E-System to Change Sponsorship of Domestic Workers: Things to Keep in Mind | Domestic workers in Saudi Arabia are now able to change employers through the Absher Afrad platform

Jeddah: Sponsorship of domestic workers including house drivers can now be transferred online in Saudi Arabia. The passport department has released the conditions to be followed while transferring in this way.

Citizens registered on the ‘Abshir’ platform can outsource their domestic workers services. Those registered on the ‘Abshir’ platform can transfer the services of their domestic workers online if they meet the conditions laid down by the General Directorate of Passports.

Conditions laid down by the Directorate of Passports as a condition for transfer of services of domestic workers:

• The current employer should transfer the services of the domestic worker under them through the ‘Abshir’ platform.
• The request for transfer of services must be agreed upon by the employee and the new employer within seven days.
• The new employer and domestic worker’s record must be free of traffic violations.
• Those registered as ‘absent from work’ (hoorub) in the domestic worker system cannot avail it.
• The maximum transfer of service for domestic workers will be four times only.
• The domestic worker’s residence permit (iqama) must be valid for 15 days or more at the time of rendering of services.
• Service fees must be paid in full.