How foreigners can check Huroob status in Saudi Arabia and how to avoid it, fix problems safely, and spot scams
If you live and work in Saudi Arabia, you’ll hear the word “Huroob” a lot. It’s one of the most serious red flags that can appear on a foreign worker’s record, and it can trigger detention, deportation, and entry bans. This guide explains—in plain language—what Huroob means, how foreigners can check their status, what penalties apply, how to avoid being reported as “absent/runaway,” and why “Huroob removal” offers from back home are almost always scams. Where possible, you’ll see pointers to official portals and recent policy updates so you can act with confidence.
What is Huroob?
In everyday usage across the Kingdom, Huroob refers to an “absence/runaway” report that an employer files against a foreign worker who (in the employer’s view) has stopped reporting to work or violated the terms of employment. Once the report is registered in government systems, the worker’s situation turns irregular, and consequential actions can follow (detention, deportation, and bans). The mechanism is part of the broader sponsorship and labor-administration framework managed by Saudi authorities.
Saudi authorities have been updating procedures in recent years alongside labor reforms (e.g., the Qiwa platform and Labor Reform Initiative). Some official updates have introduced time-bound windows to correct “absence” records under certain conditions, which can be critical if you act quickly (more on that below).
What changed recently? (Huroob Grace windows & Qiwa enabled transfers)
In late 2024, MHRSD announced an additional 60-day period to correct the status of absent professional workers, with the intent to facilitate legal transfers and regularization through its digital platforms. The key takeaway is that time matters: when you receive such a notice, move quickly to initiate a compliant transfer or rectification. These windows are policy-driven and time-bound, so don’t assume a grace period exists for your case unless you see official confirmation or receive an MHRSD message
Some news posts and community write-ups discuss these correction windows in connection with Qiwa-enabled transfers. Treat these as supplementary; your authoritative reference is MHRSD’s announcement and the instructions shown inside your Qiwa/Absher accounts.
Penalties of being under Huroob in Saudi Arabia (Huroob Penalties)
Once an “absence” report is active and not rectified, the consequences can be severe:
- Detention, deportation, and re-entry bans can follow if you’re caught working irregularly or overstaying after an absence report. Diplomatic missions in the Kingdom warn their nationals about these consequences.
- General penalties under the Iqama and residency regulations include fines, detention, and deportation, and there are heavy penalties for employers who illegally hire or harbor irregular workers (including fines up to SAR 100,000, imprisonment of the responsible manager, and recruitment bans).
- Note: Exact ban durations can vary by case and the legal ground for deportation (administrative vs. criminal). Embassy advisories often quote multi-year bans in absence/deportation situations. Always verify your individual record with Jawazat (Passports) at the time of exit/deportation and keep a copy of any documents issued.
How foreigners can avoid being reported (Huroob)
- Keep your Iqama valid and carry it.
Confirm your Iqama validity on Absher. If your employer is responsible for renewal, document your renewal requests and follow up in writing (email or registered messages). If delays persist, seek advice from MHRSD before your status lapses. Absher
- Follow the contract—and document everything.
If you need to change jobs, use the official Qiwa transfer process rather than leaving your post informally. Keep copies/screenshots of job offers, approvals, and transfer steps.
- If there’s a dispute, go to the Labor Office early.
If you’ve stopped working because of non-payment of wages, unsafe conditions, or other violations, file a complaint with MHRSD. This creates an official trail—critical if the employer later alleges absence. Use the “Report Violations” e-service for private-sector issues and keep your case number.
- Do not work for anyone other than your sponsor without authorization.
Third-party work (even part-time) without the proper permit can trigger sanctions for both you and the company hiring you. Saudi authorities strengthened penalties on private entities that employ irregular workers or allow them to work for others.
- Keep your contact details updated.
Ensure your phone and email in Absher/Qiwa are correct so you receive official SMS/email—especially about correction windows or actions on your file.
If you suspect you’re under Huroob (or got an Huroob SMS)
- Check your status immediately (Absher for Iqama validity; if you have Qiwa access, check any notices). If you received an MHRSD message about a correction window, note the deadline and start the transfer/rectification steps right away=.
- Visit MHRSD (Labor Office) with your documents (passport, Iqama, contract, wage slips, any communications with the employer).
- Avoid unauthorized “fixers.” Everything must run via MHRSD/Qiwa/Jawazat systems with digital/official approvals. (See the anti-fraud section below.)
- If you’re detained (e.g., during checks), contact your embassy/consulate immediately and request consular assistance; bring copies of your complaint or transfer requests if you filed them earlier.
Can Huroob be removed? Where—and under what conditions?
