Absent-from-work (huroob) reports in Saudi Arabia, explained

What is an absent-from-work (huroob) report?

It is a report an employer makes when a worker stops coming to work without a valid reason. The worker’s record then shows them as absent from work.

People often still call it huroob, an Arabic word that means running away. The official term today is absent from work. The report is made through the official labour system. Qiwa is the labour platform for work contracts, work permits and job transfers. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) lists Qiwa among its online services.

An absent-from-work report is not a court judgment. It is a status on your work record. But it can lead to other problems, so do not ignore it.

How does an absent-from-work report affect your iqama?

It can affect your residency and your ability to change jobs. Your iqama is your residence permit, with its own ID number. While the report stands, services linked to your iqama and your work permit may be affected.

The official rules for these reports were updated in 2025. They decide what happens next and what time limits apply. They can change again, so we do not repeat them here. Qiwa and the HRSD website set out the current rules.

A problem with your job or employer is also one of the usual causes of a travel ban. Our page on how travel bans end explains that route.

How do you check whether you have been reported absent from work?

If you live in Saudi Arabia, you can usually check your status yourself. Workers usually sign in to Qiwa or to Absher, the Ministry of Interior’s platform for ID and visa services. Both need a login linked to your iqama.

If you can no longer sign in, or you have left Saudi Arabia, a lawyer can often look into it for you. For that, the lawyer usually needs your power of attorney. You can sign one in your own country.

Check early. The sooner you know, the more options usually remain open.

What should you do first if your employer reported you absent?

There are 4 things to do first. Check your status on Qiwa or Absher, so you know exactly what was reported and when. Write down the dates you stopped working, and why. Keep every message, payslip, contract and notice from your employer. Then speak to a licensed Saudi lawyer before you sign anything the employer gives you. The official procedure has time limits, so act early. A lawyer reads the report, the dates and your contract together. They then explain which steps apply to you.

Do not leave the problem for later. And do not pay anyone who promises to remove the report for a fee. A licensed lawyer will not promise an outcome.

What does a lawyer check in an absent-from-work case?

A lawyer first checks the facts behind the report, and then the route. In general, that means:

• The dates. When you stopped working, when the report was made, and when you found out.
• The reason. Whether you had a valid reason to be absent, such as illness, unpaid salary or a dispute.
• The procedure. Whether the report followed the official procedure, as published on Qiwa and by HRSD.
• Your contract and pay. Whether the employer owed you salary or other pay when you stopped.
• Other open matters. Whether there is also a travel ban, a case or a complaint linked to the employer.

Then the lawyer explains your options. These may include responding to the report through the official channels, settling with the employer, or a claim through the labour dispute process. Each case is different. A lawyer can tell you what is realistic, but cannot promise a result.

What if you have already left Saudi Arabia?

The report usually stays on the record after you leave. If you plan to come back for work or a visit, check your status first.

A lawyer holding your power of attorney can usually look into the report and any linked dispute while you stay abroad. We tell you early if any step needs you in Saudi Arabia. If your employer still owes you pay, see claiming end-of-service pay and unpaid salary after you’ve left.

What should an employer check before reporting a worker absent?

An employer should first check the facts and the current official procedure. Record the dates, try to contact the worker, and keep that record. Then follow the steps on Qiwa exactly.

A report made too early, or without a record, can lead to a dispute. A lawyer can check the facts and the procedure before you file it.

What to prepare before you talk to a lawyer

A short outline is enough for a first message. Keep the following ready, but don’t send it yet:

• the date you stopped working, and the reason;
• the date of the report, if you know it;
• your work contract and any recent payslips;
• any message, notice or text message (SMS) from your employer or a government platform;
• where you are now, and whether you can still sign in to Qiwa or Absher.

We tell you what to send after we agree to act.

Frequently asked questions

Related

• Facing a case, an arrest or a travel ban in Saudi Arabia
• What is an absent-from-work report?
• How to check for a travel ban or an open case in Saudi Arabia
• How travel bans end in Saudi Arabia
• Claiming end-of-service pay and unpaid salary after you’ve left Saudi Arabia