Your employer should not keep your passport and refuse to return it. Official Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development guidance says an employer may not withhold a non-Saudi worker's passport, residence card, or medical insurance card.
Start calmly. Ask for the passport back in writing and give a clear return date. Save the message and any reply. If the employer refuses, use the official MHRSD labour-violation reporting service. It is free and can be used to report private-sector labour violations.
When the passport problem is part of a wider dispute, such as unpaid salary, forced resignation, final settlement, transfer pressure, or termination, you may also need the MHRSD Friendly Settlement service. This is the formal first stage for many labour disputes.
Do not fight, threaten anyone, declare the passport lost when you know who has it, or stop attending work without a clear legal basis. If there is violence, confinement, a serious threat, or immediate danger, contact Saudi emergency services.
Quick Answer
| Question | Practical answer |
|---|---|
| Can a Saudi employer keep an expat worker's passport? | Official MHRSD guidance says the employer may not withhold it. |
| Does the rule also cover the Iqama? | Yes. MHRSD also says the residence card and medical insurance card may not be withheld. |
| What should I do first? | Ask for the passport back in writing and save the proof. |
| What if HR says it is company policy? | A company policy should not override official worker-protection rules. Ask for the written legal basis and report the refusal if it continues. |
| Where can I report passport retention? | Use the official MHRSD service for reporting labour-regulation violations. |
| Is the violation-reporting service free? | Yes. MHRSD lists it as a free service. |
| How long does the violation report take? | MHRSD lists a three-day service target, but this is not a promise that the passport will be returned within three days. |
| Should I use Friendly Settlement? | Use it when the passport issue is part of a wider personal employment dispute or the refusal continues. |
| Is Friendly Settlement free? | Yes. MHRSD lists it as free. |
| Can I call MHRSD? | MHRSD lists 19911 for customer support. |
| Can the employer keep it for safekeeping? | You should still be able to request and receive it. A safekeeping arrangement should not become a refusal to return your passport. |
| Can I report the passport as lost? | Do not report it lost if you know it is being held. Give accurate information to the authorities and your embassy. |
| What if I am in danger? | Contact the police or unified emergency service. Official Saudi emergency numbers include 999 for police and 911 for the unified emergency service. |
| Do domestic workers have the same protection? | Yes. Official domestic worker rules also say the employer must not retain the worker's passport or personal documents. |
The Official Rule in Saudi Arabia
MHRSD's Labor Culture portal states that, under Article 6 of the Implementing Regulations of the Saudi Labor Law, an employer may not withhold the passport, residence card, or medical insurance card of a non-Saudi worker.
A newer MHRSD awareness guide uses even clearer wording:
Under no circumstances may a worker's passport or residence permit be withheld.
The rule is not limited to managers, professionals, or workers from one country. It protects non-Saudi workers covered by the labour system.
Official domestic worker rules also state that a domestic employer must not retain a domestic worker's passport, personal documents, certificates, or personal belongings.
What does "withhold" mean?
In practical terms, withholding can include:
- refusing to return the passport when the worker asks
- keeping it as security
- using it to stop the worker from travelling
- demanding money before returning it
- keeping it to pressure the worker to resign
- keeping it to force acceptance of a contract
- refusing access unless the worker signs a settlement
- holding the Iqama or medical insurance card in the same way
A genuine short administrative step can be different from indefinite control. For example, the employer may say an original document is needed for a specific official process. Ask for:
- the exact purpose
- the authority receiving it
- the date it was handed over
- a written receipt
- the expected return date
- confirmation when the process is complete
The passport should not disappear into an office drawer with no receipt, no clear purpose, and no return date.
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is for:
- Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi, Nepali, Sri Lankan, Filipino, and other expat workers
- private-sector employees
- workers whose passport is with HR, a manager, a sponsor, or a company representative
- workers being pressured to sign a resignation or settlement
- workers planning annual leave or emergency travel
- workers changing employers
- workers preparing for final exit
- domestic workers whose sponsor is holding personal documents
- family members helping a worker who is afraid to complain
It does not replace legal advice. A case involving violence, trafficking, confinement, a criminal allegation, or a high-value dispute may need urgent help from the police, MHRSD, the worker's embassy, or a qualified Saudi lawyer.
Why Passport Retention Is a Serious Problem
A passport is not just another office document. Without it, a worker may be unable to:
- travel for a family emergency
- renew the passport
- complete embassy services
- prove identity during some procedures
- use an exit and re-entry visa
- leave on final exit
- correct passport information
- respond quickly to an official request
A valid digital Iqama does not replace the passport for international travel.
