How to Check Huroob (Absent From Work) Status
A Huroob report — being officially listed as 'absent from work' — is one of the most serious issues an expatriate worker can face in Saudi Arabia, because it puts your legal residency, your ability to change jobs and even your freedom to travel at risk. The good news is you can check whether one has been filed against you in minutes, using just your Iqama number. This guide shows you how to check, explains what a Huroob status really means, and walks through your options if you find one.
To check whether you have a Huroob (absent-from-work) report, use your Iqama number on the Ministry of Interior (MOI) portal or the Qiwa / labor inquiry service. A Huroob status means your employer has officially reported you as having left work without permission, which puts your legal residency at risk. If you find a Huroob against you, act quickly — it can usually only be lifted by the employer who filed it, or contested through the labor authorities.
What is Huroob and why it matters so much
Huroob (also written 'khuruj' or reported as 'absent from work') is one of the most serious things that can appear on your record in Saudi Arabia. It is a report filed by an employer stating that a worker has stopped reporting to work without authorization. Once filed, it effectively flags you as being in an irregular status.
The consequences are significant: a Huroob report can make your Iqama invalid for renewal, prevent you from transferring to a new job, block exit and re-entry, and expose you to detention or deportation. Because of this, checking your status — especially after any dispute with an employer — is something every worker should know how to do.
How to check your Huroob status
You can check whether a Huroob report has been filed against you using your Iqama number on these official services. Neither requires a personal Absher account, so you can check even if your employer manages your account.
Via MOI (Ministry of Interior)
MOI (Ministry of Interior) is the Ministry of Interior e-services portal.
- Open the MOI e-services portal at moi.gov.sa.
- Switch the language to English from the top menu if needed.
- Go to 'E-Services' and then the 'Passports' (Jawazat) services.
- Choose the query service, enter your Iqama number and the verification code, then submit.
Via MOL / Qiwa
MOL / Qiwa is the labor ministry platform, useful when you do not have an Absher account.
- Go to the labor inquiry service on Qiwa (Ministry of Human Resources).
- Select the service to validate worker or Iqama information.
- Enter your Iqama number and your date of birth (Hijri or Gregorian).
- Enter the captcha code and submit to view your Iqama status.
What to do if you find a Huroob against you
First, do not panic, but do act quickly. A Huroob status does not automatically mean the report is fair — they are sometimes filed in error or as leverage during a dispute. Understanding your options is the key.
In most cases, the employer who filed the Huroob is the one who can withdraw it. If the report is genuinely a mistake or the dispute is resolved, ask them to lift it. If the employer refuses or the report is unjust, you can raise the matter through the Ministry of Human Resources and the labor dispute channels. The earlier you act, the more options you have, because your legal status is affected while the report stands.
Common Huroob situations
I never left my job but there is a Huroob report
Wrongly-filed reports do happen. Gather any evidence that you were attending work (messages, attendance, payslips) and raise it with the employer first, then through the labor authorities if needed.
My employer filed Huroob during a salary dispute
Using Huroob as leverage in a dispute is a labor matter. Document everything and take it to the Ministry of Human Resources dispute resolution service rather than trying to resolve it informally.
I want to leave but worry about a future Huroob
Always follow the proper process for ending employment or transferring sponsorship. Leaving correctly through the system protects you from a Huroob being filed later.
Is your Iqama about to expire?
Find out exactly how much renewal costs and what steps to follow before the expiry date.
Frequently asked questions
Can I remove a Huroob myself?
Generally no. The employer who filed it is normally the party who can withdraw it. If they will not, the labor authorities are your route to contest it. This is why acting early and keeping records matters.
Does Huroob affect my exit from the country?
Yes. A Huroob status can block a normal exit and complicate travel, which is why it is important to resolve it rather than ignore it.
How often should I check for Huroob?
Check whenever you have had a dispute with an employer, before changing jobs, and before planning travel. Catching a report early gives you the best chance to resolve it.
Can I check this for free?
Yes. Checking your status through the official government portals is free of charge. You only pay when you carry out a paid transaction such as a renewal.
Do I need an Absher account?
Not always. While Absher is the most complete option, several checks also work through the MOI and labor ministry portals without a personal Absher login.
What details do I need?
Usually your Iqama number is enough. Some portals also let you search using your passport number, border number, date of birth or other details.