In a major labour-market move, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) of Saudi Arabia has **announced a six-month extension** of the grace period for runaway domestic workers to regularise their status. The extension kicked in on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. 

Why the Extension?

The ministry says the extension offers both domestic workers and employers an extra opportunity to resolve cases of elimination of absence reports (huroob) through a streamlined procedure. The regularisation is to be completed via the Musaned platform, which handles household labour services in the Kingdom. 

What the Grace Period Covers

The original grace period began on May 11, 2025 and was set to run for six months. This new extension is **only** for domestic workers who were reported absent (huroob) before the announcement date.

Key Features of the Extension

• Workers reported absent before the announcement can transfer to new employers and regularise their status via Musaned. 

• New employers can initiate electronic transfer procedures through Musaned, improving transparency and protecting rights of all parties. 

• Part of a broader push to reform the domestic-labour sector, strengthen contractual relationships and better regulate the labour market. 

How It Works: Steps for Regularisation

Domestic workers still residing in the Kingdom who were reported as absent or whose residency permits (iqamas) have expired may, within this grace window, complete the necessary steps on Musaned. This includes transfer to a new sponsor/employer after fulfilling the required procedures. 

What This Means for Stakeholders

For Domestic Workers

It offers a second chance to correct legal status without immediate penalties, helping avoid the risks associated with being in the country illegally or under huroob status.

For Employers and New Sponsors

Employers looking to hire domestic workers can do so via Musaned’s digital workflow, reducing administrative burden and legal uncertainty. The move aims to enhance fairness in employment relationships.

Broader Implications

The initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing labour-market reforms, aligning with its Vision 2030 agenda to modernise employment practices and protect expatriate labour rights. While this specific window addresses domestic workers, it underscores a shift toward enabling better labour mobility, transparency and regulatory enforcement. 

What to Watch

Stakeholders must check deadlines closely — only those workers reported absent before the announcement are eligible under this extension. Employers and workers should act promptly to ensure the transfer is done correctly via Musaned. After the grace period, standard rules and penalties apply.