Saudi Arabia launches new service for foreign worker transfers

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has launched a new electronic service to regulate the transfer of foreign workers from private-sector companies to individual employers for domestic roles.

To be eligible, the worker must possess a valid work permit and cannot be in a high-level profession, such as healthcare, technical, educational, or specialist roles. Additionally, the worker cannot be in a position that has been fully Saudized. The new employer must demonstrate financial capability via a salary certificate or bank statement and provide a certified waiver from the previous employer authenticated by the chamber of commerce.

The initiative coincides with the mandatory Wage Protection Program, which requires domestic workers to receive wages through approved channels to increase transparency. Under the new regulations, Saudi citizens are permitted up to four domestic workers, while residents are allowed up to two. An annual fee of SR9,600 will be charged for each additional worker beyond these limits, though exemptions may be granted for humanitarian reasons, such as for individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses.