Sponsor Passed Away — How to Transfer Domestic Worker Sponsorship in Saudi Arabia

When a sponsor passes away, many families assume their domestic worker must leave the country immediately. That is not necessarily true. The sponsorship can be transferred — to one of the heirs through Jawazat, or to a new employer through Musaned — allowing the worker to stay.

Updated November 12, 2026: This guide now reflects the official replies from Jawazat (October 2025) and Musaned (October 2026). Earlier unsupported details (timelines, documents that list “all assets”, a new iqama being issued) have been removed.

What the authorities have said

• Jawazat (@CareAljawazat), 6 October 2025: asked whether a domestic worker’s sponsorship can be moved from a deceased person to one of the heirs, Jawazat replied that the procedure is done by the legal representative (wakil shar’i) visiting the Jawazat office, with the heirs’ waiver and the inheritance deed (Sakk Hasr al-Irth). (Jawazat reply on X, reported by Ajel)
• Musaned, October 2026: a new employer can request the transfer online through the Musaned platform using the “Transfer Services for Exceptional Cases” service — Musaned gave this answer to someone whose late sponsor’s heirs were not cooperating. (Ajel English report)

Options after the sponsor’s death

This article covers the transfer options. For final exit, see our Domestic Worker Exit Guide.

Route A: Transfer to an heir (through Jawazat)

Step 1: Obtain the inheritance deed (Sakk Hasr al-Irth)

You need the official inheritance deed (صك حصر الإرث), which names the deceased and the legal heirs. It is issued through the Saudi courts / Ministry of Justice.

Step 2: Heirs’ waiver and a legal representative

• The other heirs waive in favour of the heir who will take over the worker’s sponsorship.
• A legal representative (wakil shar’i) acts for the heirs and visits Jawazat.

Step 3: Visit Jawazat with documents

Jawazat’s reply names the legal representative, the heirs’ waiver and the inheritance deed. In practice, also carry:

1. Death certificate of the original sponsor
2. Inheritance deed (Sakk Hasr al-Irth)
3. Heirs’ waiver and the legal representative’s authorization
4. Worker’s passport and iqama
5. New sponsor’s ID/iqama

Step 4: Jawazat processes the transfer

Jawazat moves the worker’s sponsorship from the deceased sponsor to the heir. Once done, the worker should show under the new sponsor in Absher, and services such as exit/re-entry and iqama renewal go through the new sponsor.

Route B: Transfer to a new employer (through Musaned)

According to Musaned’s October 2026 reply, the new employer can:

1. Log in to the Musaned platform.
2. Choose “Transfer Services for Exceptional Cases” from the services page.
3. Click “Start Service” and enter the worker’s iqama (residency) number.
4. Complete the transfer steps shown.

Musaned’s helpline for questions: 920002866.

Important notes

• The worker can stay while the transfer is being processed — a final exit is not the only option.
• Timeline and fees: not published for these cases. Regular domestic-worker transfers carry a transfer fee, so check the amount shown in Musaned or ask Jawazat.
• Requirements change — confirm with Jawazat or Musaned before you start.

What if the family doesn’t want to keep the worker?

If no heir takes the sponsorship and no new employer takes over:

• The worker can be given a final exit visa
• The legal representative visits Jawazat with the inheritance deed
• The final exit is processed

See our Domestic Worker Exit Guide for this process.

Related guides

• Domestic Worker Exit After Sponsor Death
• What is Kafala/Sponsorship System
• Job Transfer Rules in Saudi Arabia
• Absher Complete Guide
• Check Iqama Expiry Date

References

1. Jawazat customer care (@CareAljawazat) reply, 6 October 2025: https://twitter.com/CareAljawazat/status/1975175560365023443 — reported by Ajel: https://ajel.sa/thehour/93z1v66qil
2. Ajel English — Musaned outlines steps to transfer domestic worker sponsorship after employer’s death (October 2026): https://english.ajel.sa/news/g5dlecuod
3. Musaned — Transfer worker services (individual to individual): https://www.musaned.com.sa/en/services/transfer-laborer-individual-to-individual

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Sponsorship transfer rules may change. Always verify with Jawazat, Musaned and a legal advisor.