File a Labour Complaint in Saudi Arabia (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
Sourced from Omani royal decrees, ministerial decisions, and the Basic Statute of the State. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
The Friendly Settlement Service at MHRSD is the mandatory first stop for any Saudi labour dispute. Free, multilingual (Arabic, English, Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam, Bengali, Tagalog, Indonesian) on the 19911 hotline. Article 219 of the Labour Law requires Friendly Settlement before any Labour Court referral.
When does it apply?
- Expatriate or Saudi-national private-sector employee.
- Wage, end-of-service award, working hours, termination, or harassment dispute.
- Within 12 months of the claim arising (Article 222).
What should you do?
- Gather evidence — contract, Qiwa registration, WPS-tracked salary transfers, written correspondence.
- Choose your channel: 19911 hotline, MHRSD app, or hrsd.gov.sa online form.
- Provide complaint details — Iqama/National ID, employer commercial registration, claim amount, description.
- Friendly Settlement mediation (~3 weeks).
- If unresolved, MHRSD issues a Labour Court referral letter — required to file in court.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't bypass Friendly Settlement — Article 219 makes it mandatory before Labour Court.
- Don't pay a private "labour consultant" — MHRSD's service is free.
- Don't wait past 12 months (Article 222 limitation).
About Workers' Rights in Oman
Your job in the Saudi private sector is governed by the Labour Law (Royal Decree No. M/51 of 2005). Most of the system runs on the Qiwa platform — contracts, transfers, and disputes. Salaries flow through the Wage Protection System via Mudad. Saudi nationals have a SAR 4,000 minimum wage; there is no statutory floor for expats. Since the Labour Reform Initiative in 2021, you can change employers and request exit/re-entry through Absher without sponsor approval. GOSI handles social insurance, including workplace-injury cover for expats.
Common Questions
What is the how to file a labour complaint with mhrsd right in Oman?
The Friendly Settlement Service at MHRSD is the mandatory first stop for any Saudi labour dispute. Free, multilingual (Arabic, English, Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam, Bengali, Tagalog, Indonesian) on the 19911 hotline. Article 219 of the Labour Law requires Friendly Settlement before any Labour Court referral.
When does it apply — how to file a labour complaint with mhrsd?
Expatriate or Saudi-national private-sector employee.Wage, end-of-service award, working hours, termination, or harassment dispute.Within 12 months of the claim arising (Article 222).
What should you do — how to file a labour complaint with mhrsd?
Gather evidence — contract, Qiwa registration, WPS-tracked salary transfers, written correspondence.Choose your channel: 19911 hotline, MHRSD app, or hrsd.gov.sa online form.Provide complaint details — Iqama/National ID, employer commercial registration, claim amount, description.Friendly Settlement mediation (~3 weeks).If unresolved, MHRSD issues a Labour Court referral letter — required to file in court.
What should you NOT do — how to file a labour complaint with mhrsd?
Don't bypass Friendly Settlement — Article 219 makes it mandatory before Labour Court.Don't pay a private "labour consultant" — MHRSD's service is free.Don't wait past 12 months (Article 222 limitation).