Quick Summary
- Labour complaints are filed through HRSD — hrsd.gov.sa or in person
- The process goes: Complaint → Mediation → Labour Court if unresolved
- HRSD mediation resolves most cases within 2–4 weeks
- Labour Court cases take 3–6 months on average
- You can file a complaint even after leaving Saudi Arabia — within 1 year
- Strong documentation is the single most important factor in winning
- Filing a complaint does not automatically cancel your iqama or cause Huroob
What Can You File a Labour Complaint For?
The HRSD complaints system covers a wide range of employer violations. You can file a complaint for:
- Unpaid or delayed salary
- Underpaid or unpaid EOSB
- Underpaid or unpaid notice period pay
- Unpaid annual leave or leave encashment
- Unpaid overtime
- Wrongful or arbitrary termination
- Employer refusing to issue Final Exit visa
- Employer refusing to renew iqama
- False Huroob filing
- Workplace harassment or unsafe conditions
- Employer holding your passport
- Salary reduction without consent
- Contract terms not being honored
Before You File — Prepare Your Evidence
The strength of your case depends entirely on your documentation. Before filing, gather:
- Employment contract — the Qiwa registered version is the strongest evidence. Download it from qiwa.sa before anything happens.
- Payslips — all months where salary was short, delayed or not paid. Bank statements showing deposits (or lack of) are equally important.
- Written communications — emails, WhatsApp messages, letters. Any written evidence of the dispute or the employer's behavior.
- Termination letter — if you were terminated, keep the letter. If no letter was given, document the date and circumstances in writing.
- Your calculation — prepare a clear written calculation showing what you are owed. Use our calculators to get the exact figures.
- Witness information — names of colleagues who witnessed relevant events. Witnesses can be called in Labour Court proceedings.
Step-by-Step — The Full Complaint Process
File Complaint at HRSD
Go to hrsd.gov.sa and log in using your Iqama number. Select "File a Complaint" and choose the complaint category — wage complaint, termination dispute, EOSB etc. Fill in all details accurately and upload your supporting documents. You can also visit the nearest HRSD office in person.
Complaint Registered and Reference Number Issued
After submission you receive a reference number. Keep this number safe — you will need it to track your complaint status. HRSD will review your complaint and contact your employer within a few working days.
HRSD Contacts Your Employer
HRSD sends a formal notification to your employer about the complaint. Many employers pay up or resolve the issue at this stage — simply receiving an official HRSD notice motivates quick resolution because employers fear the escalating penalties and business impact.
Mediation Session
HRSD schedules a mediation session with both parties — either in person at the HRSD office or online. A mediator helps both sides reach a settlement. Come prepared with your documents and your calculated claim amount. Most cases are settled at this stage within 2–4 weeks of the initial complaint.
Settlement Agreement or Referral to Court
If mediation succeeds, both parties sign a settlement agreement and the employer pays within the agreed timeframe. If mediation fails — employer refuses to pay or disputes are too complex — HRSD refers the case to the Labour Court.
Labour Court Proceedings
The Labour Court reviews evidence from both sides. Multiple hearings may be scheduled. Cases typically take 3–6 months to reach a judgment. The court can order full payment plus additional compensation for the employer's delay and bad faith.
Judgment Enforcement
Once a judgment is issued in your favor, the employer must pay within the court's specified timeframe. If they refuse, the court has enforcement powers including bank account freezing and preventing the employer from doing business until payment is made.
Realistic Timelines
| Stage | Typical Duration | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Complaint filing to HRSD contact | 3–7 working days | Employer notified |
| Mediation session | 2–4 weeks from filing | Settlement or referral to court |
| Settlement at mediation | 2–4 weeks total | Payment within agreed timeframe |
| Labour Court judgment | 3–6 months from referral | Legally binding judgment |
| Appeal process (if appealed) | Additional 3–6 months | Final judgment |
Can You File from Outside Saudi Arabia?
Yes — you can file an HRSD complaint after leaving Saudi Arabia. The online system is accessible globally. However there are important considerations:
- You must file within one year of your employment ending — this is the statute of limitations for labour claims
- Attending mediation sessions may be done online — HRSD has remote session options
- For Labour Court proceedings you will need a Saudi-based legal representative (lawyer or authorized agent) to attend hearings on your behalf
- Collecting any awarded payment from abroad is possible but slower — a Saudi bank account or authorized representative helps significantly
Will Filing a Complaint Cause Huroob or Iqama Problems?
Filing a legitimate labour complaint does not by itself cause Huroob or iqama cancellation. However some employers retaliate by filing Huroob after a complaint is submitted.
Protect yourself:
- Check Absher daily after filing your complaint to monitor your iqama and Huroob status
- If Huroob is filed as retaliation, file a second complaint immediately citing retaliatory Huroob
- Retaliatory actions after a labour complaint are themselves violations — they strengthen your case and entitle you to additional compensation
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer to file an HRSD complaint?
No — you can file the complaint yourself online or in person without a lawyer. The HRSD process is designed to be accessible to workers directly. A lawyer becomes more useful if the case goes to the Labour Court — especially for complex cases or large amounts.
My employer says they will blacklist me if I complain. Should I be worried?
There is no official blacklist system in Saudi Arabia for employees who file legitimate labour complaints. Filing a complaint is your legal right. Threatening an employee for filing a complaint is itself a violation of Saudi Labour Law. Document the threat and include it in your complaint.
What happens if I miss the mediation session?
If you miss a session without informing HRSD, your complaint may be suspended or closed. Always inform HRSD in advance if you cannot attend and request rescheduling. Keep all HRSD correspondence and reference numbers.
Can I withdraw my complaint after filing?
Yes — you can withdraw a complaint if you and your employer reach a private settlement. However think carefully before withdrawing — once withdrawn it is very difficult to refile for the same issue. Only withdraw after payment is confirmed in your bank account.
My employer agreed to pay at mediation but then did not pay. What do I do?
A mediation settlement agreement is a legally binding document. If the employer signed and then did not pay, report this immediately to HRSD. The case can be fast-tracked to the Labour Court for enforcement and the employer faces additional penalties for breaking the agreement.
Need Help Preparing Your Complaint?
A well-prepared complaint with strong documentation resolves faster and results in higher settlements. Book a consultation to get your case assessed, your documents organized and your claim calculated before you file — based on 20 years Saudi experience.