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Saudi Labor Law

Article 80 - Lawful Termination Guide

When employers can terminate employees without prior notice and without End of Service benefits

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Quick Answer

Article 80 of Saudi Labor Law defines 9 cases where employers can immediately terminate employees without prior notice and without paying End of Service benefits. However, violations must be documented with strong evidence to avoid labor lawsuits.

The 9 Cases of Article 80

1

Assault on employer or manager

If the worker assaults the employer, responsible manager, or any of his superiors during work or because of it

Required Evidence:

Police report, witness statements, camera recordings

2

Failure to perform essential obligations

If the worker fails to perform essential work obligations or disobeys lawful orders

Required Evidence:

Written warnings, performance reviews, investigation records

3

Not following instructions

If the worker does not follow posted instructions despite written warning

Required Evidence:

Photos of posted instructions, signed written warnings

4

Misconduct or breach of honor

If the worker is proven to have bad conduct or commits an act against honor or trust

Required Evidence:

Investigation reports, witness statements, physical evidence

5

Forgery to obtain employment

If the worker is proven to have used forgery to obtain employment

Required Evidence:

Forged documents, certificate verification reports

6

Probation period

If the worker is appointed under probation

Required Evidence:

Employment contract showing probation period

7

Absence without valid reason

If the worker is absent without valid reason for more than 30 scattered days or 15 consecutive days in a year

Required Evidence:

Attendance records, written warnings before termination

8

Abuse of position

If the worker is proven to have illegally exploited his position for personal gains

Required Evidence:

Audit reports, financial records, witness statements

9

Disclosing work secrets

If the worker is proven to have disclosed industrial or commercial work secrets

Required Evidence:

Evidence of disclosure, signed confidentiality agreement

Important Warning for Employers

Termination under Article 80 without documented evidence may lead to:

  • Labor lawsuit and obligation to pay full End of Service
  • Compensation for arbitrary dismissal (15 days salary per year)
  • Compensation for lack of notice (2 months salary)
  • Legal fees and litigation costs

Document Violations Automatically with AqlHR

AqlHR automatically documents absences, warnings, and investigations to protect you in Article 80 cases