Jobs transfer allowed in all private firms for foreigner workers says MHRSD.

The ministry allowed job transfers of foreign workers in all private sector establishments during the second phase, whereas the ministry only allowed transfers between individual establishments during the first phase.

The ministry updated the system for transferring workers through the Qiwa platform to make the transition of a foreign worker to a new employer easier. According to ministry sources, the second phase of updating the system came as a result of the development of the ministry's policies and procedures.

The second phase of updating the system, according to ministry sources, came as an extension of the development of the ministry's policies and services in line with the objectives of the labour market strategy, raising its efficiency and level of labour rights.

The updated system allows the new employer to avoid paying outstanding government fees for workers who are transferring their services to these facilities, which were previously borne by the previous employer. Under the new system, the new employer is required to pay the government fee beginning with the date of the worker's transfer of service to his establishment.

The ministry emphasised that the updating would also help to prevent the accumulation of unpaid amounts on the current employer, as well as not burdening the new employer with arrears from the previous period in which he did not benefit from the worker's services.

According to the ministry, the update will also help to improve workers' career paths and increase the level of flexibility in job transfer procedures between establishments, resulting in a more appealing labour market.

It is worth noting that the ministry decided a few months ago to exempt private sector companies and establishments from paying outstanding government fees for workers transferring their services to these facilities, with effect from June 9. According to the ministry decision, the company or establishment from which the worker seeks transfer of service is required to pay all outstanding government dues, including work permit fees, expatriate fees (financial compensation), and fines for late renewal of residency permit (iqama).

According to the ministry, the update will also help improve workers' career paths and increase flexibility in job transfer procedures between establishments, resulting in a more appealing labor market.Alex Jhon Martin