RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – The Kenyan Embassy in Riyadh has launched a mass registration drive allowing distressed Kenyan nationals in Saudi Arabia to obtain Emergency Travel Certificates (ETCs), officials announced on Monday.
The initiative targets citizens classified under Huroob, a designation applied to workers reported by employers as absconding or violating residency regulations.
Many affected individuals face unpaid wages, contract disputes, overwork, or irregular residency status, leaving them vulnerable to arrest, detention, or deportation.
Facilitating Safe Return
“This exercise is intended to assist Kenyans in distress and facilitate their safe return home,” the Embassy said in a statement.
Officials confirmed that the drive will allow affected nationals to secure ETCs even without valid passports, as long as they present any form of Kenyan identification, including National ID cards, birth certificates, copies of passports, driving licences, or Huduma Cards.
Kenyans in Saudi Arabia are urged to monitor the Embassy’s official communication platforms for updates on registration venues, schedules, and required documentation, as the process is time-sensitive.
The Embassy also called on the Kenyan community to share the information widely to reach as many affected individuals as possible.
Employment Rights Reminded
The Embassy reiterated employment rules for domestic workers and other migrant employees, emphasizing transparency, safety, and adherence to Saudi labour laws.
Every domestic worker must have a valid written contract approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), outlining salary, job duties, working hours, and benefits.
Employers are required to pay wages on time through official channels, provide proof of payment, and ensure safe accommodation, medical care, and communication with family.
Workers are entitled to nine hours of daily rest, weekly rest days, and paid annual leave.
The Embassy also warned against unlawful deductions, confiscation of passports, and forced labor.
Huroob Challenges and Embassy Support
Kenyans often fall under Huroob classification after disputes over wages, overwork, contract disagreements, or delayed salary.
Other causes include switching employers without official transfer approval or failing to renew residency permits on time.
Once classified, workers lose the legal right to work, face restricted movement, and may be detained or deported.
Resolving such cases frequently requires embassy intervention, making the current ETC registration drive a critical lifeline for vulnerable migrant workers.
Domestic workers experiencing abuse, unpaid wages, or overwork were urged to report immediately to the Kenyan Embassy.
Awareness of employment rights, officials emphasized, is key to safeguarding nationals in Saudi Arabia.
