The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Riyadh has announced a mass registration exercise for Kenyan nationals currently classified as Huroob.
The initiative aims to assist distressed citizens and facilitate their safe return home through the issuance of Emergency Travel Certificates (ETC).
In a public notice released on the Embassy’s official social media channels on November 30, officials confirmed that the registration process is ongoing and urged all affected Kenyans to present themselves for documentation.
The Embassy stated that the exercise is designed to provide relief to individuals facing legal and residency challenges in Saudi Arabia.
Eligibility and Required Documents
According to the notice, Kenyans without valid passports are still eligible for ETC processing, provided they can present any form of Kenyan identification.
Acceptable documents include:
- National Identification Card
- Birth Certificate
- Copy of Passport (if available)
- Driving License
- Huduma Card
The Embassy clarified that these documents will help verify nationality and identity, enabling the issuance of temporary travel papers for repatriation.
Purpose of the Exercise
The Embassy stated that the registration drive is a humanitarian effort to support Kenyans in distress.
Many nationals under Huroob status face restrictions on movement, employment, and access to essential services.
By providing Emergency Travel Certificates, the Embassy seeks to ensure that affected individuals can return home safely and legally.
“This exercise is intended to assist Kenyans in distress and facilitate their safe return home,” the notice read.
The Embassy also appealed to the Kenyan community in Saudi Arabia for cooperation, urging them to share the information widely to reach those in need.
Updates and Communication
For further details on venue locations, documentation requirements, and timelines, the Embassy advised citizens to follow its official communication channels.
Regular updates will be provided to ensure transparency and smooth coordination throughout the registration period.
The Embassy expressed appreciation for the cooperation of Kenyan nationals and reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its citizens abroad.
“Your cooperation is appreciated,” the statement concluded.
Background on Huroob in Riyadh
Huroob is a term in Saudi Arabia for foreign workers who have run away from their employers or violated residency regulations.
Disagreements over wages, working conditions, or contract terms often lead to workers leaving jobs, triggering Huroob status.
Some workers abandon employment after prolonged non-payment, which employers report as absconding.
Moving to a new employer without official transfer approval violates residency laws and results in Huroob.
Failure to renew residency permits on time can lead to Huroob classification.
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Once declared under Huroob, individuals lose their legal right to work and face severe restrictions, including the risk of arrest, detention, and deportation.
They are often unable to access basic services or move freely within the country.
For many migrant workers, this status results from disputes with employers, unpaid wages, or contract breaches.
Resolving Huroob cases typically requires intervention from diplomatic missions, making the Embassy’s current registration drive a critical lifeline for affected Kenyans.
The announcement has been welcomed by members of the Kenyan diaspora in Saudi Arabia, many of whom have been seeking assistance to resolve their residency issues.
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Social media platforms have seen increased sharing of the Embassy’s notice, with community leaders urging affected individuals to take advantage of the opportunity.
The Embassy has not specified an end date for the registration exercise, signaling that the process may continue until a significant number of affected nationals have been documented.
Kenyans under Huroob status are encouraged to act promptly and present themselves at designated registration points.
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