For many years, the question of moving to a new household in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) was a source of great stress. However, with the ongoing “Labor Relation Initiative” and major digital reforms, the landscape of domestic worker employment in 2026 is much more flexible and transparent.
At HelperChoice, we believe that every worker should have the right to a safe and supportive working environment. Understanding the process of a sponsorship transfer is the first step toward an empowered career.
The 2026 Reality: Breaking Down the “Kafala” Reforms
The Saudi government has made massive strides in improving worker rights. While the relationship between an employer and a worker is still contract-based, you are no longer “locked in” without options. In 2026, the sponsorship transfer process is facilitated primarily through the Musaned and Absher portals.
When Can You Transfer Without Current Employer Consent?
Under the 2026 guidelines, a helper can legally initiate a transfer to a new employer without the consent of the current one under specific “violation” circumstances:
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Salary Delays: If your wages are not paid for three consecutive months.
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Iqama Negligence: If the employer fails to renew your residency permit (Iqama) within a specific timeframe.
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Abuse or Safety Concerns: In cases of proven physical or psychological maltreatment.
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Assigned Tasks Outside the Contract: If you are asked to perform work that significantly differs from the agreed-upon domestic worker employment duties.
Step-by-Step: How to Change Employer in Saudi Arabia
If you have found a new opportunity via HelperChoice, or if you meet the legal requirements to move, here is the technical path for a sponsorship transfer:
Step 1: The Request via Musaned
The new employer must initiate the transfer request through the Musaned portal. This platform ensures that the new employer is qualified and has no history of labor violations.
Step 2: Acceptance and Review
Once the request is made, the worker (and in standard cases, the current employer) receives a notification.
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In a consensual transfer, the current employer “releases” the worker via Absher.
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In cases of labor violations, the Ministry of Human Resources (MHRSD) handles the release directly.
Step 3: Completing the Digital Contract
A new electronic contract must be signed on Musaned. This contract defines your salary, rest days, and benefits, ensuring a clean and legal start for your next chapter of domestic worker employment.
Can domestic workers accept a job offer from a new employer?
Through the Absher Afrad platform, domestic workers can respond to requests from employers to transfer their sponsorship by either rejecting or accepting them.
To start the process, the following conditions must be satisfied:
- The current employer is ready for the transfer.
- No traffic violation is logged against the new employer or the domestic worker
- The status of the new employer, the old employer and the domestic worker must be “living”.
- The new employer must not be wanted by security authorities.
- The domestic worker has not been reported as runaway in the system.
- Chadian domestic workers are excluded from this service. • Services of domestic workers under the age of 25 cannot be transferred.
- A married male employer and a divorced or widowed female can sponsor up to 4 domestic workers.
- The maximum number of transfers for a domestic worker is 4 only.
- Domestic worker’s resident identity must be valid for 15 days or more upon services waiver.
- Domestic worker services cannot be transferred more than once within 24 hours.
Depending on the number of transfer request, the new employer will settle the following fees:
- 1st time – 2000 SR
- 2nd time – 4000 SR
- 3rd time – 6000 SR
Transfer Process:
- The current employer must send an application through Absher to the new employer to request acceptance of the worker
- Go to the Absher Afrad platform > Employee Services > Services > Transfer of domestic workers services.
- The new employer will then wait for the approval from the domestic worker through Absher Afrad.
- Once this is approved and completed, the worker will be transferred to the new employer.
The Importance of the Employment Contract
Your contract is your strongest shield. At HelperChoice, we always advocate for a “clear-cut” contract from day one. Before you consider a move, review your current signed agreement on Musaned.
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Check the Termination Clause and notice period.
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Ensure your End-of-Service benefits are calculated correctly before the transfer is finalized.
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Always keep a digital copy of your verified contract in your email or on your phone.
You might also be interested in:
Is it safe to work in Saudi Arabia?
What are the steps after I find an employer in Saudi Arabia?
Musaned: e-Visa Application for Foreign Maids – HelperChoice