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Showing posts from June, 2025

How to Resign Legally in Saudi Arabia – A Complete Guide for Expats

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 Resigning from a job is a significant decision, especially when you're working in a foreign country like Saudi Arabia. Whether you're an expat or a local employee, it's essential to follow the proper legal procedure to ensure your resignation is valid, smooth, and does not harm your future employment opportunities or legal status in the Kingdom. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to resign legally in Saudi Arabia , covering notice periods, legal rights, final settlements, and the dos and don’ts according to the Saudi Labor Law . 1. Understand Your Employment Contract Before resigning, the first step is to review your employment contract . Your contract outlines key terms such as: Type of contract (fixed-term or unlimited) Notice period requirements Penalties for breach of contract End of service benefits eligibility According to Saudi Labor Law , the contract governs much of the resignation process, so understanding what you signed is cru...

Understanding Article 77: Termination With Compensation in Saudi Arabia

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  In Saudi Arabia, employment relationships are governed by the Saudi Labor Law, which provides protection for both employers and employees. One of the most discussed—and sometimes misunderstood—provisions is Article 77 , which addresses the termination of employment contracts with compensation . Whether you’re an expat employee, a local worker, or an employer trying to understand your rights and responsibilities, this guide will help you understand the implications of Article 77 , when it applies, how compensation is calculated, and how it affects job security in the Kingdom. 🔍 What Is Article 77 of the Saudi Labor Law? Article 77 outlines the conditions under which an employment contract can be terminated by either party (employer or employee) without an illegal reason— as long as compensation is paid . The clause exists to give both sides the freedom to terminate the contract early if fair monetary compensation is offered. It provides a mutual exit strategy when no se...

How to File a Labor Complaint in Saudi Arabia – Complete Guide for Expats and Workers

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  Saudi Arabia has implemented significant reforms in recent years to protect workers' rights, particularly under the Saudi Labor Law. If you're an expatriate or Saudi national facing issues such as unpaid salaries, unfair dismissal, contract violations, or harassment at work, you have the legal right to file a labor complaint . This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about filing a labor complaint in Saudi Arabia, including when to file, where to submit, the required documents, and how the process works. Why You Might Need to File a Labor Complaint Understanding your rights as an employee is essential. The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) ensures that employees are treated fairly. Some of the most common reasons to file a labor complaint in KSA include: Unpaid or delayed salaries End of service benefits not paid Wrongful termination Overworking beyond contract hours Working without Iqama (residency permit...

Article 80 – Termination Without Benefits in Saudi Arabia

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📌 Introduction Saudi Arabia's labor law provides robust protections for employees and clear guidelines for employers. However, in some cases, employees can be terminated without end-of-service benefits , particularly under Article 80 of the Saudi Labor Law. Understanding this article is crucial for every expat or employee working in Saudi Arabia. In this post, we explore what Article 80 says, the valid grounds for dismissal , your rights, and how to protect yourself from unfair termination. 📝 What is Article 80 of Saudi Labor Law? Article 80 gives employers the legal right to terminate an employee without notice or benefits under specific conditions. In simple terms: If the employee commits serious violations, the employer can terminate the contract without giving notice or end-of-service benefits . ⚖️ Conditions Under Article 80 Assaulting Employer: Physical assault against employer or superiors. Breach of Trust:...

Understanding Article 74 of Saudi Labor Law – Termination of Contract Without Misconduct

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Introduction In Saudi Arabia, both employers and employees are protected by a well-defined legal framework under the Saudi Labor Law. One of the most important but often misunderstood provisions is Article 74 , which outlines the legitimate reasons for terminating an employment contract without misconduct . Whether you're an expat worker or a Saudi national, it's essential to understand how this law affects your job security and what your rights and responsibilities are when a contract is ended by either party. This blog will explain Article 74 of the Saudi Labor Law in detail, clarify what each clause means, and offer practical advice for employees dealing with contract termination. 🔍 What is Article 74 of Saudi Labor Law? Article 74 describes the legal conditions under which an employment contract can be terminated lawfully without any party being at fault . In other words, it's not about breaking the rules or committing a violation—it’s about the contract reaching...

Common Reasons for Job Termination in Saudi Arabia (KSA) – Know Your Rights

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  Losing a job can be stressful , especially in a foreign country like Saudi Arabia. Whether you're an expat or a Saudi national, it's important to understand the common reasons for job termination in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and your legal rights under the Saudi Labor Law . This guide explains the lawful and unlawful grounds for dismissal, employer obligations, and what you can do if you're terminated unfairly. 📌 What Does Saudi Labor Law Say About Termination? Saudi Labor Law, particularly Articles 74–80 , outlines various acceptable reasons for contract termination. It classifies dismissals into: Valid/legal reasons (with or without notice) Invalid/unlawful terminations (which can be challenged) Mutual or automatic terminations (e.g. end of contract) Let’s go through each category step by step. ✅ 1. End of Contract (Article 74) The most common reason for termination is the natural end of a fixed-term contract . This includes: Contract ...

Saudi Labor Law – End of Service Benefits Explained

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End‑of‑Service Benefits (ESB)—sometimes called gratuity or severance pay —are a mandatory lump‑sum payment every employer in Saudi Arabia must make to departing employees. Whether you are an expatriate or a Saudi national, understanding how ESB is calculated under Articles 84–87 of the Saudi Labor Law will help you plan your career moves, negotiate better packages, and ensure you leave a job with everything you are legally owed. 📌 Quick Facts About ESB Applies to all private‑sector workers —Saudi and expat alike. Paid in a lump sum on final settlement. Based on basic salary only , not allowances. Mandatory after two years of service (partial payouts may apply sooner). Governed by Articles 84–87 of Saudi Labor Law. 🧑‍⚖️ Who Is Eligible? Under Article 84 , ESB is due to any employee who: Completes at least two years of continuous service, or Leaves under special circums...

Resigning Within a Contract in Saudi Arabia – What Every Expat Needs to Know (2025 Guide)

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If you’re working in Saudi Arabia and considering resigning before your employment contract ends, you must understand the legal consequences. Whether you're under a fixed-term or indefinite contract, Saudi Labor Law clearly defines your rights and responsibilities as an employee. In this guide, we’ll explain the rules around resignation, required notice periods, financial penalties, and how to protect yourself during the process. 📃 Understanding Your Contract Type The first step in evaluating your resignation options is identifying your contract type. In Saudi Arabia, employment contracts generally fall under two categories: Fixed-Term Contracts: Have a specified end date. Indefinite Contracts: Have no specified end date and continue until either party ends the relationship with proper notice. Your rights during resignation depend heavily on which contract type you are under. Review your contract in the QIWA platform to confirm your statu...