New steps for transfer of sponsorship lauded

Mustafa Al-Nafyawi, deputy chairman of the Saudi branch of the Union for Overseas Egyptians, praised the new decisions that have streamlined the movement of expatriate workers, Ayn Al-Yom website said. 

He said: “The decisions are within the big efforts of the Saudi Ministry of Labor that guarantee expatriates’ rights. The decision also facilitates expatriate workers to expedite a solution to their problems without any harm or being subjected to the greed of some sponsors who exploit expatriate workers.”

Al-Nafyawi mentioned the steps that must be followed by the Egyptian expatriate in Saudi Arabia when he wants to transfer his sponsorship. Through the union’s page on Facebook, Al-Nafyawi mentioned the nature of the procedures and cases in which an expatriate has the right to ask for transfer of his services, according to the following steps:

1- He should fill an application form for transfer of sponsorship, sign and stamp it by the current and new employer. The expatriate wishing to transfer his services should attach his photograph. He should visit the Labor Office and send the sponsorship transfer approval letter.

2- A letter conceding sponsorship (Tanazul) from the current employer attested by the Chamber of Commerce. He should attach the Chamber of Commerce invoice with the letter in the case of companies, establishments and individuals. If the sponsor is an individual, the Tanazul letter ought to be attested by the district chief (Umdah) and the police.

3- Request letter from the new employer. The new employer must bring a computer chip containing the number of workers he has.

4- Photocopy of the valid commercial register or municipality license along with the original for comparison. If the new employer is an individual, he must bring his family booklet (Daftar Al-Ailah).

5- The new employer must fill the undertaking form that he will keep the expatriate whose services should be transferred to him and that he will not let others employ him.

6- The applicant must bring his original valid passport as well as his valid residence permit (iqama).

7- The profession of the worker, whose services have to be transferred, must match the activity of the new employer.

8- Transfer of sponsorship fee should not be paid except after submitting the application to the employee concerned and confirming that all the requirements for the transaction have been fulfilled. The transaction should be accepted officially and on this basis the fee will be specified – SR2,000 for the first time, SR4,000 for the second time and SR6,000 for the third time, as a maximum fee for transfer of sponsorship for more than three times.

9- All the previous passports should be brought, from the date of entry of the expatriate.

Al-Nafyawi said the expatriate worker has the right to transfer sponsorship in the following cases:

1- The current employer is in the Nitaqat red zone.

2- Not renewing the residence permit (iqama) for a period exceeding one month.

3- Not renewing the work contract after expiry of the first period.

4- Not receiving the salary for a period exceeding three months.