Table of Contents
TLDR: How to change jobs in Saudi Arabia — 2026 step-by-step guide for OFWs. Saudi labor reforms under Vision 2030 now let you switch employers without employer consent. This guide covers requirements, costs, POLO/OEC coordination, and common pitfalls to avoid.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — For decades, OFWs in Saudi Arabia faced a daunting reality: once you entered under a specific employer’s sponsorship (kafeel), changing jobs meant either finishing your contract and going home, or running away and working illegally. The kafala system tied your residency to your employer, leaving little room for upward mobility.
But 2021 changed everything for OFWs who wanted how to change jobs in saudi arabia. Saudi Arabia’s labor reforms under Vision 2030 transformed the kafala system, granting expatriate workers the right to change employers without employer consent, exit the country without permission, and receive equal treatment under labor law. As of 2026, these reforms are fully implemented, and the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has further streamlined digital processes through the Qiwa and Absher platforms. Some OFWs report difficulty accessing these portals outside Saudi networks; NordVPN can provide a secure connection to manage your applications from anywhere.
This complete guide to how to change jobs in Saudi Arabia walks you through exactly the legal framework, step-by-step process, documents needed, costs, and pitfalls to avoid. If you’re an OFW wondering how to change jobs in Saudi Arabia under the new kafala reforms, this step-by-step resource covers everything you need.
Understanding How to Change Jobs in Saudi Arabia: 2026 Labor Framework for OFWs
Before you learn how to change jobs in Saudi Arabia, here are two key facts every OFW must know:
- You no longer need your employer’s permission to switch jobs — provided your contract has expired or you have completed the notice period (typically 30–90 days, per your contract).
- Your employer cannot refuse to cancel your Iqama (residency permit) under the new rules. If they do, you can escalate to the Labour Office.
The reforms, introduced under Ministerial Decree No. 1683 and reinforced by the 2024 updates, cover all private-sector workers. According to the MHRSD, over 2.5 million expatriate workers benefited from the reforms between 2021 and 2025, with job mobility applications tripling year-on-year.
For OFWs from the Philippines, switching employers in Saudi Arabia also requires coordination with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and the OWWA to ensure your overseas employment certificate (OEC) remains valid. Learn how OFWs can earn college degree credits from their work experience in 2026.
Requirements for How to Change Jobs in Saudi Arabia
Before you initiate a job transfer, ensure you have the following:
- A valid Iqama (residence permit) — must not be expired.
- Compliance with your current contract’s notice period — typically 30 days for monthly-paid workers, 60–90 days for supervisory or managerial roles.
- No absconding report (huroob) filed against you — if one exists, you must resolve it first.
- A job offer from a new employer in Saudi Arabia — the new employer must register in the Qiwa system.
- Passport with at least 6 months validity.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Jobs in Saudi Arabia
Here is the exact process for how to change jobs in Saudi Arabia, step by step, as mandated by the MHRSD in 2026.
Step 1: Secure a New Job Offer to Change Jobs in Saudi Arabia
Your new employer must issue a job offer letter specifying your role, salary, benefits, and contract duration. The offer letter must be registered in the Qiwa system (Saudi Arabia’s unified labor platform).
Job search platforms commonly used by OFWs in Saudi Arabia include Bayt.com, Naukri Gulf, LinkedIn, and Monsha’at for SME positions. For OFW-specific opportunities, coordinate with POLO-Riyadh or POLO-Jeddah, which maintain a list of accredited employers.
Step 2: Notify Your Current Employer
To start how to change jobs in Saudi Arabia, submit a formal resignation letter to your current employer. Under Saudi labor law, you must serve your contractual notice period. If your employer agrees to waive the notice period, get it in writing — this is permitted under Article 74 of the Saudi Labor Law.
If your current employer refuses to process the transfer, you can file a complaint through Qiwa or the MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources) app. The system will process your case within 15 working days.
