Saudi Labor Law Article 80: Dismissal Without End of Service
Quick answer: Article 80 lists 9 cases in which the employer may end the contract without notice, compensation or end of service award, such as assault, forgery, breach of trust, or long absence without a valid reason. The employer must first give the worker a chance to explain and object. If the case does not really fit Article 80, the dismissal can be challenged.
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The 9 cases in Article 80
- The worker assaults the employer, the responsible manager, or a superior or subordinate, during or because of work.
- The worker does not perform essential duties, disobeys lawful orders, or ignores posted safety instructions on purpose, after a written warning.
- The worker is proven to have committed misconduct or an act against honesty or integrity.
- The worker acts or fails to act on purpose to cause a material loss to the employer. The employer must report it to the authorities within 24 hours of learning of it.
- The worker is proven to have used forgery to get the job.
- The worker is still on probation.
- The worker is absent without a valid reason for more than 30 days in one contract year, or more than 15 days in a row (see the warning rules below).
- The worker is proven to have used the job for personal gain unlawfully.
- The worker is proven to have disclosed industrial or trade secrets of the work.
The absence rule step by step
| Type of absence | Limit | Written warning required after |
|---|---|---|
| Separate days in one contract year | More than 30 days | 20 days of absence |
| Days in a row | More than 15 days | 10 days of absence |
Without the written warning, dismissal for absence under Article 80 is open to challenge.
What you lose and what you keep
- You lose: the end of service award, the notice period, and compensation.
- You keep: your salary for days already worked and payment for unused annual leave (annual leave guide).
If the dismissal is not fair
If the employer used Article 80 without real grounds, or skipped your right to object or the written warning, you can file a labor complaint. If the Labor Court finds the dismissal had no valid reason, you may get the full end of service under Article 84 and compensation under Article 77. Claims are generally not heard after 12 months from the end of work.
Article 80 vs Article 81
Article 80 is the employer's right to end the contract because of the worker's serious fault. Article 81 is the mirror: the worker's right to leave without notice, keeping all rights, because of the employer's serious fault.
This guide explains the law in plain words and is not legal advice. Check the official text with HRSD and speak to a lawyer for your own case.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Article 80 of the Saudi Labor Law?
It lists 9 cases in which the employer may end the contract without notice, compensation or end of service award, after letting the worker state reasons for objecting.
Do I get end of service if I am dismissed under Article 80?
No, if the dismissal is valid. You still get salary for days worked and pay for unused leave.
How many days of absence allow dismissal under Article 80?
More than 30 separate days in one contract year, or more than 15 days in a row, with a written warning after 20 or 10 days of absence.
Can I be dismissed under Article 80 without an investigation?
The employer must give you a chance to state your reasons for objecting before ending the contract under Article 80.
What can I do if Article 80 was used wrongly?
File a labor complaint within 12 months. If the dismissal had no valid reason, you may get full end of service and Article 77 compensation.
Official sources
This guide explains the general rules. It is not legal advice.