How to Check and Remove Huroob Status Online in Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Guide
Saudi Arabia has a robust system of regulations for expatriate workers, many of whom come from countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines to work across various sectors. One critical aspect of this system is the Huroob status, a legal classification for workers who are reported as absconding from their jobs. Being placed under Huroob can have serious consequences, including arrest, deportation, and a lifetime ban from returning to Saudi Arabia.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explain how to check your Huroob status online, the steps to remove it, and discuss six important rules for dealing with Huroob. This article will also reference reliable resources such as the Absher portal and Saudi labor laws to provide a detailed understanding of the process.
What is Huroob Status?
Huroob is an Arabic word that means “runaway” or “absconding.” In the Saudi labor system, an expatriate worker can be reported as a Huroob by their employer if they fail to show up to work for an extended period without a valid reason. This status is then updated in the worker’s Iqama (residency permit), effectively classifying the person as an illegal resident in the country.
A person under Huroob status loses several rights, including:
- Immediate loss of legal status in Saudi Arabia.
- Ineligibility for Iqama renewal and other legal services.
- Arrest, detention, and deportation by authorities.
- A ban on future employment in the Kingdom.
The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) and the Ministry of Interior (MOI) monitor and regulate this system closely, and expatriates under Huroob can face serious repercussions if they fail to resolve the issue.
How to Check Huroob Status Online
Another critical factor when considering overseas employment is the political and social stability of the destination country. Gulf Countries countries like Saudi Arabia , UAE , Qatar Oman and Bahrain have stable governments and a low crime rate, which means expatriates can work in a secure environment. In contrast, emerging markets might face challenges such as political unrest or poor infrastructure, which can impact not only job stability but also personal safety.
Saudi Arabia’s Absher platform provides an easy and straightforward way for expatriates to check their Huroob status online. The Absher portal is an e-government platform operated by the Ministry of Interior, designed to offer various services to residents and citizens, including traffic violations, personal records, and Huroob status inquiries.
Steps to Check Huroob Status
Log in to the Absher Platform:
- Visit the official Absher portal at Absher.sa
- If you do not have an account, register by providing your Iqama number and other personal details.
Navigate to ‘Inquiries’ Section:
- Once logged in, go to the “Inquiries” tab.
- Under this section, select “Employment Status Inquiry.”
Enter Iqama Number:
- You will be asked to provide your Iqama number.
- Submit the relevant information, and the system will display your current employment status.
View the Status:
- If you have been reported under Huroob, it will clearly show in your status as “Reported Huroob” or “Runaway.”
Another way to check your Huroob status is by using the Ministry of Labor website, which also provides an option to verify employment status by entering the Iqama number.
Consequences of Being Under Huroob
Being placed under Huroob is a severe situation for expatriate workers. Some of the most serious consequences include:
- Arrest and Deportation: Once a worker is reported as Huroob, authorities can arrest them at any time, leading to immediate deportation.
- Permanent Ban from Saudi Arabia: Workers who are deported under Huroob status may be banned from returning to Saudi Arabia indefinitely.
- Fines and Penalties: Workers may be subjected to significant fines, and their employers could also face penalties for failing to follow proper labor laws.
In addition, expatriates with Huroob status lose access to services such as banking, healthcare, and the ability to renew their Iqama or work legally in the Kingdom.
How to Remove Huroob Status
Removing Huroob status is not a simple process and requires cooperation from the employer. Only the employer who reported the worker as absconding can cancel the Huroob status. This is done either by visiting the Jawazat office or through the Absher platform.
Steps for Employers to Remove Huroob Status
Employer Logs in to Absher:
- The employer must log in to their Absher account.
Select ‘Labor Services’:
- From the dashboard, select the “Labor Services” option under “Services.”
Apply for Cancellation:
- The employer will need to fill out a form and state the reason for canceling the Huroob. They may need to visit the Jawazat (passport office) to finalize the process in person.
Payment of Fees:
- In some cases, employers are required to pay fines for reporting a worker as Huroob incorrectly or for late cancellation.
Jawazat Confirmation:
- The application for Huroob removal must be approved by the Jawazat office and the Ministry of Labor.
Only the employer who reported Huroob has the legal right to remove it. If an employer refuses to cooperate, workers may face legal challenges in resolving the situation.
Six Important Rules for Removing Huroob
While removing Huroob is often difficult, the Saudi government has outlined six key rules that expatriates and employers need to be aware of:
Employer’s Consent is Mandatory:
- Only the employer who placed the Huroob status can remove it. This highlights the importance of maintaining good relations with the employer.
Time Limit for Huroob Cancellation:
- Employers can remove Huroob status within 15 days after reporting the worker as absconding. After this period, cancellation becomes more difficult.
Criminal Activity Exclusion:
- If the worker is involved in criminal activities, Huroob cannot be removed, and the worker will likely face deportation.
Multiple Huroob Reports:
- If a worker is reported under Huroob more than once, it becomes significantly harder to remove the status, and their record in Saudi Arabia will be severely damaged.
Employer Error:
- If Huroob was reported by mistake, the employer must provide proof and justification to cancel the status without facing legal repercussions.
Final Exit Visa After Huroob Removal:
- Once Huroob is successfully removed, the worker may apply for a Final Exit Visa to leave the country legally, avoiding future complications.
Legal Alternatives if Employer Refuses to Remove Huroob
In cases where employers refuse to cooperate, expatriates can explore other legal options:
Labor Court:
- Workers can file a complaint in Saudi Arabia’s labor courts, especially if the Huroob report was unjustified.
Ministry of Labor Mediation:
- Workers can approach the Ministry of Labor to resolve disputes with their employers. The Ministry may order the removal of the Huroob status if the worker’s rights are being violated.
Surrendering to Authorities:
- As a last resort, workers can voluntarily surrender to authorities. Although this will lead to deportation, it may help avoid further legal complications.
Conclusion
The Huroob status in Saudi Arabia is a significant issue for expatriates, with serious legal and social consequences. It is essential for workers to regularly check their status using the Absher platform or Ministry of Labor website and resolve any issues promptly. Employers play a crucial role in both placing and removing Huroob status, and maintaining good relationships with employers is vital.
For those who find themselves under Huroob, understanding the legal options and the process for removing the status can make a significant difference in their ability to resolve the situation and continue working legally in Saudi Arabia.
- Absher Portal. (n.d.). Absher.sa
- Life in Saudi Arabia. (n.d.). Removing Huroob Status
- Ministry of Labor, Saudi Arabia. (n.d.). Employment Services Portal.
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