Know Your Rights | sndk
Saudi Labor Law protects you. We make sure of it.
You work hard. You deserve to be treated fairly. Whether you are an Expat or a Saudi National, the Ministry of Human Resources (MHRSD) has strict laws protecting your salary and your contract.
What is your claim regarding?
Select a topic to understand your legal position.
Arbitrary Dismissal
(Article 77)
Fired without a valid legal reason? You are owed cash compensation.
End of Service
(EOSB)
Your "Gratuity" is a mandatory debt the company owes you.
Forced Resignation
(Article 81)
Resigned because of bad treatment? You can still claim damages.
Unpaid Wages
(WPS)
Salary delayed? You have the right to transfer jobs without consent.
Arbitrary Dismissal (Article 77)
The "Golden Rule" of Saudi Compensation.
The Law:
Unless your employer can prove you committed a gross violation listed in Article 80 (like forgery, assault, or strict absenteeism), firing you is considered "Arbitrary" (Illegitimate).
If you are fired arbitrarily, you are legally entitled to:
- Notice Period Pay: Your full salary for the notice period (usually 30-60 days) if they asked you to leave immediately.
-
Article 77 Compensation:
- • Fixed Contract: Full salary for all remaining months of the contract.
- • Indefinite Contract: 15 days of salary for every year of service (Minimum 2 months' salary).
- End of Service Benefits: Calculated fully (no reduction).
Am I eligible?
- YES if the termination reason was "Restructuring," "Budget Cuts," or "Role Redundancy."
- YES if you were fired verbally.
- YES if you were fired while on Sick Leave or Vacation.
End of Service Benefits (The "Gratuity")
It is not a bonus. It is your right.
The Law:
Every employee in Saudi Arabia is entitled to an End-of-Service Benefit (EOSB) upon leaving. This must be calculated on your Gross Salary (Basic + Housing + Transport), not just your Basic.
How it calculates:
- • First 5 Years: Half a month's salary per year.
- • After 5 Years: One full month's salary per year.
If you RESIGN (Quitting):
- • Less than 2 years: No EOSB.
- • 2 to 5 years: You get 1/3 of the award.
- • 5 to 10 years: You get 2/3 of the award.
- • 10+ years: You get the full award.
Warning
Employers often try to calculate this based on Basic Salary only. This is illegal. It must include fixed allowances.
Forced Resignation (Article 81)
Quitting without losing your rights.
The Law:
Article 81 allows you to leave your job without notice and still claim Full Indemnity (as if you were fired) in specific cases. This is called "Constructive Dismissal."
You can use Article 81 if:
- ⚠️ The employer failed to pay your salary.
- ⚠️ The employer assigned you work essentially different from your contract (without your written consent).
- ⚠️ The employer or their manager assaulted you or behaved with "cruelty" (bullying).
- ⚠️ The employer failed to provide safety protection required by law.
Delayed Wages (Wages Protection System)
Your salary is protected by Mudad.
The Law:
Saudi Arabia monitors payments through the Wages Protection System (WPS).
Your Rights:
Late Salaries
If your employer delays salary, they are subject to fines.
Job Transfer
If you are not paid for 3 consecutive months, you have the legal right to transfer your sponsorship (Iqama) to a new company without your current employer's approval (via Qiwa).
Common Fears & FAQs
"My employer threatened to report me as 'Absent' (Huroob) if I complain."
This is a common threat, but the law has changed. If you have an active case with the Ministry or Labor Court, the employer is legally blocked from reporting you as absent. sndk protects your status by filing the case officially.
"They want me to sign a 'Final Release' paper before giving me my passport."
Do not sign if the money isn't in your bank. However, if you are forced to sign under duress to get your passport, the Labor Court often invalidates this signature if we can prove the money was never transferred.
"Does this apply to Expats or just Saudis?"
The Saudi Labor Law applies to everyone working in the Kingdom with a valid contract/Iqama.
Check your eligibility
Find out how much Article 77 compensation you are owed.
Calculate My Claim(Free verification • No obligation)