Saudi Labor Law Article 81: Leaving Work Without Notice and Keeping Your Rights
Quick answer: Article 81 lets the worker leave without notice and keep all legal rights, including the full end of service award, in 7 cases where the employer is at fault, such as unpaid salary or other serious breaches, deception at hiring, assault, or humiliating treatment. Unlike a normal resignation, the award is not reduced.
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The 7 cases in Article 81
- The employer does not meet its essential contractual or legal obligations toward the worker.
- The employer or its representative deceived the worker about the work terms when the contract was made.
- The employer gives the worker fundamentally different work without consent, against Article 60.
- The employer, a family member or the responsible manager commits violent assault or an indecent act against the worker or a family member.
- The employer or responsible manager treats the worker in a cruel, unjust or humiliating way.
- There is a serious danger at the workplace to the worker's safety or health, the employer knows about it and does nothing.
- The employer's conduct, such as unfair treatment or breaking the contract, pushes the worker to leave so that it looks like a resignation.
Article 81 vs a normal resignation
| Normal resignation | Leaving under Article 81 | |
|---|---|---|
| Notice | 30 days (open-ended contract) | Not required |
| End of service | Reduced: 1/3, 2/3 or full by service (Article 85) | Full award (Article 84) |
| Less than 2 years of service | No award | Full award for the period worked |
Example
You worked 4 years on a last wage of 6,000 SAR. Resigning normally gives one third of the award: 4 × 0.5 × 6,000 = 12,000 SAR, one third = 4,000 SAR. Leaving under Article 81 because salaries were not paid gives the full 12,000 SAR.
How to protect yourself before you leave
- Collect proof: bank statements showing unpaid or late salaries, messages, letters, medical reports or witness names.
- Send the employer a written message naming the problem, and keep a copy.
- File a labor complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources so the reason is recorded. Claims are generally not heard after 12 months.
- Do not write a resignation letter: it can be treated as a normal resignation under Article 85.
Whether a case fits Article 81 is decided by the Labor Court on the evidence. This guide is not legal advice; speak to a lawyer before you leave.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Article 81 of the Saudi Labor Law?
It lists 7 cases in which a worker may leave without notice and keep all legal rights, because the employer is at fault.
Do I get full end of service under Article 81?
Yes. Leaving under Article 81 is not treated as a normal resignation, so the award is not reduced.
Is unpaid salary a reason under Article 81?
Paying wages is one of the employer's essential obligations, so not paying them can fall under the first case. Keep bank proof of the missed months.
Do I need to give notice under Article 81?
No. The article lets the worker leave without notice, but tell the employer in writing and file a complaint to record the reason.
What is the difference between Article 80 and 81?
Article 80 lets the employer end the contract for the worker's serious fault. Article 81 lets the worker leave for the employer's serious fault.
Official sources
This guide explains the general rules. It is not legal advice.