How to cancel a domestic worker absconding report via Absher 2024

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to develop its digital system to facilitate procedures for citizens and residents. In this context, the “Absher” electronic platform provides a vital service for employers, which is to report the absence (runaway) of domestic workers, in addition to the possibility of withdrawing and canceling this report according to specific controls and simplified steps, which reflects the flexibility of the system and its preservation of the rights of all parties.

Steps to cancel an absconding report via the Tawassul service

The General Directorate of Passports clarified that canceling an absconding report for domestic workers no longer requires visiting traditional branches in many cases, but can be completed electronically through the "Tawasul" service within the Absher platform. The steps are as follows:

• Log in to the Absher using your digital ID.
• Go to the My Services and then select Services .
• Select the passport .
• Click on the contact .
• Select a new request .
• Go to the reports department and submit a request to cancel the absence report.

It is worth noting that the absconding report is also submitted through the same platform, provided that the worker’s residency permit is valid, and that the report is only submitted once per sponsored worker.

The organizational context and efforts of the Ministry of Human Resources

These e-services are part of a comprehensive package of legislation spearheaded by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, aimed at regulating the domestic worker sector in the Kingdom. These efforts seek to automate procedures to ensure accuracy and speed, and reduce reliance on paper transactions, thus contributing to the realization of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 digital transformation goals.

The Ministry has repeatedly stressed the importance of adhering to the Guide to Rights and Obligations, which regulates the contractual relationship and protects the rights of both the employer and the worker, thus ensuring a work environment based on justice and human dignity, and reducing labor disputes that may lead to cases of absenteeism.

The importance of the service and its impact on the labor market

The service for canceling absconding reports is of paramount importance to the stability of the domestic worker market. It gives employers an opportunity to rectify the situation if the worker returns, the dispute is resolved amicably, or if the report was filed in error. This procedure enhances confidence in the electronic system, reduces the number of pending cases in labor courts, and contributes to improving the image of the Saudi labor market internationally by providing official and accessible channels for addressing workers' situations.

Professions included in the domestic worker sector

The system encompasses a wide range of professions under the umbrella of domestic work, catering to the diverse needs of Saudi families. The list includes:

• Domestic worker and private driver.
• The nanny and home nurse.
• The cook, the tailor, and the waiter.
• The house manager, the housekeeper, and the home coffee server.
• The house guard, the farmer, and the personal assistant.
• Private physiotherapist.