Working in Saudi Arabia comes with important legal procedures — and two of the most critical ones are the Ajeer System and Iqama Transfer. Understanding these can save you from huge fines, legal trouble, and even deportation.

This complete guide explains everything you need to know in simple language.

PART 1: AJEER SYSTEM EXPLAINED

What is the Ajeer System?

The Ajeer System (نظام أجير) is an official platform by the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources (MHRSD) that allows companies to legally hire workers from other employers for temporary projects.

In simple words: Ajeer lets you legally work for another company while your Iqama (residency) is sponsored by your original employer.

Why Ajeer System Was Introduced

- To stop illegal workforce sharing (Tasattur)
- To protect workers from exploitation
- To allow companies to hire temporary staff legally
- To prevent visa misuse
- To regulate the labor market

How Ajeer Works (Step-by-Step)

1. Company A (your sponsor) registers on Ajeer portal
2. Company B (wants to hire you temporarily) also registers
3. Both companies agree on a contract
4. Worker details are submitted to MHRSD
5. Ajeer fee is paid (varies by job type)
6. Worker can now legally work for Company B
7. Iqama remains under Company A

Ajeer System Fees 2025

- Worker Registration: SAR 200
- Monthly Ajeer Fee: SAR 100 – 300 (per worker)
- Contract Renewal: SAR 200
- Service Type Change: SAR 100

Fees may vary based on contract duration and worker category.

Documents Required for Ajeer

- Worker's valid Iqama
- Worker's passport copy
- Original sponsor's commercial registration
- Hiring company's commercial registration
- Ajeer contract (between both companies)
- Worker's job category approval

How to Register on Ajeer Portal

1. Visit: ajeer.com.sa
2. Click "Login" with Absher account or Nafath
3. Create company profile (CR number required)
4. Add worker details
5. Generate contract
6. Pay fees online
7. Get approval (1–7 days)

Penalties for NOT Using Ajeer

If a worker works for another company without Ajeer, both face huge penalties:

- SAR 25,000 fine (per worker)
- Deportation of worker
- Ban on hiring for the company
- Closure of the business
- Possible imprisonment

PART 2: IQAMA TRANSFER PROCESS

What is Iqama Transfer?

Iqama Transfer (نقل الكفالة) means transferring your sponsorship from one employer to another. This allows you to legally change your job in Saudi Arabia.

When Can You Transfer Iqama?

You can transfer your Iqama if:

- Your contract has ended
- Your Iqama has expired and not renewed by employer
- Salary not paid for 3+ months
- Employer filed Huroob (absconding) falsely
- Company shut down or went bankrupt
- You have completed 1 year with current sponsor
- Under Nitaqat Red/Yellow companies (auto-transfer allowed)
- With employer's NOC (No Objection Certificate)

Iqama Transfer Fees 2025

- First Transfer: SAR 2,000
- Second Transfer: SAR 4,000
- Third Transfer: SAR 6,000
- Fourth+ Transfer: SAR 6,000

Domestic workers have different fees (SAR 2,000 for all transfers).

Step-by-Step Iqama Transfer Process

Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Login to Absher account
- Verify your Iqama status

Step 2: New Employer Initiates Transfer
- New employer logs in to Qiwa platform (qiwa.sa)
- Adds your details
- Sends transfer request

Step 3: You Receive Notification
- SMS on registered number
- Notification on Absher
- 7 days to accept/reject

Step 4: Accept Transfer
- Login to Absher / Qiwa
- Click "Accept Transfer"
- Confirm with OTP

Step 5: Current Employer Approval (If Required)
- If NOC required, employer approves on Qiwa
- If auto-transfer eligible, no approval needed

Step 6: Fee Payment
- New employer pays transfer fee
- Payment via SADAD system

Step 7: Iqama Updates
- Within 24–72 hours, Iqama transferred
- New employer becomes your sponsor

Step 8: New Iqama Card
- Update Iqama card at Jawazat
- Or use digital Iqama on Absher

Required Platforms

- Absher (absher.sa) – Personal services
- Qiwa (qiwa.sa) – Labor services
- Muqeem (muqeem.sa) – Iqama services
- Mudad – Salary protection
- Nafath – Identity verification

When You CANNOT Transfer Iqama

- Huroob (absconding) filed against you
- Less than 1 year with current sponsor (without NOC)
- Pending traffic fines or violations
- Outstanding loans (sometimes)
- Under work ban (3-year ban)

What to Do If Employer Refuses Transfer?

Option 1: Complete Contract
- Finish your contract period
- Auto-eligible for transfer after expiry

Option 2: Labor Court (Maktab Amal)
- File complaint at Ministry of Labor
- Visit office or use Friendly Settlement online
- Most cases resolved in 21 days

Option 3: Salary Non-Payment
- If salary not paid 3+ months
- Provide bank statement as proof
- Auto-transfer approved

Option 4: Nitaqat Red/Yellow
- Check employer's Nitaqat color
- If Red/Yellow, you can transfer without NOC

Pro Tips for Smooth Iqama Transfer

- Save all contracts & salary slips
- Keep bank statements as proof
- Check Nitaqat color of current employer
- Apply at right time (after 1 year)
- Use Qiwa app for tracking
- Never sign blank papers
- Get NOC in writing

Common Mistakes to Avoid

- Accepting verbal job offers
- Not checking new employer's Nitaqat
- Paying transfer fees yourself (employer's job)
- Ignoring Huroob warnings
- Not updating Iqama after transfer
- Working before transfer completes

Helpful Contacts

- MHRSD Help: 19911
- Absher Support: 920020405
- Qiwa Support: 920033334
- Jawazat: 989

Final Words

Both Ajeer System and Iqama Transfer are crucial for every expat in Saudi Arabia.

- Ajeer System lets you legally work for another company temporarily
- Iqama Transfer allows you to permanently change jobs

Always follow legal procedures, keep your documents updated, and use official platforms like Absher, Qiwa, and Muqeem.

Stay legal. Stay safe. Stay successful in Saudi Arabia!