Riyadh Labour Court: What It Hears and How a Case Goes from Settlement to Judgment

The Riyadh Labour Court hears employment disputes between workers and employers in Riyadh: wages, the end-of-service award, dismissal, absconding reports and more. But a claim does not start there directly. Here is the path from complaint to judgment, the deadlines you must not miss, and what to prepare.

Reviewed by: Ahmed Hasan AlShehriAttorney at USUS Law FirmLast updated: 25 October 2026

What the Labour Court hears

• Unpaid wages and allowances.
• The end-of-service award.
• Compensation for termination for an unlawful reason (Article 77).
• Challenges to dismissal without award (Article 80) and leaving with rights (Article 81).
• Malicious absconding reports and their effects.
• Employer claims against a worker who breached the contract.

From complaint to judgment

1. Amicable settlement: the claim is filed online with the Ministry of Human Resources and starts with a settlement session.
2. Referral: if settlement fails, the case goes to the Labour Court in Riyadh.
3. Hearings: evidence includes the contract, payslips or bank statements, correspondence and the GOSI wages certificate.
4. Judgment and appeal: either side may appeal within the statutory period, thirty days in principle.
5. Enforcement: a final judgment is an enforceable instrument at the Enforcement Court if not paid voluntarily.

Deadlines you must not miss

• A labour claim is not heard after twelve months from the end of employment.
• After an absconding report there is a 60-day period to transfer or take final exit. See absconding report.
• Appeal: thirty days in principle from the judgment.

Frequently asked questions

Do I file directly at the Riyadh Labour Court?

No. A claim starts with amicable settlement through the Ministry of Human Resources, then goes to the Labour Court if no agreement is reached.

Do I have to attend in person?

A lawyer can attend for you under a power of attorney, and many steps are electronic. We file in Arabic and explain every step in English.

Usus Law Firm handles labour cases for employees and employers. See our employment lawyer in Riyadh.

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.