If you are preparing temporary travel, read the Saudi exit and re-entry visa guide. A valid visa is not useful if the worker cannot access the passport.
Passport retention can also become a pressure tool during disputes about:
- unpaid wages
- contract changes
- employer transfer
- resignation
- final settlement
- end of service benefits
- work injury
- complaints against management
The passport issue should be documented separately, even when the worker has other claims.
Check Who Actually Has the Passport
Before making a complaint, confirm the facts.
Ask:
- Is it with HR?
- Is it with a manager?
- Is it with the sponsor?
- Is it at a government office?
- Is it with an authorised visa or document service?
- Was it sent to an embassy?
- Is another employee holding it?
- Was it misplaced?
Do not accuse the wrong person or company.
A clear written question can solve this:
Please confirm who currently has my original passport, why it is being held, and when it will be returned to me.
If the company says it sent the passport somewhere, ask for the submission receipt and reference number.
Step 1: Ask for the Passport Back in Writing
Keep the first request calm and simple.
Sample message to HR
Dear HR, my original passport is currently with the company. Please return it to me by [date]. I need to keep my personal documents with me. Please confirm the time and place for collection. Thank you.
Sample message when travel is urgent
Dear HR, I need my original passport for urgent travel on [date]. Please return it by [date and time]. My passport number is [last four digits only in a normal message]. Please confirm collection today.
Do not send your full passport details in an open group chat.
Ask for a written reply
A reply can prove:
- the company has the passport
- the reason given
- the promised return date
- any condition placed on its return
- refusal to return it
If HR calls instead of replying, send a short follow-up:
Thank you for the call. As discussed, the company currently has my passport and said it will be returned on [date]. Please confirm.
Step 2: Collect Evidence Without Creating a New Problem
Keep original messages. Do not crop them so heavily that the sender, date, and context disappear.
Do not secretly enter a restricted office, take company property, or threaten staff while trying to recover the document.
Step 3: Check Your Employment Record in Qiwa
Qiwa is not normally the direct service for recovering a passport, but it protects the facts of your employment relationship.
Save:
- employer name
- contract
- wage
- job title
- start date
- contract end date
- transfer status
- resignation or termination requests
- current contract status
The Qiwa Saudi Arabia guide explains how to review these records.
Why does this matter?
An employer who is holding the passport may also try to:
- change the contract
- send a resignation request
- start termination
- block or dispute a transfer
- claim the worker is absent
- pressure the worker into signing
Check Qiwa regularly while the issue is active.
Step 4: Report the Labour Violation to MHRSD
MHRSD has an official service called Reporting Violations of Labor Regulations.
The service allows users to report private-sector labour violations without visiting the ministry office.
MHRSD lists:
- free service
- residents among the beneficiaries
- Arabic and English service
- customer service number 19911
- a three-day service target
- tracking through the ministry application
What you may need
The official service page lists:
- establishment location
- a copy or evidence of the violation
- enterprise information
Prepare the employer's correct legal name and work location.
How to submit
The exact screens may change, but the normal process is:
- Open the official MHRSD labour-violation reporting service or ministry application.
- Sign in using the official identity method.
- Choose the relevant labour violation category.
- Enter the establishment details and location.
- Explain that the employer is refusing to return the passport.
- Upload clear evidence.
- Submit the report.
- Save the report number.
- Track the status in the official application.
A clear report description
My employer is holding my original passport and has refused to return it. I asked in writing on [date] and again on [date]. The employer confirmed possession in the attached message. I request MHRSD action to stop the violation and help secure the return of my document.
Do not add claims that you cannot prove.
Does a report guarantee immediate return?
No. The three-day figure is the service target shown by MHRSD, not a promise that every passport will be returned within three days.
The ministry may need to:
- review the report
- contact the establishment
- inspect the workplace
- ask for more information
- move the matter to another process
Track the report and respond quickly.
Step 5: Use Friendly Settlement for a Wider Dispute
Use MHRSD Friendly Settlement when the passport problem is connected with a personal employment claim, such as:
- unpaid salary
- delayed salary
- forced resignation
- unlawful deduction
- termination
- end of service benefits
- unused leave
- notice pay
- contract compensation
- employer transfer
- final settlement
- refusal to issue employment documents
Friendly Settlement is the first stage for many private-sector labour disputes. MHRSD receives the claim electronically, reviews the documents, notifies the employer, and tries to reach an agreement. If there is no agreement, the case may be referred to the labour court.
The service is free. MHRSD lists a 21-day period and says referral may occur within 21 working days from filing, but this is not a guarantee of payment or passport return within that time.
