Saudi grants amnesty to undocumented domestic workers

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed Wednesday that Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has announced a six-month grace period for undocumented domestic workers.

According to DMW Undersecretary for Middle East and African Affairs Jainal T. Rasul Jr., the grace period began 11 May and will continue until 10 November 2025.

It will allow undocumented domestic Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia to either regularize their immigration status or find a new employer who can sponsor their iqama, or work permit.

Rasul added that those who take advantage of the campaign will be exempt from immigration penalties.

“The usual transfer fee is around 600 (Saudi Riyals), plus penalties that can go up to 50 percent of that amount, depending on how long they’ve been reported as huroob (absent from work),” Rasul said.

The DMW undersecretary noted that the number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have run away from their employers and are seeking assistance from the Philippine Embassy and consulates often increases after Ramadan.