Embassy begins emergency travel certificate registration for stranded Kenyans in Saudi Arabia

Distressed Kenyan nationals in Saudi Arabia can now register for Emergency Travel Certificates following the launch of a mass registration drive targeting migrant workers who have faced unpaid wages, contract disputes or irregular residency status.

The Kenyan Embassy in Riyadh said the initiative specifically targets citizens classified under Huroob, providing them with an opportunity to return safely to Kenya.

Officials noted that the drive will allow affected Kenyans to obtain Emergency Travel Certificates (ETCs), even if they do not have valid passports, provided they present any form of Kenyan identification.

Acceptable documents include National Identification Cards, birth certificates, copies of passports where available, driving licences and Huduma Cards.

“This exercise is intended to assist Kenyans in distress and facilitate their safe return home. The Embassy remains committed to protecting the rights and welfare of Kenyan nationals in Saudi Arabia. We encourage all eligible citizens to participate in this exercise and ensure a smooth return home,” the Embassy said in a statement.

Officials urged Kenyans to monitor the mission’s official communication platforms for updates on documentation, registration venues and schedules, noting that the process is time-sensitive and meant to assist citizens in distress.

The embassy further appealed to members of the Kenyan community in Saudi Arabia to share information widely so that those affected can present themselves for processing.

“Your cooperation is appreciated,” the statement added.

On November 19, the Embassy reminded domestic workers and employers in Saudi Arabia of the rules governing employment in the Kingdom, emphasising transparency, safety and adherence to labour laws.

According to the notice, every domestic worker must have a valid written contract approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), detailing salary, job duties, working hours and benefits. Employers are required to pay wages on time through official channels and provide proof of payment.

The embassy noted that unlawful deductions are prohibited and that workers are entitled to at least nine hours of daily rest, weekly rest days, paid annual leave and safe accommodation with adequate food. Employers must also ensure access to medical care when needed.

It added that passports and personal documents should not be confiscated under any circumstances, and workers must be allowed reasonable communication with family.

Sponsorship transfers and final exit procedures must strictly follow regulations on the MHRSD and Jawazat platforms. Workers must also not be forced to work against their will.

Domestic workers facing abuse, unpaid wages, overwork, or any form of mistreatment were urged to report immediately to the embassy. Officials stressed that awareness of these rights is essential to safeguarding Kenyan nationals in Saudi Arabia.

Huroob is a designation applied to migrant workers who are reported by employers as having absconded or violated residency regulations. Pay disputes, long working hours, contract disagreements or prolonged periods without salary often push workers to leave jobs, prompting employers to file Huroob reports.

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Switching employers without official transfer approval, or failing to renew residency permits on time, also results in Huroob classification. Once declared under Huroob, migrants lose their legal right to work and face restricted movement, limited access to services and the risk of arrest, detention or deportation.

Resolving such cases often requires embassy intervention, making the current registration drive a crucial opportunity for affected Kenyans.