Quick Summary
- Work injuries are covered under GOSI — General Organization for Social Insurance
- Employer must report the injury to GOSI within 3 days of the incident
- You are entitled to full salary during recovery from a work injury
- Medical treatment costs must be fully covered by the employer or GOSI
- Permanent disability entitles you to compensation of up to 3 years salary
- Death in workplace entitles family to compensation plus full EOSB
- You cannot be terminated while receiving treatment for a work injury
What Is a Work Injury Under Saudi Law?
A work injury — called an occupational injury in Saudi Labour Law — is any injury, illness or death that occurs as a direct result of work. This includes:
- Accidents that happen at the workplace during working hours
- Accidents that happen while commuting directly to or from work
- Occupational diseases caused by the nature of the work — such as respiratory conditions from chemical exposure
- Injuries caused by work equipment, machinery or tools
- Injuries sustained while performing work-related tasks outside the main workplace
GOSI — What It Is and How It Covers You
GOSI — the General Organization for Social Insurance — is the Saudi government body that manages workplace insurance for both Saudi and expatriate employees. For expatriates specifically, GOSI covers:
- Occupational hazards branch — covers work injuries, occupational diseases and work-related death
- Medical treatment costs for work-related injuries
- Disability compensation for partial or total permanent disability
- Death compensation for the worker's family if death occurs due to work
GOSI contributions are paid entirely by the employer for expat workers — you do not pay GOSI contributions yourself as an expatriate. This is an employer obligation.
Your Rights After a Work Injury
| Right | What You Are Entitled To | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Treatment | Full coverage — all costs | Until fully recovered |
| Salary During Recovery | Full salary | Up to 12 months |
| Temporary Disability Pay | 75% of salary after 12 months | Until recovery or permanent assessment |
| Permanent Partial Disability | Compensation based on disability % | One-time lump sum payment |
| Total Permanent Disability | Up to 3 years salary | One-time lump sum payment |
| Work-Related Death | Up to 3 years salary to family | One-time payment to dependents |
What To Do Immediately After a Work Injury
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health comes first. Go to the nearest hospital or clinic immediately. For serious injuries call emergency services. Do not delay treatment to deal with paperwork — documentation can come after you are safe.
Report to Your Employer Immediately
Notify your employer or direct manager about the injury as soon as possible — ideally the same day. Do this in writing via email or WhatsApp message so there is a timestamp and written record of when you reported it.
Employer Must Report to GOSI Within 3 Days
Your employer is legally required to report the work injury to GOSI within 3 days of the incident. This is their obligation — not yours. However follow up in writing to confirm they have reported it. If they do not report it, you can report directly to GOSI yourself.
Get Full Medical Documentation
Collect all medical reports, diagnoses, treatment records and doctor certificates. These are essential for any GOSI or compensation claim. Request copies from the hospital — you are entitled to your own medical records.
Monitor Your Salary Payments
Your full salary must continue to be paid during your recovery. Check your bank account every pay cycle. If salary stops or is reduced during recovery from a work injury, this is an immediate HRSD complaint matter.
If Employer Fails to Report or Pay — File HRSD Complaint
If your employer fails to report the injury to GOSI, stops paying salary or refuses to cover medical costs, file an immediate complaint at hrsd.gov.sa. Also contact GOSI directly at gosi.gov.sa.
Can You Be Fired Because of a Work Injury?
No. Saudi Labour Law provides strong protection against termination during recovery from a work injury:
- You cannot be terminated while you are receiving treatment for a work injury — regardless of how long recovery takes
- If an employer attempts to terminate you during this period it is considered arbitrary dismissal and you are entitled to Article 77 compensation on top of all other rights
- Your EOSB continues to accumulate during the entire recovery period — sick leave and injury recovery time counts as working time for EOSB
- If you are permanently disabled and cannot return to work, the employer must pay full EOSB based on total service plus the GOSI disability compensation
Compensation for Permanent Disability
If a work injury results in permanent disability, GOSI calculates compensation based on the degree of disability assessed by a medical committee:
- Total permanent disability (100%) — compensation of 3 years salary (36 monthly salaries)
- Partial permanent disability — a percentage of the total compensation based on the assessed disability percentage. For example a 50% disability rating gives 50% of 36 months salary
- The disability percentage is assessed by a medical committee appointed by GOSI — you have the right to request a second opinion if you disagree with the initial assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
My employer says my injury was my own fault. Can they refuse to pay?
Even if there was some employee negligence involved, work injury coverage is not automatically denied. GOSI assesses the circumstances. Only in cases of gross negligence, intoxication or deliberate self-harm is coverage denied. If you believe the assessment is unfair, you can challenge it through GOSI's appeal process.
I was injured traveling to work. Is that covered?
Yes — injuries during direct commute to and from work are covered as work injuries under Saudi Labour Law. This means the direct route between your home and workplace. Detours for personal errands along the way may not be covered.
My employer is not registered with GOSI. What are my rights?
All private sector employers in Saudi Arabia are legally required to register with GOSI and pay contributions. If your employer is not registered, they are in violation of the law — and you can file a complaint with both HRSD and GOSI directly. The employer becomes personally liable for all compensation that GOSI would have covered.
Can I claim EOSB on top of work injury compensation?
Yes. EOSB and work injury compensation are completely separate entitlements. If your employment ends due to a work injury — whether by termination, permanent disability or death — your EOSB is still owed in full based on total service, in addition to all GOSI compensation.
Work Injury Dispute With Your Employer?
Whether your employer is refusing to cover medical costs, stopped salary during recovery or threatened termination — book a consultation to understand your full rights and how to claim maximum compensation.