Quick Summary
- The Qiwa registered contract is the official legally recognised version
- If Qiwa and paper contracts differ — the version with better terms for the employee generally applies
- Always download and save your Qiwa contract from day one
- Employers sometimes register a different contract on Qiwa than what they give you — this is a serious red flag
- Courts and HRSD use the Qiwa contract as the primary reference document
- You must approve your contract on Qiwa — do not approve without reading it carefully
What Is the Qiwa Contract?
The Qiwa contract is the employment contract that is registered on the Saudi government's Qiwa platform — operated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD). Under Saudi Labour Law, all private sector employment contracts must be registered on Qiwa.
When you join a new employer, they are required to register your employment contract on Qiwa and you receive a notification to approve it through the platform. This registered contract is what the Saudi government uses as the official record of your employment terms.
The Paper Contract Your Employer Gives You
Most employers in Saudi Arabia also give employees a physical or PDF paper contract — often in both English and Arabic. This document outlines all your terms: salary, allowances, benefits, notice period, job title and so on.
In a perfect world both contracts are identical. In practice they sometimes differ — and this creates significant confusion and potential problems for employees.
When Qiwa and Paper Contracts Differ — What Applies?
This is the critical question. Saudi Labour Law and court precedent address this in a way that generally favors the employee:
- The Qiwa contract is the primary official reference — HRSD and Labour Courts use it as the baseline document in any dispute
- If the paper contract has better terms — courts often apply the better terms if the employee can prove the employer agreed to them
- If the Qiwa contract has better terms — the employer cannot use the paper contract to give you less than what Qiwa shows
- The principle is most favorable terms apply — Saudi Labour Law generally provides that where there is doubt, the interpretation most favorable to the employee applies
Common Contract Mismatches and What They Mean
| Mismatch Type | Qiwa Shows | Paper Contract Shows | Risk to You |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salary difference | SAR 5,000 | SAR 8,000 | High — EOSB calculated on lower |
| Contract type | Fixed-term | Unlimited | Medium — affects termination rights |
| Job title | Clerk | Manager | Low — but may affect visa work type |
| Benefits missing | Basic salary only | Housing + transport allowances | High — leave and EOSB calculation affected |
| Start date different | Later date | Earlier date | Medium — affects total service for EOSB |
How to Check Your Qiwa Contract Right Now
Log Into Qiwa
Visit qiwa.sa and log in using your Iqama number and the OTP sent to your registered Saudi mobile number.
Go to My Contracts
Navigate to the "My Contracts" or "Employment Contracts" section. You will see your current active contract listed with status, dates and employer details.
Open and Download the Contract
Click on the active contract to open it. Download a PDF copy and save it in a safe place — cloud storage, email to yourself, saved on your personal device. Do this now before any dispute arises.
Compare With Your Paper Contract
Go through both contracts side by side. Check: salary amount, allowances, contract type (fixed or unlimited), start date, job title, notice period and any special terms. Note every difference you find.
Raise Any Discrepancy With HR in Writing
If you find differences, email HR formally listing each discrepancy and requesting correction of the Qiwa contract. Keep the email as evidence. Do not sign or approve anything until the mismatch is resolved.
What to Do If Your Employer Refuses to Correct the Qiwa Contract
If you find a serious mismatch — particularly a lower salary or missing benefits on Qiwa — and your employer refuses to correct it, you have two options:
- File an HRSD complaint — Report the contract discrepancy at hrsd.gov.sa. Include both contract versions as evidence. HRSD can compel the employer to correct the registered contract.
- Use the paper contract in any dispute — If the paper contract has better terms and you have proof the employer issued and signed it, courts can consider it alongside the Qiwa version. Preserve all signed copies carefully.
The Importance of Approving Your Contract on Qiwa Carefully
When you first join an employer, you receive a Qiwa notification to approve your employment contract. Many employees approve it without reading it carefully — a significant mistake.
Before approving your Qiwa contract:
- Read every line of the Arabic version — this is the legally binding version even if you received an English translation
- Verify salary matches what was verbally offered and stated in your paper offer letter
- Check all allowances are correctly listed — housing, transport, food etc.
- Confirm contract type — fixed-term with end date or unlimited
- Verify your start date is correct — this affects your total service calculation
- If anything is wrong — do not approve. Contact HR first and get it corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
I never received a notification to approve my Qiwa contract. What does this mean?
It may mean your employer has not registered a contract on Qiwa yet — which is itself a violation. Log into Qiwa directly to check. If no contract is registered, request your employer to register it immediately in writing. Working without a registered Qiwa contract puts you in a vulnerable position in any future dispute.
My Qiwa contract is in Arabic only. I cannot read Arabic. What do I do?
All Qiwa contracts are in Arabic as the legally binding version. If your employer provided an English translation, compare both carefully. For important terms like salary and contract type, use Google Translate or have a trusted Arabic-speaking colleague check the key figures before you approve.
My Qiwa contract shows a lower salary than I actually receive. Could this be a problem?
Yes — significantly. If your Qiwa contract shows SAR 5,000 but you receive SAR 9,000, your EOSB could be calculated on the lower Qiwa figure in a dispute. Get the Qiwa contract corrected to reflect your actual salary immediately. The difference in EOSB could be thousands of riyals.
Can I use my paper offer letter as evidence if it has better terms than the Qiwa contract?
Yes — a signed offer letter from your employer is admissible evidence in HRSD proceedings and Labour Court. Courts look at all evidence of the agreed terms. A signed offer letter with higher salary can support your claim even if the Qiwa contract shows less.
Found a Mismatch Between Your Contracts?
A Qiwa contract mismatch can cost you thousands of riyals in reduced EOSB and benefits. Book a consultation to assess your specific situation and get guidance on how to correct it or use it to your advantage in a claim.