Employment law in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Virtual live course which will help employers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to navigate the evolving legal landscape, ensuring compliance with recently updated labour regulations to foster a productive and equitable work environment.
Synopsis
The employment law in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (“KSA”) is primarily governed by Saudi Arabia Royal Decree No. M51/1426 and its Implementing Regulations (the “KSA Labour Law”). Rooted in Islamic principles, this law outlines the rights and obligations of both employers and employees. Key aspects include defining employment contracts, regulating working hours, specifying leave entitlements, and addressing termination procedures. Saudi Arabia has a complex and wide reaching Saudization initiative, encouraging and requiring the hiring of KSA nationals in the workforce. The KSA Labour Law places importance on fair treatment, non-discrimination, and workplace safety. Employers in KSA must navigate the evolving legal landscape, ensuring compliance with the KSA Labour Law and supporting labour regulations and decisions to foster a productive and equitable work environment.
Who should attend
This Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Labour Law virtual training course is relevant to KSA regional HR managers and international HR managers or directors with responsibility for employees in the KSA. It will also be useful to managers and directors who anticipate entering the KSA market and who need to be aware of their responsibilities to their people. A prior knowledge of employment law in the KSA is not required to attend this course.
Programme
Session One - 21 April 2026
The employment law landscape in the KSA
- overview
- understanding the Islamic influences on employment regulations
- recent changes
Recruitment
- background checks
- immigration
Contracts of employment
- mandatory requirements
- choice of law
- contracts of employment
Key statutory provisions
- probation
- term and notice
- pay, allowances, deductions
- leave entitlements
- working hours and overtime
- entitlements on termination
- non-compete
- resignation
Session Two - 22 April 2026
Saudization and nationalization initiatives
- the requirements
- strategies for compliance and workforce localization
Disciplinary matters
- statutory requirements
- additional considerations
- practical guidance
Termination of employment
- process
- risk
- additional considerations
Discrimination and harassment
- protected characteristics
- harassment
- penalties
Labour Court litigation
- overview
Key contacts
Lisa Bryson Partner
M: +971 5668 16410 E: LisaBryson@eversheds-sutherland.com
Corrine Sobers Principal Associate
M: +974 5048 2603 E: corrinesobers@eversheds-sutherland.com
If your organisation is currently responsible for employees in global jurisdictions, or it is considering establishing operations overseas, it is essential that you are aware of the local employment laws and HR best practice. Eversheds Sutherland offers a range of global employment law courses. These courses provide you with the opportunity to learn from experts and from peers who are encountering similar situations to themselves.
For information on any of our international employment law training courses, please contact us on +44 (0) 113 200 4040 or employmenttraining@eversheds-sutherland.com
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