Can You Transfer Jobs with a 90-Day Notice Period in Saudi Arabia? (Qiwa Guide for OFW's)
Learn how to transfer jobs in Saudi Arabia with a 90-day notice period. Understand Qiwa rules, contract expiry, legal conditions, and step-by-step guidance for Overseas Filipino Workers.
90 day notice period in Qiwa
Introduction
Maraming OFW ang nalilito kung paano aalis sa company kung may 90-day notice period lalo na kung malapit na matapos ang kontrata.
What the Law Says (Saudi Labor + Qiwa Context)
Under Saudi Labor Law, non-Saudi workers are typically employed under fixed-term contracts, which clearly define the start and end dates of employment. Once the contract reaches its end, the employment relationship may end unless both parties agree to renew it.
In practice:
- Article 74 of the Saudi Labor Law allows termination of a contract upon its expiry
- If a worker decides to resign before the contract ends, the notice period must be followed, which is usually stated in the contract (commonly 30, 60, or 90 days)
- The Qiwa platform serves as the official system where employment contracts, notice periods, and termination requests are processed and recorded
Transfer of employment in Saudi Arabia is not automatic. It depends on multiple factors such as:
To better understand how contracts work in Saudi Arabia, you can read our full guide on👉 fixed-term vs indefinite contracts, where we explain how contract duration affects your rights and transfer options
- The current status of the contract in Qiwa
- Whether the notice period requirement has been fulfilled
- Whether the employer has approved or processed the termination
- The presence of any system restrictions or pending actions
Because of these variables, each case may have a different outcome depending on the combination of contract terms and system status.
Simple Explanation
To simplify the situation:
- If your contract is still active and you submit a resignation → you are expected to complete the full notice period stated in your contract
- If your contract is already close to its end → you may exit through contract expiry, which does not always require a new notice period
- If your contract is automatically renewed → you may need to submit a new resignation with a fresh notice period
The key factors that determine your ability to transfer are Qiwa contract status, notice compliance, and employer action
Real Scenario (Example Case)
Sa case mo kabayan, 12 years ka na sa company, may 90 days notice period ka pero 65 days nalang bago matapos ang contract mo this July.
Situation Breakdown:
- You have been working for 12 years under the same employer
- Your contract is scheduled to end in July
- Only 65 days remain before the contract expires
- Your contract requires a 90-day notice period
- You have already informed your employer about your intention to leave
This creates a timing gap, where the remaining days are shorter than the required notice period.
If you are also concerned about your final benefits after leaving the company, you can use our 👉EOSB Calculator to estimate your end-of-service benefits based on your salary and years of service
Possible Outcomes (Detailed Analysis)
✔ Option 1: Wait for Contract Expiry (Article 74)
If no renewal action is taken, your contract may end naturally upon its expiry date.
Implications:
- No need to complete the full 90-day notice period
- You may become eligible for transfer after contract completion
- This is generally considered the lowest-risk option
However, the actual ability to transfer still depends on:
- System status in Qiwa
- Employer action at the time of contract expiry
✔ Option 2: Employer Approves Early Release
If your employer agrees to release you before the contract ends, they may process termination through Qiwa.
Implications:
- You may proceed with transfer earlier than the contract end date
- This usually requires coordination between current and new employer
- Approval is not guaranteed and depends on employer discretion
⚠️ Option 3: Resignation Without Full Notice
If resignation is processed without completing the required 90-day notice:
Possible risks include:
- Employer may reject or delay the request
- Additional obligations may apply depending on contract terms
- Transfer may be delayed or restricted
This scenario depends heavily on:
- Contract clauses
- Employer decision
- System processing in Qiwa
Step-by-Step Guide (What You Should Do)
Step 1: Check Your Qiwa Contract
Log in to Qiwa and review:
- Contract type (fixed-term or renewed)
- Exact end date
- Notice period requirement
Step 2: Verify Your Notice Submission
Ensure that you have documented proof of notice:
- Email to employer
- Signed resignation letter
- Qiwa submission (if applicable)
Step 3: Communicate Clearly with Employer
Discuss your situation professionally:
- Inform them of your contract end date
- Clarify your intention not to renew
- Ask if early release is possible
Step 4: Monitor Contract Status in Qiwa
Check if your contract:
- Remains active
- Is marked for termination
- Has been renewed or auto-renewed
Step 5: Prepare for Transfer
Once eligible:
- Wait for job offer from new employer
- Accept the offer through Qiwa
- Complete transfer process
For workers who have not yet created or fully set up their account, you may refer to our guide on👉 how to create an Absher account, since it is often used alongside Qiwa for verifying employment and residency status
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common issues that can delay or complicate your transfer:
- Not completing or properly documenting the notice period
- Assuming verbal agreements are sufficient
- Ignoring Qiwa contract updates
- Stopping work without formal termination
- Waiting until the last minute to plan transfer
FAQ Section (SEO Boost)
Can I transfer jobs if my notice period is incomplete?
→ It may be possible only if the employer approves or if the contract expires without renewal.
Is the 90-day notice always required?
→ It depends on your contract. Some contracts may have different notice periods.
What happens if I wait for contract expiry?
→ The contract may end legally, and you may become eligible for transfer depending on system conditions.
Can my contract be automatically renewed?
→ Yes, if no action is taken before expiry, some contracts may be renewed automatically.
Do I always need employer approval to transfer?
→ In many situations, especially before contract expiry, employer involvement or approval is required.
Recommended Internal Links (PinoyTalks SEO Strategy)
- Fixed-Term vs Indefinite Contract in Saudi Arabia
- Qiwa Complete Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Create an Absher Account
- EOSB Calculator
Conclusion
Sa situation mo kabayan, mas safe na hintayin matapos ang contract o makipag-usap sa employer para sa early release kaysa mag risk sa kulang na notice period.
Before making any final decision, we recommend reviewing our full guides on Qiwa, Absher, and contract types available on PinoyTalks:
👉 Qiwa step-by-step guide in Saudi Arabia
👉 Fixed term contract and Indefinite contract
May tanong ka kabayan?
👉 Post mo sa PinoyTalks.com – Ask the Community
Tulungan ka namin based sa real experience ng OFWs
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Outcomes may vary depending on contract terms and official decisions of Saudi authorities. Always verify through official platforms such as Qiwa, Absher, or MHRSD.
