People still say the "labor office", but labor complaints today are filed online with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. What matters is knowing which kind of complaint you need: a report of a violation by the employer, or a claim for your rights that starts with amicable settlement. Mixing them up wastes time. Here are both routes, step by step.
Reporting a violation or claiming your rights?
| Report of a violation | Claim for rights (amicable settlement) | |
|---|---|---|
| When | A breach of the Labor Law affecting workers generally, such as holding passports, an unsafe workplace, or employing without a contract | A financial or job right of your own, such as late salary, end-of-service pay or unlawful dismissal |
| Result | An inspection of the establishment and fines | A settlement session, then referral to the Labor Court if no agreement |
| Does it get your money back? | Not directly | Yes, that is its purpose |
Steps to file a labor complaint online
- Log in to the Ministry of Human Resources e-services with your Nafath account.
- Choose the right service: violation reports, or filing a labor claim (amicable settlement).
- Enter the establishment's details and your requests accurately: amounts, periods, and the end date of employment if it has ended.
- Attach documents: the contract, bank statement, messages, and proof of the violation.
- Follow the date of the amicable settlement session and attend prepared. Read amicable settlement.
- If settlement fails, the claim is referred to the Labor Court. Read filing a labor claim.
For enquiries you can contact the Ministry of Human Resources unified number 19911. Service names and paths change; check the Ministry's official website.
The most common reasons for a complaint
- Late or unpaid salary. Read the Wage Protection System.
- Unpaid end-of-service award. Calculate it with the end-of-service calculator.
- Dismissal without a valid reason.
- Holidays not given, or work on them not paid. Read working on an official holiday.
- Not being registered with social insurance. Read the Social Insurance Law.
- A malicious absence report, or refusal to transfer services. Read transfer of sponsorship.
Mistakes that weaken your complaint
- Delay: a labor claim has a period after which it is no longer heard. Check the current official text.
- Claiming amounts that are not accurately calculated.
- In some cases, leaving work without notice before filing the complaint.
- Signing a final release before receiving all your rights.
Frequently asked questions
Can I file a complaint while I am still employed?
Yes, and the employer may not dismiss you for filing a lawful complaint.
Will the employer know about the complaint?
In a claim for rights, yes, because they are a party to the settlement session. Violation reports are handled according to the authority's procedures.
Do I need a lawyer for a labor complaint?
It is not required, but calculating what you are owed and drafting the requests precisely raise your chances, especially if the claim reaches court.
Want a strong complaint from the start?
The Usus Law Firm team handles labor cases: calculating what you are owed, complaints, amicable settlement and labor claims, in Riyadh and Tabuk.
Legal review: the Usus Law Firm team
A select team of lawyers and legal advisers licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Justice, working from Riyadh and Tabuk, with experience before the general, commercial, labor, criminal, personal status and administrative courts. Every article is reviewed before publication and updated when laws or regulations change.
Last reviewed: 12 October 2026
This article is general legal information and is not a substitute for advice on your specific case. Court proceedings in Saudi Arabia are in Arabic; the official Arabic text of each law prevails.
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