Moving to a new country for work can be exciting, but it also comes with many questions. If you’re an expat working or planning to work in Saudi Arabia, you might have heard about Qiwa—a digital platform created to make things easier for workers and businesses. But what is Qiwa exactly, and why is it important for expats?
This blog post will explain everything expats need to know about Qiwa in a simple, clear, and professional way—just like if a helpful friend were explaining it to you.
What Is Qiwa?
Qiwa is an online platform launched by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) in Saudi Arabia. It brings together many labor-related services in one place.
If you’re working in Saudi Arabia or planning to, Qiwa helps you:
- Review your employment contract
- Transfer to a new employer
- File complaints
- Check your work status
Qiwa is all about making labor rules easier to understand, ensuring fairness, and giving you control over your own job information.
Why Was Qiwa Created?
Before Qiwa, a lot of job-related processes in Saudi Arabia were slow and manual. Many expats had to rely on their employers for everything—from getting a work permit to changing jobs. That sometimes caused misunderstandings or even unfair treatment.
The Saudi government introduced Qiwa to:
- Improve transparency between workers and employers
- Digitize labor services to make them faster and more reliable
- Protect worker rights, including expats
- Support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by modernizing the labor market
How Qiwa Helps Expats?
Qiwa was built to make your life as a worker in Saudi Arabia easier. Here are the main ways it supports expats:
1. Digital Employment Contracts
Once you start a job, your employer creates a digital contract through Qiwa. You can log in to your Qiwa account and:
- Read the contract terms (job title, salary, work hours, etc.)
- Accept or reject the contract
- Report if something is wrong
This helps you understand exactly what you’re agreeing to—and it’s all documented online.
2. Job Transfer Without Employer Approval
This is one of the biggest changes for expat workers. In the past, it was hard to switch jobs unless your current employer gave permission.
Now, thanks to Qiwa:
- You can request a job transfer online
- You don’t need your current employer’s approval (after your contract ends or under certain conditions)
- The process is more transparent and fair
This gives you more freedom and career control.
3. Complaint and Dispute Services
If you have a problem at work—like not getting paid on time—you can use Qiwa to:
- File a complaint
- Track its status
- Get support from the Ministry of Labor
You don’t have to feel helpless. Qiwa gives you a voice and a system that protects your rights.
4. Status and Document Tracking
From your Iqama (residency) to your work permit, Qiwa lets you check the status of your documents. You’ll always know where things stand.
5. Workplace Services
Qiwa connects you with your employer’s business profile. You can view:
- The number of Saudi vs. non-Saudi employees
- Saudization (Nitaqat) level
- Your job history in Saudi Arabia
This adds to the transparency between you and your employer.
How to Use Qiwa as an Expat?
Using Qiwa is easy once you know the steps. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Create an Account
- Go to www.qiwa.sa
- Choose “Individuals”
- Use your Absher login to register
If you’re already working in Saudi Arabia, you probably have an Absher account. If not, your employer or HR department can guide you.
Step 2: Explore the Dashboard
Once logged in, you’ll see a dashboard that shows:
- Your contract status
- Your job and employer details
- Options to request a transfer, file a complaint, etc.
Step 3: Check and Approve Contracts
When starting a job, your employer must upload a digital contract to Qiwa. You need to:
- Read the full contract
- Accept it (digitally sign it)
- Report any issues if needed
Only when the contract is approved will your work permit be issued.
Step 4: Request a Job Transfer (Optional)
If you want to move to a new employer:
- Make sure you meet the conditions (e.g., finished your contract or completed one year of work)
- Ask the new employer to start the transfer request
- Accept the transfer in Qiwa
The process is smooth, fair, and monitored by the Ministry.
Common Questions Expats Have About Qiwa
Do I need to pay to use Qiwa?
No, the Qiwa platform is free for employees. Some services for employers may involve fees, but for workers, it’s free.
Can I use Qiwa if I don’t speak Arabic?
Yes! Qiwa supports English, and the interface is designed to be user-friendly. If you need help, your HR department can assist.
What if I forget my login?
Since Qiwa uses Absher for login, you can reset your password through the Absher system.
Can I file a complaint anonymously?
Complaints are registered in your name, but they are handled confidentially by the Ministry. You are protected by labor laws.
What to Do If You Face Issues on Qiwa?
Like any digital tool, you might face technical problems. If that happens:
- Contact Qiwa support via the platform’s help center
- Talk to your HR department
- Call the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development hotline: 19911
They’ll help you resolve it as quickly as possible.
Qiwa and Vision 2030: Why It Matters?
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is a national plan to build a strong, diverse, and innovative economy. Making the labor market more fair and transparent is a big part of this vision.
Qiwa supports this by:
- Giving workers more rights
- Encouraging healthy competition
- Attracting international talent by making processes easier
As an expat, you are an important part of this journey. With Qiwa, you have a tool that ensures your work experience is clear, secure, and respectful.
Final Thoughts
Qiwa is more than just a website—it’s a platform that protects your rights, simplifies job-related processes, and gives you control over your career in Saudi Arabia.
Whether you’re already working in the Kingdom or planning to move there, understanding Qiwa will help you make smart choices, avoid problems, and grow your career with confidence.
Tip: Bookmark www.qiwa.sa and check it regularly.
If you’re ever unsure about something, reach out to your HR department or the Ministry of Human Resources. Help is always available.
