Employment disputes in Saudi Arabia
How British people in Saudi Arabia can get help with employment disputes.
Saudi labour law
The Saudi Labour Law (Royal Decree No. M/51 of 2005, as amended) and its Executive Regulations govern employment in Saudi Arabia. This law covers:
- employment contract requirements
- working hours and overtime
- annual and sick leave entitlements
- end-of-service benefits
- termination procedures and notice periods
- wage protection
- dispute resolution
Getting help with an employment dispute
If you’re experiencing problems with your employer in Saudi Arabia, you can get advice from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD). MHRSD handles private-sector labour disputes.
Finding a lawyer in Saudi Arabia
Consider getting a lawyer to help you with complex legal issues. Find a lawyer in Saudi Arabia.
Finding a translator or interpreter in Saudi Arabia
Consider getting a translator or interpreter to help you understand documents and access services. Find a translator or interpreter in Saudi Arabia
Submitting an employment complaint
You can file an employment complaint:
- online through the Qiwa labour market platform (website only available in Saudi Arabia)
- through the MHRSD website
- by calling the unified number: 19911
After you submit a complaint, MHRSD will try to find a solution to the dispute (mediation).
If mediation fails, MHRSD will refer the case electronically to the Labour Court. The court conducts hearings online through the Najiz online legal services platform (in Arabic) and handles issues such as:
- payment of unpaid wages
- end-of-service benefits
- compensation for unfair dismissal
- contract enforcement
- damages for breach of contract
You do not have to have legal representation, but you should consider getting a lawyer for a complex case. Find a lawyer in Saudi Arabia.
You must raise a labour dispute with the MHRSD first before referral to the Labour Court.
If you’re a domestic worker
If you’re a domestic worker, you should submit an employment complaint through the Musaned domestic workers employment platform (in Arabic). Domestic workers include housemaids, drivers and nannies.
There are separate laws for domestic workers. Domestic workers are not covered by all the provisions of the general Labour Law.
Visas and job changes during disputes
The Saudi authorities may prevent you from travelling or moving to a new job until a labour case is resolved.
Once your case is resolved, if you’re an eligible foreign private sector worker, you can normally request visas and job transfers online through the Qiwa and Absher platforms. This includes:
- final exit visas
- exit/re-entry visas
- transfer employment (job mobility)
Eligibility for these services varies, but you must generally:
- hold a valid resident ID (Iqama)
- comply with the terms of your employment contract, including any notice period
The British Embassy in Riyadh cannot issue exit visas or override Saudi immigration systems.
Employers holding workers’ passports
Employers are not allowed to hold an employee’s passport without the passport holder’s written consent.
If your passport has been withheld, you should report this to the MHRSD and the local police.
Enforcing Labour Court judgments
If the Labour Court rules in your favour, it will issue the judgment electronically. All parties have 30 days from the date shown on the court judgment to appeal.
If your employer does not comply with the court’s judgement, you can apply to have it enforced through the Najiz online legal services platform (in Arabic).
Enforcement courts can freeze employer bank accounts or take other legal measures.
Complaining about human rights violations
If you think your human rights have been violated, you can complain to the National Society for Human Rights (NSHR). This can include labour exploitation.
Getting help from the British embassy
The British Embassy in Riyadh can:
- give you general information about Saudi procedures
- raise concerns about your welfare where appropriate
- give you consular assistance if you’re arrested or detained
The embassy cannot:
- give you legal advice
- represent you in court
- pay your legal fees or compensation
- issue you an exit visa or residency permit
- override Saudi judicial decisions
Read about UK help and services in Saudi Arabia.
Disclaimer
The British Embassy in Riyadh provides this information to help British nationals. The embassy does not assume or undertake any legal responsibility or liability, to you, or those affected, in connection with this information. For all legal matters, you should get legal advice from qualified practitioners.