Complete QIWA Guide for Overseas Filipino Workers in Saudi Arabia: Contract Renewal, Transfer & Termination Process
What is QIWA (Saudi Labor Platform)
QIWA is the official digital platform of the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. It manages employment contracts, transfers, resignations, certificates, and labor services electronically for both employees and employers.
Qiwa Saudi Arabia
It protects worker rights and ensures all contracts and labor actions are recorded legally and transparently.
COMPLETE LIST OF IMPORTANT QIWA FEATURES FOR EMPLOYEES (OFWs)
1. Employment Contract Management (VERY IMPORTANT)
This is the core feature.
Inside Qiwa you can:
A. View your contract
You can see:
- Contract type (Limited / Unlimited)
- Salary
- Job title
- Employer name
- Contract start and end date
- Notice period
- Benefits and conditions
This is your legal contract recognized by Saudi government.
B. Accept or Reject new contract or renewal
Employer cannot activate contract without your approval.
Important facts:
- You must accept contract digitally
- Without your approval, contract is NOT valid
- Always read before accepting
C. Contract renewal
When contract expires, employer sends renewal request.
You can:
- Accept renewal → contract continues
- Reject renewal → contract ends at expiry
No approval = no renewal.
2. Contract Termination (Resignation or End Contract)
You can terminate your contract directly inside Qiwa.
Official fact:
Employees can electronically submit contract termination request through Qiwa without visiting employer physically.
Types:
A. Termination by employee (Resignation)
You submit request in Qiwa.
Process:
- Submit termination request
- Notice period applies (example: 30, 60, or 90 days)
- Employer reviews
- After notice period → contract ends
Status becomes:
- Active → Notice period → Terminated
B. Termination by employer
Employer submits termination request.
You will see status in Qiwa.
C. Mutual termination
Both employer and employee agree.
Fastest and easiest method.
3. Notice Period (VERY IMPORTANT FOR OFWs)
Notice period depends on contract.
Typical:
During notice period:
Employee must:
- Continue working OR
- Follow employer instructions
Employer must:
- Pay salary during notice period
4. Transfer to New Employer (Naqal Kafala via Qiwa)
Qiwa handles employee transfer legally.
Official fact:
Employee transfer service allows expatriate workers to transfer employment electronically through Qiwa.
Process:
New employer sends transfer request.
You will see:
Accept or Reject transfer
Steps:
- New company submits request
- You accept in Qiwa
- Current employer may approve or system may allow transfer based on conditions
- Transfer completed
5. After Contract Termination – Your Legal Options
After contract ends, Qiwa gives options.
Official rule:
Worker has 60 days to choose one of these:
- Transfer to new employer
- Exit Saudi Arabia
- Re-contract with same employer
If no action → worker status changes.
6. Employment Certificates (Important for Job Transfer)
Inside Qiwa you can generate:
- Salary certificate
- Employment certificate
- Experience certificate
Official use:
- Job application
- Bank loans
- Visa application
These certificates are official and recognized.
7. View Employment Status
You can see status like:
- Active
- Notice period
- Terminated
- No active contract
This determines your legal work status.
8. Contract Status Types Explained
These are critical for OFWs to understand.
Active
You are currently working legally.
Notice Period
Contract ending soon.
Terminated
Contract ended legally.
No Contract
You must:
- Transfer employer OR
- Exit Saudi OR
- Sign new contract
9. Job Offers and Accepting New Job
New employer sends offer in Qiwa.
You can:
Accept → becomes your official contract
Reject → nothing happens
Never accept without reading.
10. Worker Protection Features
Qiwa protects workers by:
- Preventing fake contracts
- Preventing contract changes without approval
- Recording all employment history
- Providing legal proof
11. Important Legal Situations OFWs Must Know
Situation 1: Contract Expired
You can:
- Transfer employer
- Exit Saudi
- Renew contract
Situation 2: You resign
You must:
- Submit termination in Qiwa
- Complete notice period
Situation 3: Employer terminates you
Employer must:
- Submit termination in Qiwa
- Provide notice period or compensation
Situation 4: Employer sends transfer request
You must:
Accept transfer in Qiwa
Transfer is not complete without your approval.
Situation 5: Employer cannot renew contract without your consent
Employee approval required.
12. Important Labor Law Concepts Visible in Qiwa
These relate to Saudi Labor Law.
Limited Contract
Example: 2 years contract
Ends automatically on expiry.
Unlimited Contract
No expiry date.
Termination requires notice period.
Notice Period
Mandatory time before leaving.
Usually 30-90 days.
Contract Terminated Status
Means:
You are free to transfer or exit.
13. VERY IMPORTANT: Qiwa vs Absher vs GOSI
OFWs must understand difference:
QIWA
Labor contract system
Absher
Residency, exit visa, iqama
GOSI
Insurance and employment records
14. Most Common Problems Overseas Filipino Workers Face (and solution via Qiwa)
Problem: Employer refuses transfer
Solution: Accept transfer request in Qiwa
Problem: Employer denies resignation
Solution: Submit termination in Qiwa
Problem: Contract expired but employer forcing to stay
Solution: Contract expiry gives legal options
Problem: No contract visible
Solution: Employer must issue contract
15. MOST IMPORTANT TAB INSIDE QIWA (FOR OFWs)
Inside Qiwa Individuals account:
- Contracts
- Transfer requests
- Job offers
- Certificates
- Employment status
16. Real Example Scenario (OFW Situation)
Example:
Juan contract ends March 1
Options:
- Accept renewal
- Transfer to new company
- Exit Saudi
After termination, he has 60 days to decide.
17. What OFWs SHOULD ALWAYS CHECK in Qiwa
Every OFW must check regularly:
- Contract validity
- Expiry date
- Transfer requests
- Termination status
- Job offers
18. What OFWs SHOULD NEVER DO
- Never accept contract without reading
- Never ignore transfer requests
- Never ignore termination notices
19. Important Warning for OFWs
QIWA contract is official legal contract.
It is recognized by:
- Saudi Labor Court
- Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development(MHRSD)
- Government authorities
Conclusion
The QIWA platform is one of the most important tools every Overseas Filipino Workers in Saudi Arabia should understand. It serves as your official employment record where you can view your contract, monitor renewal or termination status, accept job offers, and manage transfer requests legally. By regularly checking your QIWA account, you can stay informed about your employment status and make informed decisions based on your contract and current labor regulations.
Understanding how QIWA works helps protect you from misunderstandings and ensures transparency between you and your employer. Whether you are planning to renew your contract, transfer to another employer, or end your employment, QIWA provides the official system recognized by the Saudi government for these processes.
For more simplified and easy-to-understand guides about Saudi labor topics, visit PinoyTalks.com. We regularly publish step-by-step tutorials, official platform guides, and practical information to help OFWs better understand their employment tools and services in Saudi Arabia.
Stay informed. Stay protected. Visit PinoyTalks today and explore more helpful resources designed specifically for OFWs.
Read More..
How To Calculate Your End Of Service Benefits
