MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has extended a six-month amnesty period for undocumented Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), specifically targeting those classified as “runaway” or huroob domestic workers, allowing them to regularize their employment status.
During a press briefing, DMW Undersecretary for Middle East and African Affairs Jainal Rasul Jr. stated that the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has formally launched the correction program. The initiative grants undocumented workers the opportunity to find new sponsors and obtain valid iqama (residency permits) without incurring immigration penalties.
“These are workers who have been reported as absent or have fled from their sponsors—referred to as huroob cases. The Saudi government is now giving them six months to rectify their status by finding new employers who can sponsor them legally,” Rasul explained.
In Saudi labor law, huroob refers to workers who abscond from their employer without authorization, which renders their stay illegal and strips them of labor rights, salary claims, and end-of-service benefits.
Rasul welcomed the development, noting that the amnesty, effective from May 11 to November 10, provides relief for many Filipinos forced to live in hiding due to irregular status. “This is a positive step for our undocumented countrymen, as it offers a legal mechanism for them to normalize their situation and avoid continued risks,” he said.
The announcement follows a Philippine labor mission led by Rasul from May 1 to 10, which included consultations with MHRSD officials and visits to Philippine government posts in Riyadh, Buraidah, Al-Khobar, and Jeddah.
Under this temporary policy, affected workers may secure new employment without paying overstay fines, which normally begin at SAR 600 (approximately PHP 9,000), depending on the duration of their undocumented stay.
Notably, Rasul reported a decline in the number of OFWs seeking assistance for huroob cases in 2025. In Riyadh, only around 100 female and 45 male runaway workers were documented. The number is slightly higher in Jeddah, but most are already being processed for repatriation. Al-Khobar has about 50 active cases, the majority of whom already possess exit visas.
However, Rasul cautioned undocumented OFWs—especially those working in sectors such as salons and beauty establishments—to remain vigilant. Immigration authorities in Jeddah, in particular, have reportedly intensified inspections, with some targeting individuals perceived to be part of the LGBTQ+ community.
The DMW continues to urge OFWs to comply with local Saudi laws and cultural norms to avoid legal complications.
Reference:
Philippine News Agency. PNA
