Quick Summary
- Qiwa is operated by the Ministry of Human Resources (HRSD) — the employment authority
- Available at qiwa.sa — free for all employees, works from any country
- You need your iqama number and Saudi mobile number to register
- Check your employment contract — salary, job title, allowances all visible
- If contract on Qiwa differs from what you signed — do not accept it
- File labour complaints directly through Qiwa — salary delay, wrongful termination
- Approve sponsorship transfers through your Qiwa account
- Every expat needs both Qiwa and Absher — they serve different purposes
What Is Qiwa?
Qiwa (قوى) is the official Saudi government digital platform operated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD). The name means "powers" or "strengths" in Arabic — reflecting its role in managing the power dynamics between employers and workers.
Qiwa manages all employment-related services in Saudi Arabia — employment contracts, sponsorship transfers, labour complaints, wage protection monitoring, profession changes and much more. It replaced older paper-based processes and brought Saudi employment management entirely online.
For expats, Qiwa is essential. It is the only official place where you can see your registered employment contract, verify your salary and job title are correctly recorded, and take official action if your employer is violating your rights.
Qiwa vs Absher — What Is the Difference?
Many expats confuse Qiwa and Absher or do not know which platform to use for what. They are completely different systems serving different purposes — and you need both.
Qiwa — Employment
- Employment contract
- Salary and job title verification
- Labour complaints
- Sponsorship transfer approval
- Profession change requests
- Wage protection complaints
- Contract violation reporting
Absher — Residency
- Iqama status and expiry
- Exit re-entry visa check
- Huroob status check
- Final exit visa check
- Dependent iqama status
- Traffic violations
- Government appointment booking
How to Register on Qiwa as an Expat
Registration is a one-time process. After registering you simply log in every time you use Qiwa.
Visit qiwa.sa
Open any browser and go to qiwa.sa. Click Register or Sign Up. Select Individual as your account type — not Business or Government.
Enter Your Iqama Number
Enter your 10-digit iqama number. This is your primary identifier in the Saudi employment system. Ensure you enter it exactly as shown on your iqama card.
Enter Date of Birth
Enter your date of birth. Qiwa may accept either Gregorian or Hijri format — try Gregorian first. If it does not work convert to Hijri using an online converter and try again.
Verify Your Saudi Mobile Number
Enter the Saudi mobile number registered to your iqama. An OTP (one-time password) will be sent. You need a Saudi SIM (STC, Zain or Mobily) registered to your iqama to receive this OTP.
Create Password and Complete Setup
Create a strong password. Complete any additional verification steps. Your Qiwa employee account is now active and you can access all services.
Key Services on Qiwa for Expats
Check Employment Contract
See your officially registered job title, basic salary, allowances, contract dates and working hours.
File Labour Complaint
Report unpaid salary, contract violations, wrongful termination, Huroob disputes and more.
Approve Sponsorship Transfer
Accept or review transfer requests from new employers through your employee account.
Profession Change
View and accept employer-initiated profession change requests on your iqama.
Wage Protection Check
Check if your employer is compliant with the Wage Protection System (WPS) salary payment requirements.
Employer Information
View your employer's details, Nitaqat status and compliance record with HRSD regulations.
Check Iqama Status
View your current iqama expiry date and residency status alongside your employment information.
Employee Rights Hub
Access information about your legal rights under Saudi Labour Law directly through Qiwa.
HRSD Support
Contact HRSD directly through Qiwa for assistance with employment disputes and questions.
How to Check Your Employment Contract on Qiwa
This is the most important thing every expat should do immediately after registering on Qiwa. Your employment contract on Qiwa is the legal record of your employment — it is what HRSD and Labour Courts use in any dispute.
Log Into Your Qiwa Account
Visit qiwa.sa and log in with your iqama number and password. Complete the OTP verification sent to your Saudi mobile number.
Go to Employment Contracts
From your dashboard click My Contracts or Employment Contracts. Your current contract registered by your employer is displayed.