Step 3: Current Employer Cancels Your Iqama
Once notice is served, your current employer must cancel your Iqama through the Absher business portal. This step is mandatory before a transfer can proceed. The employer cannot refuse — the MHRSD has confirmed that refusal to cancel an Iqama after contract expiry is a violation punishable by fines of up to SAR 100,000 (about PHP 1.3 million).
Step 4: New Employer Issues a New Work Visa and Iqama
After cancellation, your new employer applies for a new work visa. This stage of how to change jobs in saudi arabia involves: This involves:
- Registering the employment contract in Qiwa.
- Obtaining a new visa number from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Once the visa is issued, you undergo a medical examination.
- Your new Iqama is issued, typically taking 2–4 weeks.
Step 5: Update Your Documents with POLO and WAFID
OFWs must register or update their WAFID (Worker’s Accreditation File Identification) and notify POLO of the employer change. This ensures your OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) remains valid for future travel and that you maintain OWWA membership.
To complete how to change jobs in saudi arabia on the Philippine side, here are the requirements for POLO updating:
- New employment contract (authenticated by POLO)
- Copy of new Iqama
- Copy of passport
- Certificate of employment from new employer
Step 6: After You Change Jobs in Saudi Arabia, Transfer Your Bank Account
After mastering how to change jobs in saudi arabia, make sure to update your bank account with your new employer details and Iqama number. For sending money home after your transfer, Wise offers real exchange rates with no hidden fees — a recommended option for OFWs managing new salary remittance after changing jobs.
If you have an existing Saudi bank account, you can keep it — simply provide the new Iqama to the bank. Update your mobile number, tenancy contract (Ejari), and any utilities registered under your name.
Costs of Changing Jobs in Saudi Arabia: What OFWs Need to Know
Understanding the costs of how to change jobs in Saudi Arabia is essential. There are costs involved in the transfer. Typically, the new employer bears most expenses, but you should clarify this upfront:
- New work visa issuance: SAR 2,000–5,000 (usually covered by new employer)
- Medical examination: SAR 150–300
- New Iqama issuance and renewal: SAR 650 per year
- Health insurance transfer: SAR 1,000–2,000 (must be covered by new employer per Saudi law)
- POLO document processing fee: Varies (typically PHP 500–1,000)
Common Pitfalls When You Change Jobs in Saudi Arabia and How to Avoid Them
1. Absconding report (Huroob): If your old employer filed a huroob report against you, you cannot transfer. File a counter-complaint at the Labour Office. Bring your attendance records, payslips, and any evidence of your continued presence in Saudi Arabia.
2. Outstanding debts or loans: Your employer can block a transfer if you have outstanding company loans, accommodation advances, or ticket debts. Settle these first.
3. Missing passport or Iqama: If your employer withholds your passport (illegal under Saudi law since 2021), file a complaint with the MHRSD immediately. Under the 2021 reforms, employers cannot hold workers’ passports.
4. Scam job offers: When researching how to change jobs in Saudi Arabia, beware of fake recruitment agencies targeting OFWs. Always verify the employer’s license through the Qiwa system and POLO. Read our guide on the top 7 online scams OFWs must avoid in 2026.
How Long Does It Take to Change Jobs in Saudi Arabia?
In an ideal scenario with a cooperative employer and no complications, here is how long how to change jobs in saudi arabia typically takes:
- Notice period: 30–90 days
- Iqama cancellation: 1–7 days
- New visa application: 5–15 days
- Medical + Iqama issuance: 7–30 days
- Total: 45 days to 4 months
If your current employer is uncooperative, add 15–30 days for MHRSD mediation. If a huroob report exists, add 1–3 months for resolution.
Philippine Side of Changing Jobs in Saudi Arabia: OEC and DMW Requirements
When you learn how to change jobs in saudi arabia from the Saudi side, you must also update your Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) through the BM Online system of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW, formerly POEA). Without a valid OEC reflecting your new employer, you cannot exit Saudi Arabia for vacation and return.
