How do I file a complaint with the Saudi Labor Office? – A comprehensive legal guide (2025)
Introduction
In this article we explain Step-by-step process for filing a complaint with the labor office, What the worker should prepare before filing a complaint, and what his legal rights are.
First: What are the cases that require filing a complaint with the labor office?
according to Articles 3, 5, 57, 81, 84 According to the Saudi labor law, a worker has the right to file a formal complaint in the following cases:
1. Delay or refusal to pay salary
If the salary is delayed for more than 7 days Without a legitimate reason.
If illegal amounts are deducted from the wage (in violation of Article 91).
2. Unlawful dismissal (arbitrary dismissal)
If the worker is dismissed without a reason permitted by the labor system (Article 80).
If the worker is not given prior notice (Article 77).
3. Abuse or an unsafe work environment
Any insult, threat, or assignment of work that endangers the worker’s life (Articles 7 and 8).
4. Failure to grant regular leave entitlements
Annual leave, sick leave, or maternity leave (Articles 109–116).
5. Transferring an employee to a lower-level position without a legitimate reason
(In violation of Article 60).
6. Employing the worker for longer hours than the system allows without compensation
(Articles 98, 101).
Second: Before filing a complaint – required documents
It is advisable to prepare the following documents to ensure the strength of the complaint:
Employment contract (Or proof of employment relationship).
Payroll Or proof of payment delay.
Dismissal or notice letters If found.
Images of WhatsApp messages or emails proves violation
ID card / Residence.
Establishment number / Commercial registration of the employer.
Third: Steps to file a complaint at the Labor Office (Ministry of Human Resources)
The first method: Submitting the complaint electronically through the Ministry of Labor's platform.
This is the most widely used method in 2025.
Steps:
Accessing:
Electronic Services Portal – Ministry of Human Resources
https://sso.hrsd.gov.sa/app-nafathLog in via NAFATH.
to choose:
Electronic Services → Labor Complaints Submission ServiceFill in the data of the worker, the employer and the establishment.
Explain the problem in detail and attach the required documents.
Submit the complaint and obtain the order number.
Response time:
Within 5 working days Both parties are contacted by phone or via text message.
The second method: Visiting the labor office in person
If the issue is urgent or requires direct intervention.
What will happen?
The complaint is received and documented.
Contacting the employer during 2 to 5 days.
Set a date for an amicable settlement session between the two parties.
Fourth: Stages of Labor Complaints
The complaint goes through 3 basic stages:
1. Amicable settlement (21 days)
It involves attempting to resolve the conflict between the worker and the employer.
If an agreement is reached → the minutes are documented and become enforceable.
2. Referral to the Labor Court
If the solution is not found within 21 days:
The case is referred electronically to Labor Court.
An official referral number is issued to the worker.
3. Labor Court ruling
Includes:
Disbursement of financial entitlements.
Compensation for arbitrary dismissal (according to Article 77).
Obliging the employer to comply with regulatory obligations.
In some cases: fines imposed on the establishment.
Fifth: The worker's rights during the complaint proceedings
According to Article 81 and beyond:
An employer may not threaten or dismiss an employee for filing a complaint.
The worker has the right to request stop disconnecting services until a verdict is issued.
The worker has the right to know the details of the complaint via the electronic application.
Sixth: Important legal advice before filing a complaint
Save all the evidenceLetters, recordings, emails, contracts.
Try send an official letter to the employer before filing a complaint.
Don't file the complain verbal only – it must be in writing.
Avoid common mistakes such as not attaching the contract or salary details.
If you have a lawyer, have him write down brief legal memo to attach to the complaint.
Conclusion
The Saudi Ministry of Labor is one of the most important regulatory bodies ensuring the protection of workers' rights. It provides employees with a clear mechanism for submitting and reviewing complaints within a specific timeframe. Following the established procedures and submitting the correct documents helps workers obtain their rights quickly and efficiently.