Transferring the sponsorship of a Filipina domestic helper is a common need for families in Saudi Arabia who want to keep reliable household support without starting a new recruitment process. A smooth sponsorship transfer depends on meeting the official conditions, preparing the right documents, and following the correct steps on the Musaned platform. Read this guide to learn the requirements, fees, and steps, and how Wafd can complete the process on your behalf.
Conditions for Transferring Filipina Sponsorship
The requirements for transferring a Filipina domestic helper sponsorship include obtaining approval from all parties, maintaining a valid residency permit, and paying the applicable fees. The new sponsor must also have a clean legal record. The process is completed through the Musaned platform. Below, we explain the main requirements and necessary documents in detail.
- Approval from the previous sponsor, the new sponsor, and the domestic helper is essential to complete the transfer successfully.
- The domestic helper must have a residency permit that remains valid for at least 15 days when the electronic transfer request is submitted.
- The applicable sponsorship transfer fees must be paid according to the regulations of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
- The new sponsor must not have any traffic violations, a government service suspension, or another request under processing on Musaned.
- The required documents must be completed, including a valid passport, employment contract, residency permit, and official sponsorship transfer consent form.
- The application must be submitted and tracked through the trusted Musaned platform.
Required Documents for Sponsorship Transfer
The required documents for transferring a Filipina domestic helper sponsorship include a valid passport and residency permit, proof of fee payment through Musaned, identification documents for all parties, a new employment contract, and a medical examination or valid health insurance. Below is a detailed list of the necessary documents:
- A copy of the valid passport, a copy of the residency permit, and a copy of the new employment contract.
- Proof of full sponsorship transfer fee payment and the application number issued through the Musaned platform.
- A copy of the current sponsor’s ID and the new sponsor’s ID or updated commercial registration.
- A completed service transfer application form submitted through the official Musaned platform.
- A copy of the medical examination or proof of valid and updated health insurance for the domestic helper.
Steps of sponsorship transfer via Musaned
You can contact Wafd Company to complete all the procedures for sponsorship transfer on your behalf. To learn more about the complete domestic worker sponsorship transfer requirements and the fees specified under the new regulations, refer to our detailed guide. Alternatively, you can follow these steps to transfer a Filipina domestic helper sponsorship:
- The previous sponsor logs in to the Musaned platform and submits an official sponsorship transfer request directly.
- The previous sponsor specifies the amount originally paid for the Filipina domestic helper when completing the request.
- The sponsorship transfer request is sent to the Filipina domestic helper through Musaned for review and approval.
- After the helper approves the request, it is automatically sent to the new sponsor to complete the transfer procedures.
- If the new sponsor approves the request, an invoice showing the agreed transfer cost appears.
- The new sponsor pays the required amount through Musaned, and the funds are transferred to the previous sponsor.
- The new sponsor then completes the remaining regulatory steps through the Absher platform to finalize a legally compliant sponsorship transfer.
Key Advantages of Filipina Domestic Helpers
A Filipina domestic helper may offer valuable household support through professional dedication, English communication skills and experience in caring for children and older adults. Below, we explain the key advantages that families may consider when choosing a Filipina domestic helper.
- Consistent dedication and perseverance at work help ensure tasks are completed accurately and on time.
- Good English communication skills help facilitate interaction with children and older adults.
- Strong caregiving values and professional training can make them suitable for caring for older adults and patients efficiently and skillfully.
- Flexibility and adaptability to different working environments make it easier for them to integrate into a new family.
- Respect for values, customs, and privacy helps strengthen trust between both parties over time.
- A good educational background and willingness to learn can improve their professional competence and support continuous development.
- A wide range of cooking and household organization skills helps maintain an orderly home and family satisfaction every day.
- Affection and empathy toward children and patients can help them build warm relationships with family members.
- The ability to maintain confidentiality and privacy helps protect the family’s personal matters.
- Punctuality and commitment to responsibilities help reduce conflicts and create a stable and satisfactory home environment for family members.
Roles of both sponsors in the sponsorship transfer process
Responsibilities of the Current Sponsor
- The previous sponsor submits the sponsorship transfer request through the Musaned platform.
- The previous sponsor pays all the domestic helper’s outstanding financial entitlements, such as salaries and leave payments, before completing the transfer process.
- The previous sponsor ensures that the domestic helper’s passport and residency permit are valid to avoid rejection of the request.
Responsibilities of the New Sponsor
- The new sponsor approves the sponsorship transfer request submitted by the previous sponsor.
- The new sponsor pays the official sponsorship transfer fees through Musaned.
- The new sponsor signs a new employment contract with the domestic helper.
Sponsorship Transfer Fees of a Filipina domestic helper
Who Pays the Filipina Domestic Helper Sponsorship Transfer Fees?
- The new sponsor pays the service eligibility assessment fee electronically through the Musaned platform.
- The new sponsor pays the full sponsorship transfer fees, and the domestic helper is not legally responsible for covering them.
- If the application is canceled, the amount is refunded to the new sponsor’s account after deducting the applicable expenses.
Filipina Domestic Helper Sponsorship Transfer Fees
- The initial service fee for transferring a domestic worker’s services is SAR 100.
- The official sponsorship transfer fees depend on the number of previous transfers and start at SAR 2,000.
- The fees start at SAR 2,000 for the first transfer and increase to SAR 4,000 for the second transfer.
How to pay sponsorship transfer fee
- The fees can be paid using electronic payment methods such as Visa, Mastercard, and Mada.
- An electronic processing fee of 2.4% applies to direct payments.
