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The laws covering hiring and firing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia are governed by the Labor Law issued by the Royal Decree in 2006 and the Royal Decree of 2015 which added amendments. These laws help ensure fair treatment of employees and employers. Key provisions include guidelines on employment contracts, termination grounds, severance pay, and dispute settlements. It is also important to note that Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 has brought about significant changes in the labor market, including an introduction of new laws and amendments to the existing ones.
You may need a lawyer for various reasons ranging from understanding the intricacies of local labor laws to representing you in case of legal disputes. For instance, if you are an employer, you may need help creating comprehensive contracts that comply with the law and protect your interests. Similarly, if you are an employee, you may need a lawyer to help you understand your rights and take legal action in cases of unjust termination or disputes regarding your end of service benefits.
The Saudi Labor Law, primarily, details the rights and obligations of both the employer and employee. This includes information on contract terms, working hours, overtime, annual leave, and end-of-service benefits. Employers can only terminate an employee's contract under specific conditions defined by the law. In cases of unfair dismissal, employees have the right to file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resource and Social Development. Discrimination based on gender, age or disability during hiring or termination processes is also strictly prohibited under the labor law.
An employee can be dismissed based on underperformance, neglecting duties, committing fraudulent activities, or repeated unauthorized absences, among other reasons outlined in the Saudi Labor Law.
Depending on the contract and the reason for termination, an employee may be entitled to notice, severance pay, payment for unused leave, and other benefits as outlined in the labor law.
An employer cannot make changes to the employment contract without the employee's agreement, unless it is permitted by the law or the changes are beneficial to the employee.
The maximum probationary period allowed by Saudi labor law is 90 days.
If you believe you were unfairly dismissed, you can file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resource and Social Development. It is recommended to seek legal advice before doing so to ensure you understand your rights and obligations.
The Ministry of Human Resource and Social Development's official website provides information about all labor-related laws and their amendments. The Ministry also has a dedicated helpline for any work-related queries and complaints. You may also consider consulting with legal firms that specialize in Saudi labor law for legal advice.
If you believe you need legal help related to hiring and firing in Riyadh, your first step should be to find a lawyer who specializes in Saudi labor law. It is important to seek this advice as soon as possible, especially if you are involved in a dispute or have been unfairly terminated. Be prepared to discuss in detail about your issue and provide any relevant documents. The lawyer can then provide you their professional opinion, recommend a course of action, and guide you on how to proceed under Saudi labor laws.