Visit the POLO office in Riyadh or Jeddah to have your new contract verified and your OEC updated. You will need your new Iqama, authenticated contract, and employer certificate. Developing in-demand skills makes switching employers easier — see the 10 skills OFWs need by 2030.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Change Jobs in Saudi Arabia
1. Can I switch employers in Saudi Arabia without my current employer’s consent in 2026?
Yes — if your employment contract has expired or you have completed the notice period. The 2021 reforms removed the employer consent requirement for job mobility. This is the most important change regarding how to change jobs in Saudi Arabia for OFWs.
2. How much does it cost to transfer sponsorship in Saudi Arabia?
The new employer typically covers all costs: visa (SAR 2,000–5,000), medical (SAR 150–300), and Iqama (SAR 650/year). Your out-of-pocket costs are minimal if the employer is legitimate. This makes how to change jobs in Saudi Arabia more affordable than before.
3. Can I change jobs in Saudi Arabia with an absconding report?
No. You must first resolve the huroob report. File a complaint at the Labour Office with evidence proving you were not absconding — attendance records, payslips, and proof of continued presence in the Kingdom.
4. Do I need a new visa to change employers in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. After the old employer cancels your Iqama, the new employer must issue a new work visa. The process is done in-country through Qiwa and Absher — you do not need to leave Saudi Arabia.
5. What happens to my end-of-service benefits when I change jobs?
Your current employer must pay your ESB (indemnity) up to the date of resignation. The new employer’s ESB clock starts from your new start date. Do not resign without settling your ESB first.
6. Can my employer refuse to cancel my Iqama in 2026?
No. Refusal is a violation of Saudi labor law, punishable by fines up to SAR 100,000. If your employer refuses, file a complaint via the MOHRE app or Qiwa. This protection is key to understanding how to change jobs in Saudi Arabia without fear.
7. How long do I have to find a new job after my Iqama is canceled?
Saudi law grants a grace period of up to 90 days to find new sponsorship. During this period, you are legal in the country. If you cannot find a new job, you must exit Saudi Arabia or face overstay fines of SAR 100 per day.
5 Pro Tips for OFWs Who Want to Change Jobs in Saudi Arabia
1. Start the process while you are still employed. The best time to figure out how to change jobs in Saudi Arabia is while you still have a stable income. Update your CV on Bayt.com and LinkedIn, and attend job fairs hosted by POLO in Riyadh and Jeddah.
2. Keep digital copies of everything. Scan your passport, Iqama, employment contract, payslips, and company ID. Store them in Google Drive or a secure cloud service accessible without Saudi-specific restrictions. A VPN can help ensure you can always access your documents. See our recommended VPNs for OFWs in 2026.
3. Never sign a release, waiver, or quitclaim without reading it. Some employers ask you to sign documents waiving your end-of-service benefits or other entitlements before they cancel your Iqama. Do not sign anything you don’t understand. Consult POLO if needed.
4. Open a savings account for your transition fund. Aim for at least three months’ salary in savings before you resign. This covers your living expenses during the notice period and potential gaps in employment. Use Wise for international transfers when you need to send money home during the transition.
5. Verify your new employer’s credentials with POLO. Before accepting a job offer, check if the employer is accredited with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office. POLO maintains a list of accredited employers in Saudi Arabia. This step alone can save you from illegal recruitment and contract substitution.
Final Advice on How to Change Jobs in Saudi Arabia: Know Your Rights, Plan Your Move
how to change jobs in saudi arabia in 2026 is more straightforward than ever, but it still requires preparation. Know your contract terms, save at least three months’ living expenses before resigning, and never pay a prospective employer for a job offer (legitimate employers do not charge workers).
The kafala reforms have opened doors for OFWs to negotiate better salaries, better conditions, and career growth. Take advantage of them — but do your due diligence first.
<p
