RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s labour regulations require employers to provide workers with a service certificate and return certificates and documents deposited with them when the employment relationship comes to an end.
Under the Saudi Labour Law, an employer must provide the worker with a certificate documenting their employment and experience. The certificate should not contain anything that could damage the worker’s reputation or reduce their future employment opportunities.
The regulations also require employers to return to workers the certificates and other documents that were deposited with the employer during their employment. This provision is intended to protect workers’ rights and ensure that they can use their educational, professional and other original documents after leaving a job.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has also introduced an electronic Service Certificate through the Qiwa platform. The certificate allows private-sector workers to document their previous employment and experience and use the information when seeking future employment opportunities.
According to the Ministry, workers can obtain the service certificate through their individual Qiwa accounts after their contractual relationship with an establishment has ended. The service is designed to make it easier for employees to verify their employment history and professional experience.
The Saudi Labour Law also specifies circumstances in which an employment contract may end, including expiry of a fixed-term contract, termination under the provisions governing indefinite contracts, mutual agreement between the parties, permanent closure of an establishment and other circumstances established by law.
For workers, the requirement to receive a service certificate and recover deposited documents is particularly important when moving to another employer. Having access to employment records and original certificates can help workers prove their previous experience and qualifications.
Saudi authorities have also established penalties for certain violations related to these obligations. An official HRSD penalties document lists failure to provide a service certificate or return certificates and documents deposited by the worker among violations subject to a 5,000 Saudi riyal penalty per worker.
The Ministry’s digital services are part of Saudi Arabia’s wider effort to improve employment documentation, protect contractual rights and reduce labour disputes.
Workers who have questions or disputes regarding their employment rights can use the Ministry’s official labour services and complaint channels.