Follow the complete steps in the Saudi labour complaint guide.
Include the passport issue clearly
Do not hide the passport issue inside a long salary complaint.
Write it as a separate fact:
The employer is also holding my original passport. I requested its return on [dates], but it has not been returned. Evidence is attached.
Ask for clear outcomes
Your requests may include:
- return of the original passport
- correction of the employment record
- unpaid salary
- EOSB
- leave pay
- a correct final settlement
- an experience certificate
- other specific employment rights
Do not write only, "Give me justice." State what you want the official process to address.
Step 6: Contact MHRSD Support
MHRSD lists 19911 as a customer service number.
When calling, have:
- Iqama number
- employer name
- work city
- violation report number
- Friendly Settlement claim number
- date of the written request
- simple description of the problem
Ask which official service should handle the next step.
Write down:
- call date
- time
- advice received
- ticket number
- name or department where provided
A phone call is useful, but a written report with evidence is usually stronger.
Step 7: Contact Your Embassy or Consulate
Your embassy or consulate may be able to:
- provide consular guidance
- explain passport services
- contact you during an emergency
- advise on a damaged, expired, or genuinely lost passport
- guide family members
- help you understand available local support
The embassy does not replace MHRSD, the police, or the labour court. It normally cannot decide a Saudi labour claim or guarantee that an employer will return the passport.
Tell the embassy the truth. Do not say the passport is lost or stolen if you know it is in the employer's office.
For Pakistani workers, keep your CNIC, passport copy, employment details, and family contact information available when contacting the embassy or consulate.
Step 8: Get Emergency Help When There Is Danger
Passport retention becomes more serious when it is connected with:
- physical violence
- threats
- confinement
- forced labour
- trafficking
- sexual harassment
- confiscation of all personal documents
- prevention of contact with family
- danger at the workplace or accommodation
Do not wait for a normal labour appointment when there is immediate danger.
Official Saudi emergency contacts include:
- 999 for police
- 911 for the unified emergency service in areas where it operates
- 997 for ambulance
- 998 for Civil Defense
Move to a safe place where possible. Keep the emergency report number.
A labour complaint can follow after immediate safety is addressed.
What if the Employer Says You Agreed?
Some companies ask workers to sign a passport custody or safekeeping form.
A signed form does not make it safe for the employer to refuse access forever. Official MHRSD guidance says the passport may not be withheld.
If you previously handed it over:
- Ask for it back in writing.
- State that you no longer want the company to keep it.
- Ask for a collection time.
- Save the refusal or conditions.
- Report the matter if it is not returned.
Do not sign a new Arabic document you do not understand.
Ask for a translation or take a copy before signing.
What if the Employer Needs the Passport for a Process?
Ask five questions:
- Which official process needs the original?
- Which authority or service provider will receive it?
- When will it be submitted?
- When will it be returned?
- Can you provide a receipt?
A worker should be able to understand where the passport is and why.
What if You Need to Travel Urgently?
Tell HR in writing immediately and attach only the evidence needed to show urgency.
Check:
- passport location
- passport validity
- Iqama validity
- exit and re-entry visa or final exit status
- flight date
- destination entry rules
- employer leave approval where required
- Qiwa and Absher records
Do not book an expensive non-refundable flight based only on a verbal promise that the passport will be returned.
A return of the passport does not automatically issue a visa. A valid visa does not automatically approve employment leave.
What if You Are Changing Employers?
Passport retention should not be used to force a worker to cancel a transfer or stay with the old employer.
Keep the passport issue separate from the transfer eligibility question.
Check:
- Qiwa transfer request
- old contract
- new job offer
- notice period
- work permit
- Iqama
- unpaid wages
- employer messages
- passport requests
The Saudi Iqama transfer guide explains the main transfer rules and common system problems.
Do not stop work or leave the workplace without understanding the attendance, notice, and transfer consequences.
What if You Are Leaving Saudi Arabia Permanently?
Do not sign a false statement saying that the passport and all rights were received if that is not true.
Before final exit, check:
- passport returned
- final salary
- EOSB
- unused leave
- bank account
- loans and debts
- vehicle and traffic records
- accommodation
- family visas
- final exit status
- flight
- experience certificate
The Saudi final exit and Iqama cancellation guide explains the full departure process.
An employer should not make passport return conditional on giving up lawful employment claims.
Domestic Workers: Which Route Applies?
Official Saudi domestic worker rules also prohibit the employer from retaining the worker's passport, personal documents, certificates, or belongings.