- We recommend documenting the payment and keeping the receipts to expedite the completion of the Filipina domestic helper sponsorship transfer process.
Read also: Recruitment prices from the Philippines
Duties and rights of the Filipina helper and the new sponsor
Duties of a Filipina Domestic Helper
- Carry out assigned daily tasks accurately and honestly.
- Respect household rules and the laws of the country, and regularly comply with the sponsor’s instructions.
- Maintain the cleanliness of the home and pay attention to all household details.
- Adhere to the agreed working hours and avoid absences without a legitimate reason.
- Care for children and older adults when required by the employment duties.
- Treat family members respectfully and politely to ensure a safe working environment.
Rights of a Filipina Domestic Helper
- Receive the agreed monthly salary without delay or deductions.
- Enjoy a weekly rest day in accordance with the regulations governing domestic worker contracts.
- Receive suitable accommodation and adequate food to ensure a stable and humane living environment.
- Have access to healthcare and receive medical treatment when necessary.
- Retain possession of her passport and personal documents without arbitrary confiscation.
- Have the right to file an official complaint in cases of violations or mistreatment.
Duties of the New Sponsor
- Renew the Filipina domestic helper’s residency permit and pay the associated fees regularly.
- Provide a safe working environment free from physical and psychological hazards.
- Respect the domestic helper’s rights and treat her with dignity without any form of exploitation.
- Pay her monthly salary on time without delays or unnecessary postponements.
- Provide her with basic necessities, including accommodation, food, and necessary clothing.
- Comply with the contract signed with the recruitment company and fully implement its terms.
Rights of the New Sponsor
- Receive the services of the Filipina domestic helper as agreed.
- Expect the domestic helper to attend work at the agreed times.
- Monitor work performance and provide instructions in accordance with applicable regulations.
- Terminate the contract in cases of serious violations after notifying the relevant authorities.
- File an official complaint if the domestic helper fails to fulfill her obligations.
- Ensure continuity of work in accordance with the terms of the contract signed by both parties.
Read also: Domestic helper rights
Common Mistakes in sponsorship processes for Filipina domestic helpers
- Delays in approval from the previous sponsor can directly disrupt the transfer procedures.
- An existing absconding report prevents the application from being accepted until it is officially resolved.
- An expired passport or residency permit leads to the rejection of the transfer application.
- Failure of the new sponsor to pay the transfer fees immediately halts the process.
- Missing documents, such as the sponsorship transfer consent form or residency permit, can completely obstruct the application process.
- Recorded legal violations against the new sponsor prevent the transfer from being completed.
- Differences between the agreed salary and the amount stated in the contract can cause disputes during the transfer process.
- Poor accommodation or uncomfortable working conditions may cause the domestic helper to refuse to continue working.
- Unclear contract terms can weaken mutual understanding between the Filipina domestic helper and the new sponsor.
- Recruitment through an unlicensed company can create legal problems for both parties.
Tips for a successful sponsorship transfer from Wafd company
- Ensure that the Filipina domestic helper’s residency permit and passport are valid before submitting the application.
- Obtain written approval from the previous sponsor and have it officially documented before starting the process.
- Verify that no absconding report has been registered against the Filipina domestic helper.
- The new sponsor must pay the sponsorship transfer fees through approved official channels.
- Use the Musaned platform to enter the required information and track the application until it is successfully completed.
- Include clear details about salary, working hours, and statutory leave in the employment contract.
- Ensure that the new sponsor complies with the regulations and has no recorded violations.
- Review the number of previous sponsorship transfers and ensure that the legal requirements for the transfer are met.
- Keep all documents and payment receipts to protect both parties’ rights and ensure a smooth transfer process.
Need help with the process? Wafd can complete the full sponsorship transfer of your Filipina domestic helper on your behalf. Explore our sponsorship transfer service or call 920004178 to get started.
FAQ
Does the Philippine Labor Office (POLO) have a role in sponsorship transfer?
Yes, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) participates in documenting and reviewing applications, protecting workers and coordinating with Saudi authorities in cases of abuse or sponsorship transfer, helping facilitate official procedures.
Can a helper request a sponsorship transfer?
Yes, the domestic helper can request a sponsorship transfer in cases of mistreatment, unpaid wages, or an expired residency permit through Musaned or the Labor Office. She can also contact the Philippine Embassy.
How long does the sponsorship transfer process take?
The sponsorship transfer process can be completed immediately within minutes when all documents and payments are in order, or it may take up to 23 days, depending on how promptly the parties respond.
Does the helper have a role in transferring sponsorship?
Yes, the domestic helper plays a central role in the process. She reviews the transfer request and the new employment contract on the domestic labor platform, accepts or rejects the request, provides the required details, and can follow up with her embassy or the relevant official authorities if any problem arises.
Can the helper refuse to transfer sponsorship?
Yes, the domestic helper can refuse the transfer by rejecting the request on the domestic labor platform, since the transfer cannot be completed without her approval. In cases of mistreatment or unpaid wages, she can also request a transfer without the sponsor’s approval through the Ministry and the relevant authorities.
Filipina Domestic Helper Sponsorship Transfer Made Easy with Wafd
A successful sponsorship transfer of a Filipina domestic helper starts with meeting the official conditions and choosing a trusted partner who understands your family’s needs. With Wafd, you get professional support at every step, from preparing the documents to completing the transfer on Musaned and Absher.
Let Wafd help you take the next step toward reliable household assistance and a more comfortable home. Contact Wafd today at 920004178 or on WhatsApp at 966504380200 to complete the transfer with ease.