Check These Details Carefully
Verify: your job title (must match iqama profession), your basic salary (must match what you actually receive), your allowances, your contract start and end date and your working hours. Any discrepancy is a potential violation.
Compare With Your Signed Contract
Compare the Qiwa contract with your original signed paper contract. If any details are different — especially a lower salary or different job title — do NOT accept the Qiwa version. This is a contract fraud situation that must be reported to HRSD.
Accept the Contract if Correct
If all details are correct click Accept on the Qiwa contract. This confirms you agree to the terms as shown. Only accept once you have verified every detail is accurate — acceptance is legally binding.
Contract Mismatch — Do Not Accept
A contract mismatch on Qiwa is one of the most serious labour violations an employer can commit. Common mismatches to watch for:
- Lower basic salary on Qiwa than what you were promised or actually receive
- Different job title — e.g. "worker" on Qiwa but "Engineer" in your paper contract
- Missing allowances — housing or transport allowance not included
- Shorter contract duration than agreed
- Working hours more than legal maximum
If you see any mismatch — do NOT click Accept. Contact HR immediately in writing and if unresolved file an HRSD complaint through Qiwa citing contract fraud.
How to File a Labour Complaint on Qiwa
Qiwa is the primary channel for filing labour complaints in Saudi Arabia. This is faster and more effective than visiting an HRSD office in person for most cases.
Log Into Qiwa and Go to Labour Complaints
From your Qiwa dashboard click Labour Complaints or find it under the services menu. Click File a New Complaint.
Select the Complaint Type
Choose the type that matches your situation: Unpaid Salary, Contract Violation, Wrongful Termination, Huroob Dispute, EOSB Not Paid, Profession Mismatch or other. Select the most specific type available.
Describe the Issue Clearly
Write a clear factual description. Include: dates of the violation, exact amounts owed if financial, what you have already tried and what outcome you are seeking. Be factual and specific — emotional language does not help. Mention relevant article numbers if you know them (e.g. Article 84 for EOSB).
Attach Supporting Documents
Upload all relevant evidence: payslips, contract copy, WhatsApp messages, emails, bank statements showing payment gaps, medical certificates or any other supporting documents. The stronger your evidence the faster the resolution.
Submit and Note Your Reference Number
Submit the complaint and save the reference number provided. You can use this number to track the status of your complaint. HRSD will contact both you and your employer within a few days to begin mediation.
Attend HRSD Mediation Session
HRSD will schedule a mediation session — usually within 2–3 weeks. If resolved at mediation the employer must comply with the agreed terms. If not resolved HRSD refers the case to the Labour Court. Track your complaint status on Qiwa regularly.
Approving a Sponsorship Transfer on Qiwa
When a new employer initiates a sponsorship transfer for you through their Qiwa Business portal you will receive a notification in your Qiwa employee account. You must actively approve this — the transfer will not proceed without your acceptance.
Check Your Qiwa Notifications
Log into Qiwa and check your notifications or inbox. A pending transfer request will appear — usually also notified by SMS to your registered Saudi mobile number.
Review the Transfer Details
Check the new employer's details, job title and any other information shown. Make sure this matches your agreed terms with the new employer before proceeding.
Click Accept Within the Time Window
You have a limited window — typically 5 to 10 days — to accept the transfer request. If you do not respond the request expires and the new employer must submit again. Do not delay once you have decided to accept.
Track the Transfer Status
After you accept the Ministry of Interior processes the transfer — typically 5 to 15 working days. Track the status through your Qiwa account under Sponsorship Transfer. You receive an SMS when approved.
Wage Protection System (WPS) on Qiwa
The Wage Protection System (WPS) requires all Saudi employers to pay salaries electronically through approved channels so HRSD can monitor timely payment. You can check your WPS compliance status through Qiwa.
- Go to Qiwa → Wage Protection → Your Payment History
- Your recorded salary payments are shown with dates and amounts
- If salary is not paid on time your employer is flagged automatically in the WPS system
- Consistent WPS violations can result in the employer being blocked from renewing iqamas, issuing exit visas and other government services
- If your salary is delayed file a WPS complaint through Qiwa immediately — do not wait
What If There Is No Contract on Qiwa?
