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Earlier this year, a British IT consultant in London received a lucrative job offer from a Saudi tech firm based in Riyadh. Excited about the opportunity, he packed his bags and prepared to relocate. But when he applied for his work visa at the Saudi embassy, his application was rejected.
The issue? His employer had not yet submitted the official sponsorship request through Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD). Despite having a signed employment contract, he was told he could not travel until his Saudi sponsor — the hiring company — completed the process.
The delay forced him to postpone his move by six weeks, during which he missed project deadlines, lost income, and had to reschedule his flights.
This situation highlights an essential rule for all expatriates: no one can work in Saudi Arabia without a Saudi sponsor.
Why is a sponsor required?
In Saudi Arabia, employment visas operate under the Kafala (sponsorship) system. Unlike in some countries where you can apply for a work visa independently, in the Kingdom an employer or organization must act as your legal sponsor.
“Your sponsor is the entity that officially brings you into the country,” explained a Paris-based mobility consultant who frequently supports French and Belgian professionals relocating to the Kingdom. “They are legally responsible for you during your stay — from your visa approval to your residency permit and compliance with Saudi labor law.”
Without a sponsor, a foreign national cannot:
Obtain a work visa.
Receive an Iqama (residence permit).
Legally reside or work in Saudi Arabia.
What does a sponsor actually do?
The Saudi sponsor (usually the employer) is responsible for:
Submitting your work visa application to MOFA and MHRSD.
Paying official fees and facilitating required medical checks.
Securing and renewing your Iqama (residence permit).
Ensuring compliance with Saudi immigration and labor laws.
“Think of the Saudi sponsor as your gateway to the system,” said an HR director at a multinational based in Jeddah. “Without them, you cannot legally live or work here.”
Common misconceptions
“My job contract is enough.”
Wrong. A signed contract has no legal weight without an official sponsor registered in Saudi systems. Immigration staff at the airport will deny entry without sponsor approval.“I can easily switch jobs once in Saudi.”
Not without following procedure. Job transfers must go through Qiwa, the government labor platform, and involve both your current and new sponsors.
The bigger picture
The sponsorship requirement has existed in Saudi Arabia for decades. Recent reforms have introduced more flexibility — for example, allowing some workers to change jobs without employer consent under certain conditions. Still, the sponsor remains the cornerstone of the Saudi visa system.
For UK, French, Belgian, and other foreign professionals seeking to work in Saudi Arabia, the most important step is securing a legitimate Saudi sponsor. Without one, you cannot get your work visa, Iqama, or legally enter the workforce.
Much like the Emirates ID in the UAE, which serves as proof of residency, the Saudi sponsor is your key to employment and lawful stay in the Kingdom. Ensuring your sponsor is compliant and reliable will save you delays, financial losses, and stress.
