Employment contracts, in KSA, are legal and binding, and should be in writing, particularly for non-Saudi nationals. KAU applies the “Labor Law” which permits the establishment of worker councils, and encourage employers to form worker committees to oversee staff welfare and to handle the funds collected through fines imposed on workers.
The Labor Law preserves different Labor Rights for all employees, including women and international, like freedom of association & collective bargaining.
After a visit to Saudi Arabia earlier this year by a team of ILO experts, the Saudi Minister of Labor, Dr. Ali Al-Namlah, has now signed into law new labor rules that allow workers in Saudi Arabia - both national and foreign - to establish committees to guard their interests at workplaces where 100 or more are employed. This is a milestone in the labor history of Saudi Arabia and recognizes the valuable role that organized labor can play in the economic and social development of the country.
In 2015, and lately in 2019, a package of amendments to the Saudi Labor Law went into effect where the Labor Ministry has issued directives introducing or raising fines for employers who violate regulations related to labor rights. These include prohibitions on confiscating migrant workers’ passports, failing to pay salaries on time, and failing to provide copies of contracts to employees. The new or increased fines penalize a number of the abusive practices, creating the potential to increase worker protections. The Labor Law amendments, approved by the Council of Ministers, include provisions increasing paid leave and the compensation period for job-related injuries, and require employers to provide one day a week with full pay to employees to seek other employment if they terminate workers’ contracts.
In 2019, the government established The National Committee for Labor Committees, formed by election among the heads of existing committees and has an independent legal personality, which is considered the main and only reference for labor committees in establishments, which represent all workers in the Kingdom.
Employment contracts in Saudi Arabia are legal and binding, and must be in writing, especially for non-Saudi citizens. The labor law preserves the various labor rights of all employees, including women, and the formation of committees at the university that include a group of male and female employees to look into their affairs and consider grievances.
King Abdulaziz University demonstrates a strong institutional commitment to protecting labor rights, supporting employee welfare, and fostering a fair and transparent work environment. Through its adherence to national labor regulations, the establishment of specialized committees, and the implementation of clear mechanisms for reviewing concerns and grievances, the University ensures that all employees—regardless of gender or nationality—are treated with equity, respect, and professionalism.
These measures reflect KAU’s dedication to upholding the values of justice, accountability, and continuous improvement, while also aligning with the broader national vision for enhancing the quality of life and strengthening employee rights across all sectors. (click here)
The Administrative Coordination Committee is a permanent committee at King Abdulaziz University that was established in (2008) and updated in (2022). The committee includes a number of male and female members who work to improve the lives of employees by developing administrative work at the university, identifying and addressing obstacles to employee goals, enhancing cooperation between departments, and improving employee performance. The committee is a valuable resource for university employees, helping to ensure that they are treated fairly and succeed in their careers.
a Quality-of-Life committee,committed to promoting open communication with employees, increasing job satisfaction, creating a positive work environment, and upholding educational and health values in the workplace. The committee takes an active approach by visiting colleges and departments to gather feedback and address concerns, with the goal of improving employee satisfaction and creating a thriving workplace.
Faculty Affairs Unit A consultative unit concerned with setting policies and controls that ensure improving the performance of faculty members and facilitating procedures related to the services provided to them, thus providing a stimulating and attractive university environment. The unit is affiliated with the University Agency for Educational Affairs and is renewed annually with various faculty members and advisory members .