A labor office complaint in Saudi Arabia is now filed online through the HRSD amicable settlement service (Wadi). Steps, documents and what happens next.
Short answer: If you have a dispute with your employer, such as late salary, dismissal or end-of-service dues, the official channel is the "Amicable Settlement of Labor Disputes" service of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), which the Ministry's own user guide calls the "Wadi system". You file the claim online through the e-services portal or the Ministry app, attach your contract and documents, and the claim is reviewed and a session is scheduled.
Many people still search for "labor office complaint" and expect to visit an office in person, but filing a labor complaint is now done online in most cases. The first common mistake is choosing the wrong channel: HRSD has more than one "complaint" form, and not all of them are meant for claiming your rights from an employer. This guide explains where to file, the conditions and documents, the filing steps as set out in the official user guide, and what happens next. If you would like your situation reviewed before filing, see our labor lawyer service.
Where is a labor complaint filed today?
A complaint in which you claim a labor right from your employer is filed through the "Amicable Settlement of Labor Disputes" service, the official name of the service on the HRSD website. The Ministry describes it as the first stage of considering labor disputes between a worker and an employer, and the service is free of charge.
"Wadi" is the name the Ministry itself uses in its user guide for the Wadi system, which states that claims are filed through the Ministry's e-portal or the Ministry app for individuals.
How is this different from the "beneficiary page" and the general complaint form?
The amicable settlement service (Wadi): for claiming labor rights from your employer, such as wages, the end-of-service award and compensation.
The beneficiary page (complaints and reports): a general channel for complaints, requests and enquiries about the Ministry's services. Use it for a complaint about a service, not to claim rights from an employer.
The general "submit a complaint" form: asks only for a name, email and text, and does not replace a settlement claim.
When can a worker file a labor complaint?
The service page requires an employment contract between the worker and the employer, and asks you to attach the contract or any proof of the employment relationship. The English version of the service page also states that the complaint must be filed with the settlement office of the city where your last working day was, and within 12 months (the page does not say when the period starts).
You do not have to have left your job: the Wadi claim form includes a "still employed" option, so you can claim late wages while still working.
What documents do you need?
The employment contract, or any document proving the relationship, such as an offer letter, payslip or social insurance record.
Documents for the specific claim: bank statements showing late pay, a dismissal letter, or correspondence with the employer.
For an agent: a power of attorney authorising attendance before the amicable settlement administration, with the right to settle, release and waive.
The user guide states that attachments must be PDF, JPG, JPEG, TIF or PNG, no larger than 5 MB each, with one file per attachment. Merge each document into a single PDF before you start.
How do you file, step by step?
Log in to HRSD e-services (the individuals portal if you are a worker) through the National Single Sign-On, or use the Ministry app.
Choose the amicable settlement service, then "file a claim".
Check your details, which appear automatically, and state whether you are filing yourself or as an agent.
Select the employer from the list of establishments you were registered with, or choose "other establishment" and enter its details.
Enter the employment details: contract type and date, end date or "still employed", last working day and city of the workplace.
Choose the claim subjects (main and sub-category). The system shows the relevant legal text and conditions, and you can add several subjects in one claim.
Attach the documents for each subject.
Accept the declaration that the claim is not vexatious, review the summary and submit. Keep the electronic claim number.
What happens after you file?
The user guide says the request moves to review by the settlement office and the claimant is notified of the result within 48 hours. If it is rejected, you can see the reasons in the claims service and reopen it after correcting it. If it is accepted, all parties receive SMS and email notices, followed by the session date; sessions may be held remotely through a link shown in the claim details.
The settlement stage itself then begins: an attempt to reach an agreement within what the Ministry describes as 21 working days from the first session, ending either in a settlement record or a referral to the labor court. We cover that stage in a separate guide: amicable settlement in labor disputes.
Filing a complaint about late salary
The process is the same: a claim through the settlement service, choosing the wages subject. Attach bank statements showing the unpaid months, and your written requests for payment, and state the exact amount and months. If the delay is serious and repeated, Article 81 of the Labor Law may allow you to leave without notice while keeping your rights, but it must be proven. To estimate your award first, use the end-of-service calculator.
Which number can you call?
The number published on the HRSD amicable settlement service page is 19911. We did not find an official WhatsApp channel for labor claims on the service pages we reviewed, so use the portal, the app or the published number, and avoid unofficial accounts asking for your data.
Can an agent or lawyer file for you?
Yes. Wadi lets you file as an "agent" and enter the power of attorney number, which the system completes through integration with the Ministry of Justice. The user guide lists local, foreign and embassy powers of attorney. Representation helps when the claim is large, covers several subjects, or you are away from the competent office's city.
Common mistakes
Using a general complaint form instead of the settlement service.
Choosing a settlement office that does not match the workplace city.
Leaving out subjects such as the award, leave pay or the service certificate.
Unreadable or oversized attachments.
Filing close to the end of the 12-month window.
Missing the session: the service page says the claim is archived if the claimant does not attend, and can be reopened within 21 working days.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free?
Yes, the service page lists the service as free of charge. Costs may arise later if you hire a lawyer or the case goes to the labor court.
Can I file while still employed?
Yes. The claim form includes a "still employed" option.
How do I complain about a Ministry employee or service?
That is not a labor claim; use the beneficiary page (complaints and reports), which sets escalation conditions such as the complaint having exceeded its service level and being no more than 30 days from closure.
How long does the review take?
The user guide states 48 hours for the review result; the settlement stage is 21 working days from the first session before referral to the labor court.
Can an employer file against a worker?
Yes, the user guide includes a separate path for establishments.
Want to file your claim correctly from the start?
How you frame the claim subjects and organise the documents affects the settlement and what follows. Our licensed lawyers review your claim, calculate your dues and represent you at settlement sessions and before the labor court across Saudi Arabia, in person and remotely.
Request a case review
Official sources: Amicable Settlement of Labor Disputes — HRSD · Wadi system user guide — HRSD
Note: this article is general information about labor complaint procedures in Saudi Arabia and is not legal advice for any specific case. Online service screens and procedures may change, and outcomes depend on the contract, the facts and the documents, so we recommend consulting a qualified lawyer before taking any action.
