Saudi Arabia has introduced a major labor law update allowing workers to take legal action if full wages are not paid within 30 days. Through the Qiwa and Najiz platforms, employees can now enforce employment contracts quickly, ensuring timely salary payments and better protection of worker rights.
New System for Employment Contract Enforcement
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced the second phase of a system that treats notarized employment contracts as legally enforceable documents. This initiative aims to strengthen contract reliability and streamline dispute resolution between employers and employees.
What This Phase Covers
The second phase focuses on fixed-term employment contracts, especially when they are renewed or updated. The third phase will later include open-ended contracts, allowing a smooth transition for businesses and workers.
How Workers Can Benefit
To benefit from this system:
- Employment contracts must be documented or updated through the Qiwa platform
- An enforcement number must be issued by the Documentation Center at the Ministry of Justice
When Can Workers File a Complaint?
- If full wages are not paid within 30 days
- If only partial wages are paid after 90 days
In such cases, workers can submit an enforcement request online through the Najiz platform.
Employer Response Time
Once notified, the employer has five days to submit an objection.
Background of the Initiative
The first phase of this system was launched in October 2025 through a collaboration between the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Ministry of Justice. It enables wage-related clauses in employment contracts to be enforced directly via Najiz, avoiding lengthy court procedures.
Important Instructions for Employers and Employees
For Employers
- Document and update employment contracts through Qiwa
- Regularly monitor platform accounts
For Employees
- Ensure contract details are accurate
- Review salary terms carefully
- Act quickly in case of delayed payments
Why This Initiative Matters
This initiative is part of a broader effort to make employment contracts legally binding and digitally managed. It aims to:
- Build trust between employers and employees
- Enhance transparency in workplaces
- Protect worker rights effectively
- Reduce labor disputes
- Improve contract quality
- Ensure fair and timely salary enforcement
Final Summary
Saudi Arabia’s new employment contract enforcement system marks a significant step toward protecting workers' rights. By allowing employees to take action if wages are delayed, and by using digital platforms like Qiwa and Najiz, the system ensures faster resolution, improved transparency, and a fair working environment.