If you log into Qiwa and no employment contract is shown your employer has not registered a contract — which is a violation of Saudi labour regulations. All employers are required to register employment contracts on Qiwa.
- First ask HR in writing to upload the contract to Qiwa immediately
- If they refuse or delay more than one week file an HRSD complaint through Qiwa
- An unregistered contract means your rights are harder to prove in any dispute — push for registration as early as possible
- The absence of a Qiwa contract does not mean you have no rights — your signed paper contract and payslips are still evidence
Using Qiwa from Outside Saudi Arabia
Qiwa is accessible globally — it is not geo-restricted. You can log in and use all services from any country through your browser at qiwa.sa. This is particularly useful for:
- Checking your contract while on vacation home
- Filing a labour complaint if you left Saudi Arabia without your full settlement
- Approving or tracking sponsorship transfer requests
- Checking your employment status and employer compliance
If you are outside Saudi Arabia and your Saudi SIM is inactive you may have difficulty with OTP verification. Try the web version at qiwa.sa which sometimes offers alternative verification. If you cannot access your account contact HRSD support through the Qiwa website.
Related Guides You Should Read
Frequently Asked Questions About Qiwa
What is Qiwa and why do I need it as an expat?
Qiwa is the Saudi government's official employment platform operated by HRSD. It is where your employment contract is registered, where you can file labour complaints, approve sponsorship transfers and check wage protection compliance. Without a Qiwa account you cannot see your officially registered contract or take official action if your employer violates your rights. Every expat must have one.
What should I do if the contract on Qiwa is different from what I signed?
Do not accept the Qiwa contract if it differs from your signed paper contract. A lower salary, different job title or missing allowances on Qiwa is contract fraud. Contact HR immediately in writing requesting correction. If they refuse file an HRSD complaint through Qiwa citing contract mismatch as a labour violation. Do not start a new job without the Qiwa contract matching your offer letter.
My employer has not uploaded any contract on Qiwa. What do I do?
Request HR in writing to upload the contract immediately. If they delay more than a week file an HRSD complaint through Qiwa citing unregistered employment contract. All employers are legally required to register contracts. The absence of a Qiwa contract puts your rights at risk in any future dispute — push for registration as early as possible in your employment.
Is Qiwa free for employees to use?
Yes — Qiwa is completely free for employees. There are no fees to register, check your contract, file complaints or approve transfer requests as an individual worker. Some employer-side services have fees but those are entirely the employer's responsibility.
Can I initiate a sponsorship transfer myself on Qiwa?
No — the sponsorship transfer must be initiated by the new employer through their Qiwa Business portal. As an employee you can only approve or reject transfer requests that have already been submitted by a new employer. You cannot start the process yourself. Once your new employer submits the request you will see it in your Qiwa notifications.
How long does it take for an HRSD complaint through Qiwa to be resolved?
HRSD typically schedules a mediation session within 2 to 3 weeks of filing. Simple cases involving clear unpaid salary violations are often resolved at the mediation stage within 4 to 6 weeks. More complex cases involving termination disputes or EOSB calculations can take 2 to 3 months. If mediation fails the case goes to Labour Court which adds several more months.
Does Qiwa work outside Saudi Arabia?
Yes — Qiwa is not geo-restricted and can be accessed from any country through your browser at qiwa.sa. You can check your contract, file complaints and track transfer requests from abroad. OTP verification may be a challenge if your Saudi SIM is inactive — use the web version which may offer alternative verification methods.
My employer says my salary is paid but the WPS shows no payment. What do I do?
If the WPS system on Qiwa shows no payment record but your employer claims to have paid, this usually means the payment was made outside the approved WPS channel — which is itself a violation. File a WPS complaint immediately through Qiwa. Also check your bank statements and if you have received no actual payment file a salary delay complaint simultaneously. Both are separate violations.