The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has initiated a six-month grace period, effective from Sunday, May 11, 2025, allowing domestic workers reported as absent from work (huroob) before this date to regularize their status. This initiative aims to streamline labor market regulations and safeguard the rights of both workers and employers.
Understanding the Huroob Status
In Saudi Arabia, a huroob status is assigned to domestic workers who are reported by their employers as having absconded or abandoned their job. This designation renders the worker's presence in the Kingdom illegal, exposing them to potential detention or deportation.
The newly announced grace period provides an opportunity for these workers to rectify their status by transferring their services to new employers through the Musaned platform, the official portal for domestic labor services managed by the MHRSD. This process is automated, ensuring efficiency and transparency.
Eligibility Criteria
- Timeframe: Only domestic workers reported as absent before May 11, 2025, are eligible.
- Current Status: Workers must still be residing in Saudi Arabia without having exited the country.
- Employer Transfer: A new employer must be willing to assume sponsorship and complete the transfer process via Musaned.
It's important to note that this grace period does not apply to workers reported absent after May 11, 2025. You can read more on Zawya News.
Steps to Rectify Status via Musaned
- New Employer Registration: The prospective employer must log into the Musaned platform.
- Initiate Transfer Request: Begin the service transfer process for the domestic worker.
- Complete Required Documentation: Submit all necessary documents and information as prompted by the platform.
- Await Approval: Upon successful submission, the system will process the request, and the worker's status will be updated accordingly.
Implications for the Labor Market
By facilitating the legal transfer of domestic workers, the MHRSD aims to:
- Enhance Labor Mobility: Allow workers to move between employers legally, reducing instances of undocumented employment.
- Protect Worker Rights: Ensure that domestic workers are not unfairly penalized and have avenues to rectify their status.
- Improve Employer Compliance: Encourage employers to adhere to legal protocols when reporting absences and hiring domestic workers.
This initiative aligns with broader efforts to reform labor laws and improve working conditions within the Kingdom. Related updates can be found on Migrant Rights.
Additional Resources
For more information on the Musaned platform and the process of transferring domestic worker sponsorship, visit the official Musaned website or consult the Controls to Improve the Contractual Relationship document provided by the MHRSD.
