Labour Reform Initiative (LRI) — Employer Transfer
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Saudi royal decrees, regulations, and ministerial decisions.
Saudi National Law
What is this right?
The Labour Reform Initiative (LRI), launched in March 2021, gives foreign workers more freedom to change employers:
- Job mobility: Expatriate workers can transfer to a new employer without needing their current employer's consent, provided the employment contract has expired or certain conditions are met.
- Transfer conditions: You can transfer if your contract has ended or been in force for at least 1 year, and you give 90 days' notice to your current employer.
- No consent needed: The old employer cannot block the transfer if the legal conditions are met.
- Exit/re-entry independence: Workers can request exit/re-entry visas and final exit visas independently through Absher without employer approval.
- Excluded categories: Some worker categories (such as domestic workers) are covered under separate regulations.
The LRI significantly reduced the power employers had under the old kafala (sponsorship) system.
When does it apply?
- You are an expatriate worker who wants to change employers.
- Your employment contract has expired or you have worked for at least 1 year.
- Your employer is refusing to process your transfer despite meeting the conditions.
What should you do?
- Check your eligibility — verify your contract status and length of service through the Absher or Qiwa platform.
- Give 90 days' written notice to your current employer.
- Submit the transfer request through the Qiwa platform — the new employer initiates the process.
- If your employer tries to block the transfer, file a complaint with MHRSD (call 19911).
What should you NOT do?
- Do not leave your job before the transfer is approved — working without a valid Iqama is illegal.
- Do not skip the 90-day notice — failure to give proper notice can void the transfer.
- Do not assume all workers are covered — check whether your job category falls under the LRI or separate domestic worker regulations.
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