The employer must also allow the domestic worker to communicate with:
- family
- embassy
- human resources companies
- relevant authorities
Domestic workers do not normally use the standard private-sector Friendly Settlement route. They should use the current domestic worker dispute service and Musaned-related channels.
In danger, contact emergency services first.
Fees and Expected Timing
| Service or action | Official fee guidance | Timing guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Written request to employer | No government fee | Ask for a clear and reasonable return date. |
| MHRSD labour-violation report | Free | MHRSD lists a three-day service target. |
| Friendly Settlement | Free | MHRSD lists 21 days and possible referral within 21 working days. |
| MHRSD phone support | Normal phone charges may apply | Depends on call demand and case. |
| Embassy or consular service | Some passport services may have fees | Depends on the service and embassy process. |
| Police or emergency report | Do not pay an unofficial person to file it | Emergency response depends on the situation and location. |
| Private legal help | Fees depend on the provider and case | Confirm scope and fees in writing. |
The listed service periods are not guaranteed passport-return deadlines.
Fees change often. Confirm the exact amount in the official portal before payment.
Do not pay a manager, broker, or agent to "release" your passport.
Common Mistakes That Can Make the Situation Worse
Official Sources Checked
This guide was checked against current official Saudi government sources.
- MHRSD Labor Culture guidance on passports and residence cards
- MHRSD awareness guide on employer and worker rights and duties
- MHRSD Reporting Violations of Labor Regulations
- MHRSD Friendly Settlement for Labor Disputes
- MHRSD domestic employer obligations
- Saudi National Platform emergency contact numbers
- Qiwa official sign-in
Frequently Asked Questions
Official MHRSD guidance says an employer may not withhold a non-Saudi worker's passport, residence card, or medical insurance card. Ask for the passport back in writing and use the official reporting route if the employer refuses.
Keep the message short. State that the company has your original passport, ask for it to be returned by a specific date, and request written confirmation of the collection time. Save the message and reply.
A previous safekeeping arrangement should not become a refusal to return the document. Tell the employer in writing that you want the passport back. Official MHRSD guidance says it may not be withheld.
MHRSD does not present contract completion as a reason to withhold a worker's passport. The contract, resignation, notice, transfer, and final settlement should be handled through the proper labour systems.
Use MHRSD's official Reporting Violations of Labor Regulations service or ministry application. Enter the correct employer and location, explain the refusal, upload evidence, and save the report number.
Friendly Settlement may be useful when the passport issue is part of a wider personal employment dispute involving salary, resignation, termination, transfer, EOSB, leave, or final settlement. A violation report and a personal claim can serve different purposes.
Yes. MHRSD lists 19911 as its customer service number. Have your Iqama, employer details, work city, written request date, and any report number ready.
Yes. Your embassy or consulate can provide consular and passport guidance, especially when travel is urgent. It does not replace MHRSD, police, or the labour court and cannot guarantee recovery from the employer.
Do not report it lost if you know the employer or another person has it. Give accurate information to MHRSD, police, and your embassy. A false report can create a separate problem.
Do not confront the employer alone if you feel unsafe. Save the threats, move to a safe place where possible, and contact police or emergency services for immediate danger. Use the labour complaint route after safety is addressed.
MHRSD guidance says the employer may not withhold the non-Saudi worker's residence card or medical insurance card either. Digital access does not make physical document retention acceptable.
No. International travel normally requires the original valid passport. A digital copy can help prove your identity and document details, but it does not replace the original for airline and border processing.
Do not stop attending work without understanding the legal consequences. Continue documenting the problem and use official channels unless there is an immediate safety issue or a clear lawful reason to leave.
Yes. Official domestic worker rules say the employer must not retain the worker's passport, personal documents, certificates, or belongings. Domestic workers should use the current domestic dispute and Musaned channels.
Bottom Line
A Saudi employer should not hold your passport and refuse to return it. MHRSD also protects your Iqama and medical insurance card from being withheld.
Take the safest route:
- Ask for the passport back in writing.
- Save the reply and collect evidence.
- Check your Qiwa employment record.
- Report the violation through MHRSD.
- Use Friendly Settlement when the problem is part of a wider labour dispute.
- Contact 19911 for official guidance.
- Contact your embassy for consular help.
- Call emergency services when there is violence, confinement, or immediate danger.
Stay calm and factual. Do not sign documents you do not understand, report the passport lost when it is not lost, or close a complaint because of a verbal promise.
Requirements and service screens can change. Confirm the current route through MHRSD, Qiwa, Musaned where applicable, the police, or your embassy.