The Huroob New Update has introduced important procedural and enforcement changes that directly affect expatriates living and working in Saudi Arabia. While the term “Huroob” is commonly used by expats, Saudi government systems now officially classify it as “Absent from Work”, with serious legal consequences if not addressed properly.
Many expats only become aware of these updates when their Iqama suddenly turns invalid or they are stopped during an inspection. This guide explains the latest Huroob updates clearly, based on real expat experiences in Saudi Arabia, and outlines what you can still do if your status is affected.
What is Huroob in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, Huroob is now formally labeled across government systems as “Absent from Work.” It is triggered when an employer reports that a sponsored worker has left employment without authorization or exceeded the legally permitted absence threshold.
Once this report is accepted by Jawazat, the worker’s Iqama status changes instantly, regardless of ongoing disputes, unpaid salary, or pending complaints. This is why Saudi Arabia treats Huroob as a public order issue, not a private employment matter.
In 2026, the rule remains unchanged:
15 consecutive days of absence, or 30 non-consecutive days within a year, can legally justify an Absence from Work report—but the consequences and remedies have evolved.
Read More: Check Huroob Status Online in Saudi Arabia (3 Official Ways)
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Unauthorized absence | Leaving work without written approval |
| Extended absence | Missing work beyond permitted days |
| Contract disputes | Breakdown in employer–employee relationship |
| Retaliation | Employer response to complaints or salary demands |
Why Saudi Arabia Updated the Huroob System
Historically, the Huroob mechanism was tightly linked to the old sponsorship (kafala) model. This created room for abuse, especially during salary disputes or job transitions. Saudi authorities openly recognized this gap..
The huroob new update is part of Saudi Arabia’s wider labor reform strategy driven by Vision 2030 and administered through Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. The goal is no longer punishment first, but correction first, enforcement second.
| Objective | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Digital enforcement | Reduce manual manipulation |
| Defined grace periods | Allow lawful correction |
| Worker protection | Penalize false reporting |
| Market stability | Control illegal residency |
This is why platforms like Absher and Qiwa now sit at the center of the Huroob process.
Legal Consequences of Huroob Status
Despite reforms, Huroob remains one of the most serious legal statuses an expatriate can face in Saudi Arabia.
Once active, the worker is considered an illegal resident. This exposes them to arrest during routine checks, detention by Jawazat patrols, deportation, and a re-entry ban typically ranging from 3 to five 5. Salary claims and end-of-service benefits are automatically frozen unless resolved through labor courts.
| Consequences | Impact |
|---|---|
| Iqama | Automatically invalid |
| Legal stay | Considered illegal |
| Employment | Contract effectively terminated |
| Job transfer | Blocked without approval |
| Enforcement | Risk of arrest and deportation |
The Most Important Change: Huroob Grace Periods
60-Day Grace Period for Non-Domestic Workers
The most impactful part of the huroob new update—confirmed and continuing into 2026—is the 60-day correction window for workers reported as Absent from Work.
From the date the report is filed, the worker has exactly 60 calendar days to regularize their status. During this time, enforcement is paused to allow legal resolution.
Through Qiwa, eligible workers may transfer sponsorship to a new employer or apply for a final exit visa without detention.
Based on Saudi expat advisory cases, this window is strict and non-extendable. Day 61 returns the worker to full violation status.
Extended Amnesty for Domestic Workers
Saudi Arabia has continued its domestic worker amnesty policy into 2026, allowing previously reported workers to correct their status through Musaned.
This six-month window aims to clear historical violations and reduce undocumented domestic labor. The focus is rehabilitation, not punishment.
How to Check Huroob Status Online
Saudi Arabia now expects every expatriate to monitor their own legal status.
- The fastest method remains Absher, where the Iqama status clearly displays “Absent from Work” if a report exists. This is the same status Jawazat officers see.
- For employment-level verification, the MHRSD labor portal and Qiwa dashboard provide additional confirmation tied directly to the employment contract.
- Also can be validated in Qiwa platform
Correcting Huroob Status
If the report was filed by mistake and discovered within the first 15 days, the employer may cancel it digitally with minimal intervention. This is the cleanest resolution.
Beyond that window, Saudi authorities recognize three legitimate correction paths: sponsorship transfer via Qiwa, filing a labor dispute with MHRSD if the report was retaliatory, or exiting Saudi Arabia legally through a final exit visa.
Employer Penalties
One of the most underreported aspects of the huroob new update is the strengthened penalty framework for employers.
False or malicious Absence from Work reports now expose employers to fines reaching SAR 20,000, black marks on labor records, and enhanced scrutiny during future disputes. Digital traceability through Absher and Qiwa makes abuse easier to prove than ever before.
This change has significantly reduced Huroob misuse since 2024 and remains enforced in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Huroob still be removed in 2026?
Yes, but only through official digital or legal pathways.
Does Huroob cancel my Iqama instantly?
Yes, once accepted by Jawazat.
Can I change jobs under Huroob?
Only within the grace period and with MHRSD approval.
Is Huroob the same as expired Iqama?
No, but both lead to illegal residency status.
Does filing a labor case stop Huroob?
Not automatically; MHRSD review is required.What does “Absent from Work” mean in Saudi Arabia?
It means your employer has officially reported you for leaving work without permission, and the case is enforced by Jawazat.
How can I check my Huroob status online?
You can check it through Absher, the MHRSD portal, or your employment dashboard on Qiwa.
Does an expired Iqama mean I am Huroob?
No, but an expired Iqama makes your stay illegal and increases the risk of an “Absent from Work” report.
Can my employer cancel a Huroob report?
Yes, if it was filed by mistake and canceled within the allowed early period through official systems.
Can I change jobs while under Huroob status?
Yes, but only during approved grace periods and with authorization through Qiwa and the Ministry of Human Resources.
What if my employer filed a false Huroob report?
You can file a labor complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources, and proven misuse can lead to penalties for the employer.
Is Final Exit better than overstaying?
Yes, leaving Saudi Arabia legally through Final Exit is always safer than overstaying illegally.
How long is the re-entry ban after Huroob?
In most cases, it is temporary, usually ranging from three to five years if you exit legally.
Can I work or travel inside Saudi Arabia with Huroob status?
No, according to huroob new update once Huroob is active, your Iqama is invalid, and most services are blocked. Final Summary for Expats
The Huroob New Update reflects Saudi Arabia’s shift toward a transparent, digitally enforced labor system. While penalties remain serious, structured correction pathways now exist for expats who act quickly and responsibly.
Every expat should regularly check their status, maintain access to Absher and Qiwa, and seek official guidance immediately if issues arise. Delay remains the biggest risk.
