Absconding (Huroob) Report in Saudi Arabia: The 60-Day Period and the Worker’s Rights

An "absconding report" (huroob), officially now a report of absence from work, is filed online by an employer when a worker stops coming to work. Its effect can be severe: if the grace period passes with no transfer or final exit, the worker's status becomes "absent from work". The question thousands search for: can it be cancelled, and what can a worker do if the report is unfair?

Reviewed by: Ahmed Hasan AlShehriAttorney at USUS Law FirmLast updated: 19 October 2026

What happens after the report

As the Ministry of Human Resources has explained through its official customer-care account: after a report of absence is filed, the worker has a 60-day grace period to transfer to a new employer or take final exit. If the period ends with no action, his status changes to "absent from work", and the report can no longer be cancelled.

Domestic workers follow different rules through the Musaned platform. Periods and conditions change by ministerial decision, so check Qiwa or Musaned before acting.

If the report is malicious

Some reports are filed to pressure a worker into giving up wages or end-of-service pay. The worker can:

1. Prove he did not abscond: attendance records, messages with the employer, colleagues' statements.
2. File a labour claim for unpaid wages and end-of-service benefits. See labour cases.
3. Claim compensation: anyone harmed by a malicious accusation may claim compensation (Article 215 of the Criminal Procedure Law).

For employers

File the report only for a genuine absence, after documented attempts to reach the worker, and with proof that wages are paid up to the date of absence. A report used to settle a wage dispute can turn against the employer in a labour case.

Common mistakes

• Waiting out the 60 days hoping the employer will cancel.
• Paying anyone who promises to "remove" the report outside official platforms.
• Working for someone else without a transfer of service.

Frequently asked questions

How do I cancel an absconding (huroob) report?

Within the 60-day period after the report, the worker can transfer service or take final exit. After it ends with no action, the status becomes "absent from work" and the report cannot be cancelled, according to the Ministry of Human Resources. Check Qiwa for current details.

How long does a worker have after a report of absence?

60 days to transfer service or take final exit, according to the Ministry of Human Resources.

My employer filed a false report. What can I do?

Gather proof you did not abscond, claim your dues in a labour case, and claim compensation for a malicious accusation (Article 215 of the Criminal Procedure Law).

Do domestic workers have the same rules?

No, they follow different rules through Musaned.

Facing an absconding report?

Usus Law Firm handles absence reports, labour claims and compensation for malicious reports, in Riyadh and Tabuk, in English and Arabic.

Articles cited are from the Law of Criminal Procedure (Royal Decree M/2 of 22/1/1435H); the absence-report periods are as explained by the Ministry of Human Resources and may change. Always check the current official text.

This article is general legal information and is not a substitute for advice on your specific case. Court proceedings in Saudi Arabia are in Arabic; the official Arabic text of each law prevails.