Labour Law

Article 75 Saudi Labor Law (Termination of Employment)

Article 75 of the Saudi Labor Law is an important provision for employers and employees because it governs the termination of indefinite employment contracts and sets out the notice requirements that must be followed. In practice, understanding Article 75 is essential when reviewing contract termination, notice periods, valid reasons for dismissal, and related employee rights in Saudi Arabia.

This guide explains what Article 75 of the Saudi Labor Law means, how indefinite employment contracts may be terminated, what compensation may apply in unlawful termination cases, and which other termination-related provisions employers and employees should also be aware of.

Also read: Limited vs Unlimited Contract in UAE

What Does Article 75 of the Saudi Labor Law Cover?

Article 75 addresses the termination of an employment contract that is made for an indefinite period. It gives both parties the right to terminate the contract, provided that the termination is based on a valid reason and the required written notice is given in accordance with the law.

This provision is important because it helps regulate how an indefinite employment relationship can end while reducing the risk of arbitrary dismissal or avoidable disputes.

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Indefinite Employment Contract in Saudi Arabia

Where an employment contract does not specify a fixed term, it is generally treated as an indefinite contract. Under Article 75, either the employer or the employee may terminate such a contract, but the termination must comply with the legal notice requirements and should be supported by a valid reason.

Notice Period Under Article 75

  • Monthly-paid employees: Written notice must generally be given at least 60 days before termination.
  • Employees paid on another basis: Written notice must generally be given at least 30 days before termination.

The reason for termination should be stated clearly in the notice to help avoid conflict and reduce the risk of later legal disputes.

Compensation for Unlawful Contract Termination

Where an employment contract is terminated without a proper legal reason, compensation may become payable depending on the type of contract and the circumstances of the dismissal.

  • Indefinite contracts: Compensation may be calculated at 15 days’ wages for each completed year of service where termination occurs without a valid legal reason.
  • Fixed-term contracts: Compensation may extend to the wages due for the remaining period of the contract where unfair termination occurs.
  • In either case, the compensation should not be less than two months’ wages.

Because termination disputes can involve legal and financial consequences, employers should review the contract type, the reason for dismissal, and the applicable notice and compensation rules carefully before proceeding.

Grounds for Immediate Dismissal Without Wages

Saudi labor law also recognizes certain serious situations in which an employee may be dismissed immediately without notice or end-of-service-related protections that would otherwise apply, subject to the legal requirements of the relevant provisions.

  • Physical assault: Assaulting the employer, manager, or a superior at work.
  • Failure to comply with lawful orders: Persistent refusal to follow lawful workplace instructions.
  • Workplace safety violations: Serious violations that endanger safety, health, or the workplace environment.
  • Misconduct or dishonesty: Acts involving dishonesty, harassment, or other serious misconduct.
  • Financial harm to the employer: Embezzlement, unlawful acts, or gross negligence causing major loss.
  • Deception in hiring: Providing false information, fake qualifications, or misrepresentation during recruitment.
  • During probation: Dismissal may occur more easily during the probation period if the employee is found unsuitable.
  • Excessive unapproved absence: Repeated or prolonged absence without acceptable excuse.
  • Disclosure of company secrets: Revealing confidential or proprietary information to third parties.

Conditions for Lawful Contract Termination

Both employers and employees should understand the main circumstances in which an employment contract may lawfully come to an end.

  • Mutual agreement: The contract may end where both parties agree in writing to terminate the employment relationship.
  • Contract expiry: A fixed-term contract may end when the agreed term expires, unless it is renewed.
  • Retirement age: The contract may end upon reaching the applicable retirement age, unless the parties agree otherwise or the contract lawfully continues.

A clear written record of the basis for termination is always important to reduce the risk of future employment disputes.

End-of-Service Award in Saudi Arabia Labor Law

End-of-service award is an important employee entitlement under Saudi labor law. It is generally linked to the employee’s years of service and forms part of the financial rights that may arise when the employment relationship ends.

Also read: Termination of Employment Contract in UAE

How to Calculate End-of-Service Benefits

  • For the first five years of service, the employee may be entitled to half a month’s wage for each year of service.
  • For each year after the first five years, the employee may be entitled to one full month’s wage for each additional year.
  • This award helps provide financial recognition for the employee’s years of service when the employment relationship ends.

Why Article 75 Matters for Employers and Employees

Article 75 plays a central role in the Saudi employment framework because it helps define how indefinite contracts may be terminated fairly and lawfully. It also works alongside other labor law provisions relating to compensation, immediate dismissal, and contract expiry.

For employers, this means termination decisions should be documented carefully and supported by valid reasons. For employees, it means understanding the rights attached to notice, compensation, and end-of-service entitlements.

Conclusion

Article 75 of the Saudi Labor Law is one of the key provisions governing contract termination for indefinite employment relationships. When combined with the related rules on notice, compensation, dismissal grounds, and end-of-service awards, it provides an important legal framework for managing employment exits in Saudi Arabia.

Businesses and employees should review these rules carefully to ensure contract termination is handled properly and in line with the applicable labor law requirements.

Also read: Overtime Calculation in UAE As per Labour Law