How to File a Labor Complaint in Saudi Arabia, Step by Step

Step 1: Amicable settlement is mandatory

According to the Ministry of Justice, the labor court will not hear a labor dispute until amicable settlement at the labor office has been completed. You cannot skip this stage.

• Where to file: with the labor office covering the place where you work.
• How: online through MHRSD's labor e-services portal, using the individuals portal if you are an employee.
• Help line: MHRSD lists 19911 for enquiries.

Step 2: Fill in the claim

MHRSD's service describes the online steps:

1. Log in to the portal.
2. Choose the amicable settlement service (file a claim).
3. Enter your details, the settlement office, the employer's details and your work details. The office is matched to your place of work.
4. Choose the subject of the claim and attach your documents.
5. Confirm the declaration that the claim is not malicious, then submit.
6. The request is reviewed. If it is rejected, the reasons appear in the claims service.
7. If it is accepted, all parties are notified and receive the session date.

Step 3: The settlement sessions

A settlement officer tries to bring the two sides to an agreement. The Ministry of Justice says the amicable settlement period is 21 working days, counted from the first attendance before the settlement officer.

• If you reach a settlement, a settlement record is issued. According to the Ministry of Justice, that record is an executive instrument. If the employer does not pay what it agreed, you can take the record straight to the enforcement court, without filing a new case for the same right.
• If you do not attend, MHRSD says the claim is archived. You can reopen it as long as 21 working days have not passed.
• If no settlement is reached, a record is issued stating that settlement was not possible. The case then moves to the labor court.

Step 4: The labor court

Once settlement fails, the case is referred to the competent labor court. MHRSD's service notes that the claimant can then submit a statement of claim under the Ministry of Justice's procedures.

Court sessions may be held remotely through electronic litigation. Check the directions in your case, especially if you are abroad or live outside the court's city.

Documents to prepare

• your Qiwa contract (screenshot or printout);
• payslips and bank statements, especially for unpaid months;
• your iqama copy;
• the termination or resignation letter, and any reply;
• emails or WhatsApp messages about the dispute;
• your own calculation of what you claim, item by item.

Watch the deadline

A claim based on the Labor Law or your contract is not admissible if it is filed more than 12 months after the employment relationship ends. The two exceptions are an excuse the court accepts and the employer's acknowledgment of the right (Article 234(a)). See Time Limit for Labor Claims.

Example: A QA inspector's contract ended on 31 January and his end-of-service award was never paid. He files for amicable settlement in February. The first session takes place in March, and the employer offers half the amount. He declines, the 21 working days pass without agreement, and the case moves to the labor court well within the 12-month period.

For employers

Treat a settlement invitation as the first stage of a lawsuit. Attend with the Qiwa contract, payroll records, proof of wage payments, attendance records and the termination file.

A settlement agreed at this stage is recorded, and the record can be enforced directly if it is not honored. Only agree to terms the company will meet. See Labor Law Support for Employers.