QIWA is transforming how employers and employees manage labor affairs in Saudi Arabia. As the Kingdom moves toward digital governance under Vision 2030, platforms like Qiwa are at the heart of modernizing business, labor compliance, and workforce empowerment. Whether you are a business owner, HR professional, or foreign worker, understanding QIWA Saudi Arabia is essential for legal, smooth, and compliant operations.
This article explains what QIWA is, its benefits, features, and how to register, manage, and comply with it. We’ve written this in a human tone for easy understanding.
What is QIWA in Saudi Arabia?
QIWA is a digital platform launched by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) in Saudi Arabia. It provides a centralized interface to access a wide range of labor-related services, including job transfers, employment contracts, Saudization (Nitaqat program), and business compliance.
The platform aims to streamline services for both employers and employees, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and legal alignment with Saudi labor laws.
Importance of QIWA in the Saudi Labor Market
With Saudi Arabia aiming to create a more competitive labor environment, Qiwa has become essential for:
- Foreign worker documentation
- Workforce nationalization goals
- Job mobility (worker transfer)
- Automating government approvals
Using Qiwa ensures that companies meet legal compliance standards, maintain proper labor documentation, and stay aligned with Saudization policies—making it a mandatory tool for all companies in the private sector.
Key Features of the QIWA Platform
QIWA offers a wide range of digital services including contract management, job transfer requests, Saudization tracking, and compliance monitoring. It connects seamlessly with platforms like Absher and GOSI, allowing employers and employees to manage labor affairs efficiently. The platform supports transparency, faster approvals, and simplified workforce operations.
Job Transfer Services
Employees can now request job transfers from one company to another without the old kafeel (sponsorship) restrictions. Qiwa manages approvals and tracks the transfer process.
Digital Work Contracts
Companies must create and upload employment contracts digitally on Qiwa. This ensures both employer and employee agree on salary, duties, hours, and legal rights.
Nitaqat and Saudization Tracking
Employers can track their Saudization status, compliance scores, and how close they are to meeting targets set by the government.
Visa Issuance and Management
Qiwa integrates with the Saudi work visa system, helping employers request new visas or transfer existing ones, all online.
Company Profile Dashboard
Businesses can manage everything from licenses, employee details, and Saudization levels in one central dashboard.
Benefits of Using QIWA Saudi Arabia
Using QIWA ensures legal compliance, digital access to employment records, and real-time contract verification. It helps businesses avoid fines and gives employees better control over job transfers and rights. With centralized tools for HR and workforce management, QIWA strengthens transparency and supports Saudi Arabia’s labor reform goals.
Compliance with Saudi Labor Law
Using Qiwa helps companies avoid fines and legal issues by ensuring they meet all MHRSD requirements.
Transparent Work Relations
Work contracts, job roles, and transfer procedures are recorded transparently on the platform, reducing disputes and misunderstandings.
Faster Government Processes
No more running between ministries. Qiwa digitizes many approvals, such as Iqama transfers, contract verification, and employment status updates.
Data Accuracy
Qiwa ensures that labor data is synced with the Absher platform, GOSI, and Muqeem, helping avoid inconsistencies and government warnings.
How to Register on Qiwa Platform in Saudi Arabia
Registration on QIWA is mandatory for all businesses and employees. Here’s a clear step-by-step guide to help you get started.
Step 1 – Visit the Official Website
Go to www.qiwa.sa and choose the preferred language (Arabic or English).
Step 2 – Select “Sign In”
You’ll be redirected to the National Single Sign-On platform (via Absher). Use your Absher credentials if you’re a resident.
Step 3 – Register as an Individual or Business
Choose whether you’re registering as:
- An employee (individual)
- A business owner (employer)
Enter your national ID or Iqama number and mobile number linked with Absher.
Step 4 – Enter OTP and Confirm
An OTP (one-time password) will be sent to your registered mobile. Enter it to continue.
Step 5 – Complete Your Profile
Once signed in, complete your user profile by adding company or employment details.
Step 6 – Access Services
After registration, you’ll be able to access services such as job transfers, contract management, employee reports, and more from your dashboard.
Using QIWA for Job Transfer in Saudi Arabia
One of Qiwa’s most powerful tools is its job mobility service, which allows employees to move from one employer to another without sponsor approval, provided conditions are met.
Eligibility for Job Transfer
To transfer jobs on Qiwa:
- The employee must have completed 12 months with the current employer.
- The contract must be registered on Qiwa.
- The employee should have no active legal violations.
- The new employer must meet Nitaqat criteria.
Job Transfer Process on Qiwa
- New employer submits a transfer request through Qiwa.
- Employee receives a notification and must accept the request.
- Current employer gets notified, and if no objection is raised, the transfer goes through after 14 days.
This feature has empowered workers and made the Saudi job market more flexible and competitive.
