Report on escaping problems faced by many expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia. If an escape report is issued against you, your residency will be frozen, and you may face penalties that could lead to deportation and a ban from re-entering the country. However, the good news is that there are ways to cancel an escape report, and here we explain all the details for you.

What is an Escape Report?

An escape report is an official report filed by the sponsor (employer) with the relevant authorities against an expatriate worker who is absent from work without permission or leaves their residence without informing their sponsor. This report is submitted through the Absher platform or the Passport Office, and the result is the freezing of residency, preventing the worker from conducting any official procedures.

Penalties for an Escape Report

According to Saudi residency laws, penalties for escaping include:
• A financial fine of up to 50,000 SAR
• Imprisonment for up to one year
• Final deportation after serving the sentence
• A ban from entering the Kingdom for a specified period
• The sponsor may also be fined in some cases

Ways to Cancel an Escape Report

1. Cancellation Through the Sponsor (Absher)

The easiest method: If the worker returns to the employer and they reconcile, the sponsor can cancel the report from their Absher account easily. They select the services for dependents → cancel escape report. It takes effect immediately, and the residency returns to normal status.

2. Cancellation Through the Ministry of Human Resources

If the escape report is unjustified (for example, the sponsor filed a report while the worker was in the hospital or on a work assignment), the worker can file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. The ministry investigates and issues a decision. If it is proven that the report was malicious, the ministry obligates the sponsor to cancel it.

3. Cancellation Through Labor Courts

If there is a dispute between the worker and the sponsor and no reconciliation is reached, the worker can file a lawsuit in the Labor Court. The court reviews the case, and if the worker’s rights are proven, it issues a ruling to cancel the escape report and transfer the sponsorship or terminate the contract.

4. Cancellation Through Passport Authorities

In certain cases, you can visit the Passport Office and submit a request to cancel the escape report with documents proving you did not escape. Each case is reviewed individually.

Conditions for Canceling an Escape Report

For an escape report to be canceled, it is necessary that:
• It is proven that the worker was present or the report was filed in error
• Or the worker reconciles with the sponsor and returns to work
• Or the worker files a complaint and it is proven that the employer wronged them
• Or the court issues a ruling in favor of the worker

Canceling an Escape Report and Wage Protection System

An important point: If the sponsor has not paid the worker’s wages for three consecutive months, the worker has the right to leave the job without being considered a fugitive. The Ministry of Human Resources issued a circular stating that in this case, the worker can file an escape report against the sponsor themselves! This means the worker obtains a work document and can move between companies.

Practical Steps to Cancel an Escape Report

Step 1: Contact your sponsor and try to reconcile.
Step 2: If there is no response, visit the nearest office of the Ministry of Human Resources.
Step 3: Submit an official complaint with evidence (photos, documents, witnesses).
Step 4: If unresolved, file a lawsuit in the Labor Court.
Step 5: Follow up on your request through the Mueen platform or the Ministry of Human Resources app.

Important Note

An escape report is not automatically canceled over time. An official step must be taken by the sponsor or the relevant authority. Some workers mistakenly believe that the expiration of residency means the report is canceled — this is incorrect! The report remains in place even if the residency expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cancel an escape report?

If the sponsor cancels it through Absher, it takes effect immediately within minutes. If done through a complaint or court, it may take from one week to a month depending on the case.

Can I travel if I have an escape report against me?

No. An escape report prevents you from traveling.

He has a fingerprint at the airport. The report must be canceled first.

What is the difference between an absconding report and a missing report?

An absconding report is specific to domestic workers (driver, maid), while a missing report is for workers in the private sector.

Can the sponsor cancel the absconding report without my consent?

Yes. The sponsor can cancel the report whenever they want, even if the worker is unaware.

If the sponsor refuses to cancel the absconding report, what is the solution?

You can file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources or file a lawsuit in the labor court.

Can I work for a second company while having an absconding report?

No. An absconding report prevents you from working. If 3 months pass without a salary, you can apply for a work permit.