What Is Huroob Amnesty?
The Saudi government periodically declares huroob amnesty periods — official windows during which workers with huroob (absconding) status can resolve their situation without facing the usual penalties. Outside of amnesty, a worker with active huroob faces deportation, a re-entry ban of 5–10 years, and financial fines.
Quick Summary
- Huroob amnesty = official period to fix your status without ban or penalty
- Option 1: Transfer to new employer via Qiwa (general) or Musaned (domestic)
- Option 2: Exit Saudi Arabia on final exit visa — no deportation ban
- Check status: Absher app or call MHRSD on 19911
- You must act before the amnesty deadline — after it ends, normal penalties apply
- Never pay agents — the official process is free or has fixed government fees only
During an amnesty window, a worker with huroob status has two legal paths:
Path 1: Transfer to New Employer
- New employer sponsors your Iqama
- Huroob case is cancelled automatically
- You continue working legally in Saudi Arabia
- General workers → Qiwa platform
- Domestic workers → Musaned platform
Path 2: Exit Saudi Arabia
- Apply for a final exit visa
- Leave within the amnesty window
- No deportation ban recorded
- No re-entry prohibition
- Done via Absher or Jawazat office
Who Qualifies for Huroob Amnesty?
Eligibility during an active amnesty period typically covers:
- Any expatriate worker who has been reported as absconding (huroob) by their employer
- Workers whose Iqama has expired due to huroob status
- Both general workforce employees and domestic workers
- Workers who entered on a valid visa but became irregular due to a huroob report
How to Check If You Have Huroob Status
Absher App — Fastest Method
Open the Absher app → My Services → Residency → Iqama Status. If huroob is active it will be clearly shown. This gives the most up-to-date real-time status.
Muqeem Website — No Saudi SIM Needed
Visit muqeem.sa and use the Iqama inquiry service with your iqama number and Hijri date of birth. This works without a Saudi SIM — ideal if you are outside Saudi Arabia.
Call MHRSD: 19911
The Ministry of Human Resources helpline can confirm your huroob status and tell you whether an amnesty period is currently active. Arabic support is primary; limited English is available.
Path 1: Transfer to a New Employer
For General Workforce — Qiwa Platform
New Employer Initiates the Transfer on Qiwa
The new employer logs into qiwa.com.sa → Labour Policies → Transfer of Service → submits a transfer request using your Iqama number.
You Approve the Request
Log into Qiwa with your Iqama number → My Services → Transfer Requests → approve the request from the new employer. Do this within the timeframe shown — requests expire.
Huroob Case Is Cancelled Automatically
Once MHRSD approves the transfer, the huroob status is cleared from your record. The old employer's report is cancelled and your Iqama moves to the new employer.
New Employer Renews Your Iqama
After the transfer is processed, the new employer must renew your Iqama promptly. Ensure this is done so your status is fully regularised.
For Domestic Workers — Musaned Platform
New Employer Submits Transfer on Musaned
The new employer logs into musaned.com.sa and submits a domestic worker transfer request. Domestic workers include housemaids, drivers, gardeners and nannies.
Worker Confirms Acceptance
The domestic worker confirms the new employer through Musaned or at a Jawazat office if digital access is not available.
Ministry Processes and Clears the Huroob
MHRSD reviews and approves the transfer. The huroob case is cancelled and the worker is now legally under the new employer's sponsorship.
Path 2: Exit Saudi Arabia During Amnesty
If you wish to leave Saudi Arabia, the amnesty window allows you to depart without receiving a deportation ban. Normally, a worker deported with active huroob receives a ban of 5–10 years. Amnesty removes this penalty — but only if you exit within the declared window.
Apply for a Final Exit Visa Through Absher
Go to Absher → My Services → Residency Services → Exit/Re-entry Visa → Final Exit. During many amnesty periods this process is simplified and fees are waived.
Visit Jawazat If Absher Does Not Work
If Absher shows an error due to the huroob flag, visit the nearest Jawazat (General Directorate of Passports) office. Bring your passport and Iqama. They process exit requests during amnesty directly.
Exit Before the Amnesty Deadline
You must depart Saudi Arabia before the amnesty window closes. Do not delay — if you miss the deadline, the regular huroob penalties including deportation ban apply again immediately.
Verify Your Clearance at the Airport
At immigration, your record should show the amnesty clearance. Keep the Absher exit approval on your phone and the Jawazat-issued document as printed backup. Take photos of all paperwork.
What Happens If You Miss the Amnesty Period?
If the amnesty period ends and you have not transferred or exited, the normal consequences apply:
- Potential arrest and deportation by authorities
- A re-entry ban of 5 to 10 years — or permanent in serious cases
- Financial penalties that may be enforced through legal channels
- Your passport flagged at all Saudi border crossings
Scams to Avoid During Huroob Amnesty
Every time Saudi Arabia announces an amnesty, fraudsters target workers with huroob status. Protect yourself:
- Do not pay any agent or individual to "cancel your huroob" — the official Qiwa and Musaned process is free or has fixed government fees only.
- Do not give your Iqama number, Absher password, or OTP to anyone claiming to process your amnesty online.
- Do not pay for a "guaranteed exit visa" from unofficial sources — exit visas are issued through Absher or Jawazat only.
- Be wary of WhatsApp groups or social media posts claiming "special connections" at Jawazat or MHRSD.
- No legitimate government process requires upfront cash payment to a private individual.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is huroob amnesty in Saudi Arabia?
Huroob amnesty is a period declared by the Saudi government during which workers with huroob (absconding) status can regularise their situation — either by transferring to a new employer or by exiting the country — without facing deportation bans or financial penalties.
Is there a huroob amnesty currently active in 2026?
Saudi Arabia periodically declares huroob amnesty periods. To confirm whether one is currently active, check the official Absher and Qiwa portals, or call MHRSD on 19911. Do not rely on social media or unofficial sources for amnesty dates.
Who qualifies for huroob amnesty?
Any expatriate worker reported as absconding (huroob) may qualify during an active amnesty period. This includes general workforce and domestic workers. Workers with separate criminal cases may face additional requirements — check your full status at Jawazat or through Absher before acting.
Can I transfer to a new employer during huroob amnesty?
Yes. During amnesty, a new employer initiates a transfer request through Qiwa (general workers) or Musaned (domestic workers). You approve the request, MHRSD processes it, and the huroob case is cancelled automatically. The new employer then renews your Iqama.
Can I exit Saudi Arabia during amnesty without a ban?
Yes — this is one of the key benefits of amnesty. You can apply for a final exit visa through Absher or Jawazat and leave without receiving a deportation ban. You must depart before the amnesty deadline. After it ends, normal penalties apply.
How do I check my huroob status?
Check through the Absher app (My Services → Residency → Iqama Status), the Muqeem website at muqeem.sa using your iqama number and date of birth, or call MHRSD on 19911. If huroob is active it will be clearly shown on Absher.
What happens if I miss the amnesty deadline?
If you miss the amnesty window without transferring or exiting, normal huroob penalties apply — deportation, a 5–10 year re-entry ban, and potential financial penalties. Act within the amnesty period. Do not wait until the last day.
Is it safe to pay an agent to process my amnesty?
No. The official process through Qiwa, Musaned, Absher, and Jawazat is free or has fixed government fees. Paying private agents to "cancel huroob" or "guarantee an exit visa" is a scam. Use only official portals and call 19911 for free guidance.