QIWA and the Saudi Vision 2030 Plan
The Vision 2030 reform initiative by the Saudi government emphasizes:
- Digital governance
- Economic diversification
- Workforce nationalization
QIWA directly supports this vision by digitizing labor services, enhancing transparency, and supporting Saudization goals. It’s not just a tool—it’s a transformation of how labor is managed in Saudi Arabia.
QIWA for Foreign Workers in Saudi Arabia
For expatriates, Qiwa brings major advantages:
- They can view and verify contracts digitally
- Submit job transfer requests
- Stay updated on employment rights
- Access support services if they face employer issues
Previously, many of these services were complicated and required in-person visits. Now, they’re just a few clicks away.
QIWA Platform for Employers and HR Managers
Employers can:
- Monitor company compliance
- Access Saudization targets
- Generate digital contracts
- Manage workforce planning
- View pending transfers or approvals
By using Qiwa, HR professionals can avoid government fines, optimize workforce distribution, and ensure that all expat workers are documented properly.
QIWA vs Absher Platform
While both are government platforms, they serve different roles:
| Feature | QIWA | Absher |
| Main Purpose | Labor & employment services | General government services |
| Users | Employers & employees | Residents, citizens |
| Key Services | Job transfer, contracts, Saudization | Iqama renewal, traffic, passport |
| Access | Via Single Sign-On (SSO) | Via Absher account |
Qiwa is focused on labor market services, while Absher handles wider administrative tasks.
Common Issues and Solutions in QIWA Registration
Users may face issues like OTP delays, incorrect Absher-linked numbers, or inactive profiles. Most problems are resolved by updating Absher details, verifying Iqama status, or contacting QIWA support. Ensuring accurate personal and company information can help avoid delays during account activation or service access on the platform.
OTP Not Received
Make sure your mobile number is updated in Absher. Without this, you won’t receive the OTP needed for login.
Account Not Activated
Sometimes profiles aren’t activated until contract data is synced from your company. Ask your HR to upload your digital contract.
Job Transfer Rejected
This could be due to Nitaqat restrictions, pending fines, or violations. Ensure your current employer is compliant and you’ve completed the required tenure.
How QIWA Affects the Sponsorship (Kafeel) System
Saudi Arabia is gradually moving away from the kafeel system. Qiwa is a step toward labor liberalization, where:
- Employees can change jobs freely
- Contracts define working relationships, not sponsorships
- Expats have more freedom and mobility
This change is a big reason why Saudi Arabia is becoming a more attractive destination for foreign talent.
Using QIWA for Contract Verification and Approval
Work contracts must be uploaded to Qiwa and accepted by the employee. If not accepted within 10 days, the contract is automatically approved.
Make sure to:
- Review job title, salary, and benefits
- Confirm your contract reflects your actual working conditions
- Keep a copy for your records
Future of QIWA in the Saudi Labor Ecosystem
As Saudi continues its modernization efforts, QIWA will expand with:
- More e-services for companies
- Real-time Saudization dashboards
- AI-driven compliance scoring
- Multilingual support
It’s no longer optional—it’s an essential tool in your Saudi workforce management strategy.
Conclusion
QIWA in Saudi Arabia is a game-changer for labor services, compliance, and digital transformation. Whether you’re a business owner, HR manager, or expat employee, this platform simplifies everything from contract management to job transfer and Saudization tracking.
It supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals, boosts transparency, and gives both employers and workers better tools to manage their professional lives. If you’re working or planning to work in Saudi Arabia, understanding and using Qiwa is no longer optional—it’s a must.
FAQs
What is Qiwa in Saudi Arabia?
Qiwa is a digital platform by MHRSD for managing labor services like job transfers, contracts, Saudization, and compliance.
How can I register on Qiwa?
Visit www.qiwa.sa, log in through Absher, and follow the steps to complete your profile.
Can employees change jobs using Qiwa?
Yes, employees can transfer jobs if they meet eligibility conditions and the new employer applies through Qiwa.
Is Qiwa mandatory for businesses in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, all private-sector companies must register and use Qiwa to comply with labor laws.
What documents are needed to register on Qiwa?
You need your Iqama, Absher login, and a registered mobile number linked to Absher.
How do I accept a contract in Qiwa?
Log into Qiwa, go to the “Contracts” section, review the offer, and click “Accept” or “Reject.”
What happens if I don’t accept the contract in Qiwa?
If not accepted or rejected in 10 days, the contract is automatically approved.
Can employers track Saudization through Qiwa?
Yes, employers can see their current Nitaqat level and get recommendations for improvement.
Is Qiwa linked to other government platforms?
Yes, Qiwa is integrated with Absher, GOSI, and Muqeem for seamless data sharing.
What should I do if Qiwa registration fails?
Check your Absher mobile number, ensure your Iqama is valid, and contact Qiwa support for assistance.
