Huroob is an essential concept to understand for both employers and foreign workers residing in Saudi Arabia. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Huroob, its status, potential consequences, and the punishments associated with it under Saudi Arabian labor laws.
What does Huroob mean in Saudi Arabia?
Huroob is an Arabic term that translates to "escape" or "absconding." In the context of Saudi Arabian labor laws, Huroob refers to a situation where an expatriate worker abandons their job without informing their employer or obtaining their consent. In such cases, the employer can report the worker to the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, leading to a Huroob status being placed on the worker's residence permit (Iqama).
What is Huroob status?
Huroob status is the classification given to an expatriate worker's Iqama when their employer reports them for leaving their job without proper notice or authorization. Once the Huroob status is assigned, the worker loses their legal residency status in Saudi Arabia, which can lead to severe consequences.
How to Check Your Huroob Status in Saudi Arabia?
If you are working in Saudi Arabia and suspect that you might have Huroob status, it is essential to verify this information as soon as possible to avoid any legal complications. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to check your Huroob status in Saudi Arabia.
Step 1: Gather your personal information like Iqama (residence permit) number, Passport number, Border number and other personal details, such as your full name and date of birth.
Step 2: Visit the Ministry of Labor and Social Development website. The website is available in both Arabic and English. To switch to the English version, click on the "English" option at the top-right corner of the page.
Step 3: Navigate to the "Query Labor Office Services" page. On the main page of the Ministry of Labor and Social Development website, locate the "E-Services" tab in the top menu. Hover over the tab and click on "Query Labor Office Services" in the dropdown menu. This will redirect you to a new page where you can check your Huroob status.
Step 4: Enter your Iqama number and personal details. On the "Query Labor Office Services" page, enter your Iqama number and other personal details as required. Make sure to enter the information accurately to ensure the correct results.
Step 5: Submit your query. Once you have entered your details, click the "Submit" or "Search" button to process your query. The system will then display your Huroob status.
Interpret The Results: If the system indicates that you do not have a Huroob status, this means that your Iqama is still valid, and you can continue working legally in Saudi Arabia. However, if the system shows that you have a Huroob status, you should take immediate action to resolve the issue by contacting your employer, seeking mediation from the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, or consulting a legal professional.
What happens when there is Huroob status?
When an expatriate worker is declared as having Huroob status, several consequences ensue:
1. Loss of legal residency: The worker loses their legal right to reside and work in Saudi Arabia. This can lead to immediate detention and deportation if caught by the authorities.
2. Loss of benefits and entitlements: The worker forfeits any benefits, entitlements, or unpaid wages from their employer.
3. Travel restrictions: The worker is prohibited from leaving the country until the Huroob status is resolved.
Difficulty finding new employment: Having a Huroob status on one's record can make it challenging to secure employment in Saudi Arabia or obtain a new work visa in the future.
What are the punishments for Huroob?
Punishments for Huroob in Saudi Arabia can be severe, depending on the circumstances:
1. Deportation: The most common punishment for a worker with Huroob status is deportation to their home country. This process can be lengthy and challenging, as the worker must first be detained and held in a deportation center until their case is processed and travel arrangements are made.
2. Fines: In some cases, the worker may face financial penalties for violating their employment contract and Saudi Arabian labor laws.
3. Ban on re-entry: Workers who are deported due to Huroob may face a ban on re-entering Saudi Arabia for a specified period, which can range from several months to several years.
How to remove huroob status either by employer or employee?
There are ways to remove Huroob status for both employers and employees, and it is essential to understand the available options to rectify the situation.
1. Reconciliation between the employer and employee: The most straightforward way to remove Huroob status is for the employer and employee to reconcile their differences and reach a mutual agreement. In this case, the employer can withdraw the Huroob report they filed with the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, leading to the cancellation of the Huroob status on the employee's Iqama (residence permit).
For this process to take place, the employee must approach their employer and discuss the reasons for their absence. If the employer is satisfied with the explanation and agrees to continue the employment relationship, they can initiate the process of canceling the Huroob status. It is essential to maintain open communication between both parties to facilitate a smooth resolution.
2. Mediation through the Ministry of Labor and Social Development: In cases where the employer and employee cannot reach a mutual agreement, the employee can seek mediation through the Ministry of Labor and Social Development. The ministry can help facilitate negotiations between the two parties and work towards a resolution that satisfies both the employer and the employee. However, the success of this approach depends on the willingness of the employer to cooperate and engage in the mediation process.
3. Legal action: If reconciliation or mediation fails, the employee can consider taking legal action against the employer. It is advisable to consult with a legal professional who is well-versed in Saudi Arabian labor laws to explore this option. Legal action can be time-consuming and costly, so it should be considered as a last resort.
Conclusion: In conclusion, Huroob is a critical concept in Saudi Arabian labor laws that can lead to severe consequences for expatriate workers who abandon their jobs without proper notice or consent. It is essential for both employers and workers to understand the meaning of Huroob, the implications of Huroob status, and the potential punishments associated with it to ensure compliance with local laws and maintain a harmonious working relationship. Removing Huroob status is possible, but it often requires open communication, cooperation, and negotiation between the employer and the employee. Reconciliation, mediation, or legal action can be employed to resolve Huroob status and restore the employee's legal residency and work rights in Saudi Arabia.
