A domestic worker has the right to transfer to a new employer if he proves that his sponsor has failed to pay him his dues for three months for no fault of his, the Ministry of Labor and Social Development has confirmed. Minister of Labor and Social Development Dr. Ali bin Nasser Al-Ghafees had earlier approved the sponsorship transfer of a worker, a domestic worker, and others in the labor category, under 13 circumstances. These circumstances include failure of the sponsor to receive the worker upon his arrival in the Kingdom or receive him from temporary accommodation for at least 15 days after his arrival. The rule will also apply if the sponsor fails to issue a work permit or renew it even 30 days after its expiry. In such cases, the worker can transfer to a new employer without prior consent of the employer. The transfer can also take place if the employer lets out the worker to another employer without the worker's knowledge, or if the worker is assigned to work with people other than the employer's relatives. The worker can leave without the consent of his employer if he is asked to do hazardous work that threatens his health or safety. In case, the employer files a false complaint against the worker, the later has the right to leave. The rule also provides for the transfer of the worker to another sponsor in the event of the employer or a member of his/her family ill treats him. The new employer will have the right to a 15-day probationary period. The employer will also pay the government fees for the transfer service, including the SR 150 per day cost for the worker's shelter in a government accommodation.
