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Published on 16 Mar 2026 by Bam L.
Hiring domestic workers is common in Saudi Arabia. However, situations sometimes arise where an employer wishes to transfer the sponsorship of a domestic worker to another employer. This process, often referred to as “transfer of sponsorship” or “Naqal Kafala,” is regulated by Saudi labor laws and must follow specific procedures.
In this blog, we’ll explore whether it’s possible to transfer sponsorship of a domestic worker in Saudi Arabia, the conditions required, and how the process works.
Understanding the sponsorship system in Saudi Arabia
Foreign workers in Saudi Arabia traditionally work under a sponsorship system known as kafala, where the employer (sponsor) is responsible for the worker’s legal status, residence permit (iqama), and employment. While Saudi Arabia has introduced labor reforms to increase worker mobility, domestic workers are still governed by special regulations under the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
Domestic workers include professions such as:
- Housemaids
- Private drivers
- Nannies
- Cooks
- Gardeners
- Home nurses
Each worker must be registered under a sponsor, typically the employer who hired them.
Can sponsorship of a domestic worker be transferred?
Yes, the sponsorship of a domestic worker in Saudi Arabia can be transferred, but only if certain legal conditions are met and the proper procedures are followed.
In most cases, the transfer requires the consent of the current employer and the approval of the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD).
The process is usually completed online through the government’s Musaned platform, which manages domestic worker contracts and services.
Key conditions for sponsorship transfer
To transfer a domestic worker’s sponsorship legally, several requirements must be fulfilled:
1. Valid residency permit (Iqama)
The domestic worker must have a valid iqama and legal status in Saudi Arabia.
2. No absconding or legal cases
A worker cannot be transferred if there is an active absconding report or unresolved legal dispute registered in the system.
3. Employer approval
In many cases, the current sponsor must approve the transfer request before the worker can move to another employer.
4. New sponsor eligibility
The new employer must meet government requirements, including having a clean legal record and the ability to sponsor a domestic worker.
5. Registered contract on Musaned
Both parties must have a valid contract registered on the Musaned platform, and the employer must comply with wage and employment regulations.
6. Transfer limits
Regulations typically limit how many times a domestic worker’s sponsorship can be transferred during their stay in Saudi Arabia.
Situations where sponsorship may be transferred
Sponsorship transfers usually occur in situations such as:
- The current employer no longer needs the domestic worker
- Mutual agreement between the employer and helper
- The helper wants to move to a new employer legally
- The employment contract has ended
- Special government initiatives or amnesty programs allow transfers
For example, Saudi authorities have occasionally offered grace periods for workers with irregular status to transfer to a new employer through official channels.
How to transfer sponsorship through Musaned
The typical process includes the following steps:
- The new employer submits a transfer request through the Musaned platform.
- The current sponsor reviews and approves the request.
- Required documents and contracts are submitted online.
- Government authorities review the application.
- Once approved, the worker’s iqama is updated under the new sponsor.
The entire process is designed to ensure transparency and protect both the employer and the domestic worker.
If you are planning to transfer sponsorship, it is always advisable to consult official government resources or licensed recruitment agencies to ensure compliance with Saudi labor laws.
You might be interested in:
Employer Responsibilities Under Saudi Labor Law
Iqama Process for Domestic Workers in Saudi Arabia: Timeline, Requirements & Costs
Are Medical Tests Required for Domestic Workers in Saudi Arabia?
What to Include in a Domestic Worker Contract in Saudi Arabia
Hiring domestic workers is common in Saudi Arabia. However, situations sometimes arise where an employer wishes to transfer the sponsorship of a domestic worker to another employer. This process, often referred to as “transfer of sponsorship” or “Naqal Kafala,” is regulated by Saudi labor laws and must follow specific procedures.
In this blog, we’ll explore whether it’s possible to transfer sponsorship of a domestic worker in Saudi Arabia, the conditions required, and how the process works.
Understanding the sponsorship system in Saudi Arabia
Foreign workers in Saudi Arabia traditionally work under a sponsorship system known as kafala, where the employer (sponsor) is responsible for the worker’s legal status, residence permit (iqama), and employment. While Saudi Arabia has introduced labor reforms to increase worker mobility, domestic workers are still governed by special regulations under the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
Domestic workers include professions such as:
- Housemaids
- Private drivers
- Nannies
- Cooks
- Gardeners
- Home nurses
Each worker must be registered under a sponsor, typically the employer who hired them.
Can sponsorship of a domestic worker be transferred?
Yes, the sponsorship of a domestic worker in Saudi Arabia can be transferred, but only if certain legal conditions are met and the proper procedures are followed.
In most cases, the transfer requires the consent of the current employer and the approval of the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD).
The process is usually completed online through the government’s Musaned platform, which manages domestic worker contracts and services.
Key conditions for sponsorship transfer
To transfer a domestic worker’s sponsorship legally, several requirements must be fulfilled:
1. Valid residency permit (Iqama)
The domestic worker must have a valid iqama and legal status in Saudi Arabia.
2. No absconding or legal cases
A worker cannot be transferred if there is an active absconding report or unresolved legal dispute registered in the system.
3. Employer approval
In many cases, the current sponsor must approve the transfer request before the worker can move to another employer.
4. New sponsor eligibility
The new employer must meet government requirements, including having a clean legal record and the ability to sponsor a domestic worker.
5. Registered contract on Musaned
Both parties must have a valid contract registered on the Musaned platform, and the employer must comply with wage and employment regulations.
6. Transfer limits
Regulations typically limit how many times a domestic worker’s sponsorship can be transferred during their stay in Saudi Arabia.
Situations where sponsorship may be transferred
Sponsorship transfers usually occur in situations such as:
- The current employer no longer needs the domestic worker
- Mutual agreement between the employer and helper
- The helper wants to move to a new employer legally
- The employment contract has ended
- Special government initiatives or amnesty programs allow transfers
For example, Saudi authorities have occasionally offered grace periods for workers with irregular status to transfer to a new employer through official channels.
How to transfer sponsorship through Musaned
The typical process includes the following steps:
- The new employer submits a transfer request through the Musaned platform.
- The current sponsor reviews and approves the request.
- Required documents and contracts are submitted online.
- Government authorities review the application.
- Once approved, the worker’s iqama is updated under the new sponsor.
The entire process is designed to ensure transparency and protect both the employer and the domestic worker.
If you are planning to transfer sponsorship, it is always advisable to consult official government resources or licensed recruitment agencies to ensure compliance with Saudi labor laws.
You might be interested in:
Employer Responsibilities Under Saudi Labor Law
Iqama Process for Domestic Workers in Saudi Arabia: Timeline, Requirements & Costs
Are Medical Tests Required for Domestic Workers in Saudi Arabia?
What to Include in a Domestic Worker Contract in Saudi Arabia