Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development issued a circular allowing employers to terminate foreign workers' absconding status without their consent.

Absconding foreign workers can correct their status without the consent of their employer under certain conditions, according to the circular.

Abdul Majeed Al Rashoodi, Deputy Minister for Labour Affairs, explained that cancellation of the absconding status can only be carried out if several conditions are met, the first of which is that the status of the employer's establishment must be shown to be "non-existent".

A cancellation may also be made if the establishment's status is "under process" and if the employer has not opened another file within 30 days of opening the file.

Absconding workers can rectify their status if the establishment is located in a red zone and has not committed to documenting the contracts of 75 percent or more of its total workforce.

Absconders can also rectify their status if the establishment is located in the red zone and does not protect the wages of its workers at 80 percent of the total workforce.

Additionally, the circular clarified the conditions that must be met by establishments seeking to transfer worker services. Establishments are required to issue an e-certified letter in which the employer who wishes to transfer a worker's services to him must bear all of the associated fees.

To complete the procedures of transferring a worker to a new establishment, establishments must also provide the necessary terms and conditions.