsorship be transferred online?
Yes, sponsorship can be transferred online through the Musaned platform.
Can the sponsorship be transferred to a new sponsor outside the Kingdom?
The sponsorship cannot be transferred to a guarantor outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, because one of the conditions for transferring the sponsorship is that the sponsor must be inside the Kingdom.The transfer procedures are carried out through the Kingdom’s platforms.
Do debts or traffic violations affect the transfer of sponsorship?
Yes, debts and traffic violations may affect the transfer of sponsorship and even prevent the completion of the sponsorship transfer process, because one of the most important conditions that must be met is that there are no violations committed by the worker or the employer.It also requires that all debts be paid and that the record be free of notes.
Who bears the sponsorship transfer fees in the new system?
The new employer bears sponsorship transfer fees, which vary depending on the number of times sponsorship has been transferred.
It is clear that the sponsorship transfer system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia aims to consolidate relations between the employer and the worker, and it also guarantees the rights of each of them, but each of them is required to understand the laws and work according to them, as well as not to violate the terms of the contract and the regulations of the Ministry of Labor so that there are no violations, and then the individual is obligated to resort to the competent authorities.