A “Huroob” (Absent from Work) report is the ultimate nightmare for any expat in Saudi Arabia. If your sponsor registers a Huroob against you, your Iqama becomes useless, your bank account gets frozen, and you face immediate deportation with a lifetime ban.
However, in 2026, the Ministry of Human Resources (MHRSD) has changed the rules to protect workers from fake Huroob reports. You now have a lifeline, but you must act fast.
| MOL Status (Arabic) | Meaning (English) | Your Situation |
|---|---|---|
| ุนูู ุฑุฃุณ ุงูุนู ู | On the Job | โ Safe (Active Iqama) |
| ู ุชุบูุจ ุนู ุงูุนู ู | Absent from Work | โ Huroob Applied |
| ุฎุฑูุฌ ููุงุฆู | Final Exit Issued | Must leave within 60 days |
1. How to Check Your Huroob Status Online
Do not wait for the police to catch you. You can check your status anonymously using the MOL (Ministry of Labor) portal.
- Visit the MOL Portal: Go to the official MHRSD Expat Inquiry page.
- Enter Details: You can use your Iqama Number, Border Number, or Passport Number.
- Check the Result:
- If it says “On the Job” (ุนูู ุฑุฃุณ ุงูุนู ู): You are safe.
- If it says “Absent from Work” (ู ุชุบูุจ ุนู ุงูุนู ู): You have a Huroob.
Want to know more ways to check your Iqama validity? Read our guide -> How to Check Iqama Expiry & Status
2. The New 60-Day Grace Period (2026 Update)
In the past, a Huroob meant instant deportation. The 2026 labor reforms have introduced a massive change.
- The Lifeline: When a Huroob is filed, you now have a 60-day grace period to cancel it.
- How to Cancel? You do NOT need to beg your old sponsor. You can directly transfer your sponsorship (Kafala) to a new company within these 60 days.
- The Condition: The new company must have a “Green” or “Platinum” Nitaqat status and must send you an offer via Qiwa.
3. What Happens After 60 Days?
If you fail to find a new sponsor and transfer within 60 days, the Huroob becomes “Permanent”.
- Your status turns into an Illegal Resident.
- You will be arrested, detained in a deportation center (Tarheel), and deported.
- You will face a permanent lifetime ban from entering Saudi Arabia on any visa (including Umrah or Hajj).
4. How to Prove a “Fake” Huroob
Some sponsors file fake Huroob reports just to avoid paying End of Service benefits.
- If you were actively working or on a legally approved sick leave when the Huroob was filed, you can fight it.
- Action: File an “E-Complaint” through the MHRSD portal or the “Wudi” system within the first 15 days. Attach proof of attendance, salary slips, or WhatsApp messages with your boss.
To successfully transfer your sponsorship within 60 days, follow these steps -> How to Transfer Sponsorship via Qiwa
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I go on Final Exit if I have a Huroob?
A: No. You cannot issue an Exit Re-Entry or Final Exit visa if there is an active Huroob on your Iqama. You must cancel the Huroob first.
Q2: How much does it cost to cancel a Huroob?
A: There is no official government fee to cancel the Huroob if done within the grace period by transferring to a new employer. The new employer only pays the standard Kafala transfer fees.
Q3: Can a Huroob be canceled after 1 year?
A: Very rarely. If it has been over 60 days, only the original sponsor can request cancellation by physically visiting the Maktab Amal, and they must pay hefty fines for delayed Iqama renewals.
