The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has clarified the steps employees in Saudi Arabia should take if their employment contract is terminated unlawfully. The ministry also explained important Tawteen (Localization) Program registration rules, including the 60-day registration deadline, employer responsibilities, and why retroactive registration is not permitted.
MHRSD Explains What to Do If Your Employment Contract Is Terminated Unlawfully
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has advised employees whose employment contracts have been terminated irregularly or unlawfully to submit a labor dispute through the Amicable Settlement of Labor Disputes service.
The electronic service enables workers to file complaints related to employment disputes and seek an amicable resolution without visiting a ministry office. Employees can access the service through the Ministry's official website and follow the online procedures to initiate their claim.
How to File a Labor Dispute in Saudi Arabia
If an employee believes that an employment contract has been terminated in violation of Saudi labor regulations, the following steps should be followed:
- Access the Amicable Settlement of Labor Disputes service through the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
- Submit the labor dispute electronically.
- Provide the required employment details and supporting documents.
- Follow the settlement procedures until the dispute is resolved or referred to the competent labor court if necessary.
The online service simplifies the dispute resolution process while ensuring employees have an official channel to protect their labor rights.
Saudi Arabia Clarifies Tawteen Program Registration Rules
The ministry also announced important guidance regarding the Tawteen (Localization) Program, confirming that employers participating in the program must register eligible employees within the required timeframe.
According to MHRSD, employee registration must be completed within the first 60 days from the date the employee is registered with the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) at the establishment.
Employer Is Responsible for Registering Employees
The ministry confirmed that responsibility for registering employees in the Tawteen Program lies entirely with the employer or establishment.
Employees are not responsible for completing the registration process. Employers wishing to participate in the program must ensure that eligible employees are added within the approved timeframe.
Retroactive Tawteen Registration Is Not Allowed
MHRSD stressed that employees cannot be added to the Tawteen Program after the registration deadline has expired.
Once the first 60 days have passed from the employee's GOSI registration date, retroactive enrollment is not permitted under the program's regulations.
Tawteen Program Participation Is Optional
The ministry clarified that joining the Tawteen Program remains optional for establishments that meet the program's eligibility requirements.
Employers choosing to participate must comply with all approved conditions, registration procedures, and applicable regulations issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
Key Tawteen Registration Rules Every Employer Should Know
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | Tawteen (Localization) Program |
| Who registers employees? | Employer or establishment |
| Registration deadline | Within the first 60 days |
| 60-day period starts | From the employee's GOSI registration date at the establishment |
| Retroactive registration | Not permitted |
| Program participation | Optional for eligible establishments |
Why These Clarifications Matter
The latest guidance from MHRSD provides greater clarity for both employees and employers. Employees whose contracts are terminated unlawfully now have a clear process to pursue labor disputes electronically, while employers participating in the Tawteen Program must ensure timely registration of eligible workers to remain compliant with program requirements.
Conclusion
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development continues to strengthen labor protection and improve workplace compliance in Saudi Arabia. Employees who believe they have been dismissed unlawfully can use the Amicable Settlement of Labor Disputes service to seek resolution, while employers participating in the Tawteen Program must complete employee registration within 60 days of GOSI enrollment, as late registration is not permitted.
