Employment Litigation and Timelines (Saudi Arabia)

Employment disputes in Saudi Arabia can escalate quickly if not managed within strict procedural rules. Our latest practice note provides a step-by-step overview of how employment litigation unfolds in the Kingdom, from mandatory pre-litigation settlement efforts to multi-level appeals.

Key topics covered

Pre-litigation stage

• All claims must first be filed with the Amicable Settlement Committee of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
• Settlement attempts are mandatory before referral to the Labour Courts.

Filing and litigation process

• Claims and defences are submitted electronically via the Najiz platform.
• Hearings are typically conducted virtually, with in-person hearings occurring on an exceptional basis.
• Documentary evidence takes precedence, with oral testimony playing a supplementary role.
• Claims must generally be filed within 12 months of termination or alleged violations.

Judgments and appeals

• Straightforward cases are typically adjudicated within three to five hearings over a period of 30 days.
• Parties have 30 calendar days to file an appeal with the Court of Appeals.
• Cases can be escalated to the Supreme Court on limited grounds, including Sharia violations or major procedural errors.

Court costs and attorneys’ fees

• Court costs are determined under the Judicial Cost Law, though employees seeking contractual entitlements (such as wrongful termination or end-of-service benefits) are exempt.
• The successful party must typically file a separate lawsuit for recovery of attorneys’ fees.

Conclusion

Navigating employment litigation in Saudi Arabia requires careful preservation of documentary evidence, adherence to electronic filing requirements, and familiarity with the structured appeal system. By understanding the procedural roadmap, both employers and employees can protect their rights while minimising delays and costs.

To explore the full practice note, visit the Practical Law™ website.

Please contact the authors if you would like a full copy.