Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Directorate General of Passports (Jawazat) has warned that any expatriate reported huroob (runaway worker or absconder) faces a fine of SR50,000, jailed for six months and deported from the Kingdom with no hope of coming to the country ever again.

The Jawazat made it clear that the employer cannot cancel huroob from his laborer through Absher electronic gate but will have to approach in person to the department of expatriates at the Jawazat building within 15 days.

It said whoever transports, employs, conceals or accommodates illegal expatriates will be penalized according to the rules and regulations.

The Jawazat asked the citizens and the expatriates to inform about those violating the system of residence and work, especially those who are absent from their work, so as not to subject themselves to punishment.

It warned small companies and establishments that they will be fined SR100,000 and prevented from recruitment for five years if they employ illegal expatriates.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Development in an earlier directive warned employers who make false huroob reports against expatriate workers.

The ministry stated that it will stop its services for 5 years to employers who play with the future of expatriate workers by manipulating huroob reports against them.

Many expatriate workers have suffered from false huroob reports. Some employers would make these huroob reports against their workers and seek money for canceling the reports.