Labor & Employment Law in Saudi Arabia

Labor and employment work in Saudi Arabia

The firm covers Saudi matters in cooperation with an announced partner office in Saudi Arabia. That partner office is not a branch owned by the firm, and the firm does not itself hold a Saudi law practice license; local licensing and representation are assessed for each matter in the Kingdom. We advise on Saudi labor law matters: employment contracts, probation, working time and leave, internal rules, terminations and end-of-service entitlements. Anything that needs local representation or regulated acts goes through the partner office.

The Saudi labor law framework

The Saudi Labor Law was issued by Royal Decree No. M/51 dated 23/8/1426H. Royal Decree No. M/44 dated 8/2/1446H amended some of its articles; it was published in the Official Gazette on 23 August 2024 and applies from 19 February 2025, together with Implementing Regulations updated by Ministerial Decision No. 115921/1446. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) is the competent ministry.

Contracts, the Qiwa platform and disputes

Employment contracts in the Kingdom are documented through the ministry's Qiwa platform, and the ministry has issued updated compliance rules on employment contracts. Contracts and staff rules written before the 2025 amendments should be read against the current text, in particular on termination and resignation. How a particular dispute proceeds is assessed with the partner office for each case.

Working with us

Foreign employers often need a short review of their standard contract before it is used in the Kingdom. For a dispute that is already running, see our dispute resolution practice, read the General Commercial & Corporate overview, or contact our team.

MENA coordination

The firm was founded in Kuwait in 1986 and has a branch in Cairo. It covers MENA matters in cooperation with partner offices in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, and partner offices in Turkey and the United States. Those partner offices are not branches owned by the firm; local licensing and advice are assessed in the relevant jurisdiction.

This page is general information, not advice for a particular entity or transaction.

Frequently asked questions

Which law governs private-sector employment in Saudi Arabia?

The Labor Law issued by Royal Decree No. M/51 dated 23/8/1426H, as amended, most recently by Royal Decree No. M/44 dated 8/2/1446H.

When did the 2025 amendments to the Saudi Labor Law start to apply?

The amendments in Royal Decree No. M/44 apply from 19 February 2025, with Implementing Regulations updated by Ministerial Decision No. 115921/1446.

Does the firm have an office in Saudi Arabia?

The firm covers Saudi matters in cooperation with an announced partner office in Saudi Arabia. That partner office is not a branch owned by the firm, and the firm does not itself hold a Saudi law practice license; local licensing and representation are assessed for each matter in the Kingdom.

Other markets

Company Formation in Saudi Arabia · Labor & Employment Law in Egypt · Labor & Employment Law in the UAE · Labor & Employment Law in Qatar · Labor & Employment Law in Oman · Labor & Employment Law in Bahrain