Foreign workers in Saudi Arabia whose employment status has changed to “absent” may still be able to transfer to another employer through the Qiwa platform, provided they meet certain requirements.
Qiwa clarified that the option can apply when a worker’s status was changed to absent because of an absence report, interruption of work, or termination of the employment relationship.
One of the main conditions is that the worker must have spent more than 12 months in Saudi Arabia.
For workers who find themselves in this situation, the clarification is important because an “absent” status does not necessarily mean there is no route to move to another employer.
New employer must cover outstanding work permit fees
According to Qiwa, the worker can transfer to another employer through the platform if the requirements are met.
The new employer will need to settle any outstanding work permit fees associated with the employee.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development also provides an electronic employee-transfer service through Qiwa for non-Saudi workers.
Under its job-mobility service, the new employer submits an employment offer through Qiwa. The worker can then log in and accept or reject the offer, while the system checks whether the requirements for the transfer have been met.
Not every ‘absent’ worker will automatically qualify
Workers should not assume that being marked absent automatically makes them eligible for a transfer after 12 months.
Qiwa’s clarification refers to workers who have spent more than 12 months in the Kingdom and whose status became absent under the circumstances it identified.
There are also situations where a worker may instead be removed from an establishment’s records. Qiwa said this can happen when a person’s status in Absher or Muqeem is listed as “left and did not return” or “final exit.”
Government employees also have a different requirement. Qiwa said they cannot create contracts through the platform until their clearance procedures are completed and their registration with the government entity is closed through the Masar platform.
What if there is a dispute with the employer?
Qiwa itself does not decide disputes between workers and employers.
If there is a disagreement involving the employment relationship, workers may use the amicable settlement service of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development or take the matter to the labor court.
For expat workers affected by an absent status, it is best to check their current status and eligibility through official Saudi government channels before accepting a new job or attempting a transfer.