Short answer: If removal is possible, it generally happens inside Saudi Arabia through official channels. Either:
- The employer cancels the huroob absence report in the system (where policy allows),
- You transfer to a new employer through Qiwa during an authorized correction/transfer window, or
- You litigate/mediate your case via MHRSD (e.g., if the original report was abusive or filed in retaliation), following official procedures.
In late 2024, MHRSD announced an additional 60-day opportunity to rectify the status of absent professional workers, primarily via digital transfer. This was a time-limited initiative. Do not assume the same window exists today; check the current MHRSD notices inside your account or at a Labor Office.
Important: Claims that someone can “remove Huroob from outside KSA” (in your home country) without employer/MHRSD/Jawazat involvement are not credible. Actions on your record are administered by Saudi authorities inside Saudi systems. If a change is approved, you (and the new/old employer) will see it reflected in Absher/Qiwa/Jawazat, not just in a WhatsApp screenshot
Is it possible to remove Huroob from Pakistan ?
Practically, no—not by paying agents or through private shortcuts. If you’ve already exited Saudi Arabia (often via deportation after an absence report), your record remains governed by Saudi databases. Any reversal or permissions for return must come from Saudi authorities based on the applicable law, amnesties, or official settlement with the employer. Treat anyone claiming they can “clear your Huroob remotely” as high-risk
How to avoid frauds and scams about “Huroob removal”
Because Huroob is stressful and can end someone’s livelihood, scammers target workers and families with false promises. Protect yourself:
- Never pay middlemen who say they can “delete Huroob” or “unblock” your record without employer/MHRSD/Jawazat action.
- Do not share OTPs, Absher credentials, or passport/Iqama scans with strangers. Saudi government portals will not call and ask you to disclose codes over the phone.
- Verify every claim in an official channel—MHRSD office, Jawazat counter, Absher/Qiwa account. If someone says “it’s fixed,” log in and check your own record.
- Be careful with social media groups. They can be helpful for peer experience, but legal advice there is inconsistent, and scammers blend in. Always bring tips you see online to an official desk before acting.
Step-by-step: What to do today if you’re worried about Huroob
- Open Absher and check your Resident ID validity (and border number if needed). Screenshot your results for your file. Absher
- Check MHRSD/Qiwa for any alerts or transfer/rectification options. If you have an SMS about a correction window, note the deadline and start right away.
- Prepare your documents: passport, Iqama, employment contract/offer, pay slips, message logs with your employer (requests for renewal, duty rosters, notices).
- Visit the Labor Office (MHRSD) to open/confirm your case, especially if wages are owed or the report is retaliatory. Get a case number.
- If changing jobs, use Qiwa’s official transfer pathway—and follow each digital approval step. Avoid leaving your post without initiating the legal process.
- If detained or in removal proceedings, contact your embassy/consulate and keep copies of every decision issued by Jawazat/Wafideen.
Huroob Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I still get a final exit if I’m under an absence report?
A: Procedures can vary with reforms, but there are cases where specific processes allow exits even when an absence report exists, particularly under defined phases of the reform. In practice, you should confirm the current rule with Jawazat and follow whatever Absher/Qiwa shows for your file.
Q: My employer won’t renew my Iqama; will I be blamed?
A: Human-rights and worker-protection guidance emphasizes employers’ obligations to issue/renew permits, and authorities have urged penalties on employers who fail this duty. Still, you must protect yourself by opening a complaint early so the system records that the lapse isn’t your fault.
Q: Someone back home says they can “remove Huroob” for a fee. Should I try it?
A: No. Huroob/case actions happen in Saudi government systems (MHRSD/Qiwa/Jawazat). If it’s real, you’ll see it on your account. Don’t send money or documents to unofficial “fixers.” Absher
Q: I’ve heard there was a 60-day grace period. Is it still valid now?
A: MHRSD did announce an additional 60-day rectification window in late 2024. Such windows are time-limited and policy-specific. Always check current notices inside your MHRSD/Qiwa account or ask at a Labor Office
Bottom line
- Huroob is an absence/runaway report that can lead to detention, deportation, and bans if you don’t act. Ministry of Interior
- Check your status on Absher (Resident ID validity) and monitor MHRSD/Qiwa for rectification or transfer options. If you get an official correction window, use it immediately. Absher
- Prevent problems by keeping your Iqama valid, using official transfer channels, documenting disputes, and never working for third parties without authorization.
- Avoid scams promising “Huroob removal from abroad.” Real fixes appear in Saudi government systems, not WhatsApp chats. When in doubt, go to the Labor Office and get an official case number.
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