The Employee Transfer Service in Saudi Arabia allows employers to hire non-Saudi workers currently residing in the Kingdom or transfer employees between different establishments under the same ownership. Here’s a detailed guide on how to utilize this service effectively:
1. Ensure Your Establishment Meets Requirements
Before using the Employee Transfer service, your establishment must:
- Be active with a valid Commercial Registration (if required).
- Comply with the Wage Protection System.
- Have allowed activities listed on Qiwa.
- Be in the medium green Nitaqat level or above, depending on the establishment’s phase.
- Not have expired Work Permits.
- Have sufficient funds in the Ministry of Interior platforms like Absher or Muqeem.
If your establishment does not meet these criteria, consider hiring Saudi nationals instead.
2. Verify Employee Eligibility
To transfer a non-Saudi employee, ensure they:
- Are currently working in Saudi Arabia.
- Are not undergoing another transfer process.
- Do not hold a Final Exit Visa or Final Exit Work Permit.
Failure to meet these criteria will prevent the transfer.
3. Select the Appropriate Transfer Path
Depending on the employee’s situation, choose from three transfer paths:
- Direct Transfer: Immediate transfer without waiting.
- Transfer After Notice Period: Transfer occurs after the employee completes their notice period.
- Employer-Approved Transfer: Requires approval from the current employer.
Ensure your establishment has a sufficient recruitment quota to process the transfer.
4. Manage the Transfer on the Qiwa Platform
Begin the transfer process by:
- Logging into your Qiwa business account.
- Selecting “Employee Transfer” under the Services page.
- Following the on-screen prompts to complete the transfer request.
The employee must approve the transfer request on Qiwa. After approval, finalize the transfer on the Ministry of Interior platforms (Absher or Muqeem) within 14 days.
Hiring Non-Saudis from Outside Saudi Arabia
If hiring from outside the Kingdom, follow these steps using the Instant Work Visas service:
- Ensure Compliance: Your establishment must meet all business requirements.
- Select Visa Type: Choose from Permanent, Temporary, or Seasonal Work Visas.
- Check Recruitment Quota: Ensure you have a sufficient quota on Qiwa.
- Issue Visas: Process the selected visa type on Qiwa.
- Prepare Employment Contract: Create and sign the contract through the foreign agency.
- Issue Work Permit: Must be done within 90 days after the employee starts working.
- Obtain Medical Insurance: Required for the issuance of the Iqama card.
- Issue Iqama Card: Complete the process on the Absher platform to legalize the employee’s stay in Saudi Arabia.
By following these steps, you can efficiently hire non-Saudi employees either already residing in Saudi Arabia or from abroad, ensuring full compliance with local regulations.
Why Choose J K Management Consultancies?
Starting a business in Saudi Arabia as a foreigner requires navigating local regulations and understanding market dynamics. At J K Management Consultancies, we specialize in helping international investors establish and grow their businesses in the Kingdom. From securing business licenses to providing strategic market insights, our team is dedicated to ensuring your success in Saudi Arabia.