Article 198 of the Saudi Labor Law

Article 198 of the Labor Law sets the powers enjoyed by labor inspectors when carrying out inspection of establishments, and it is the basic article that explains what the inspector may do inside the workplace. The text shown is the text in force after the amendment issued by Royal Decree No. M/44 dated 8/2/1446 AH, in effect from 20/8/1446 AH.

Under this article, a labor inspector is entitled to the following:

1. Entering the establishment without prior notice: the inspector may enter any establishment covered by the provisions of the Labor Law at any time during its working hours, and there is no requirement to notify the employer of the visit in advance. Note that the right is limited to the establishment's working hours.
2. Conducting examination and investigation: the inspector may carry out any examination or investigation needed to verify that the Law is properly implemented, including in particular:
   • Questioning the employer or his representative or the workers about any matter relating to implementation of the provisions of the Law, either alone or in the presence of witnesses. This means the inspector can hear the worker alone without the employer present.
   • Inspecting the books, records and documents that the Law and the decisions issued under it require to be kept, and obtaining copies and extracts of them.
   • Taking a sample or samples of materials used or handled in industrial and other operations subject to inspection, when they are suspected of having a harmful effect on workers' health or safety, so as to analyze them in government laboratories and learn the extent of this effect. Here notifying the employer or his representative of the taking of samples is required.

These powers are completed by what Article 199 imposes on employers and their agents and officials at the workplace, requiring them to provide the facilities needed by inspectors, supply them with the data they request about the nature of their work, respond to requests to appear before them, and send a representative on their behalf if asked. Article 198 sets the inspector's rights, and Article 199 sets the corresponding obligations on the employer.

For the worker, this article means he can give his statements to the inspector about the application of the Law, and that the inspector has direct means to verify working conditions, including examining materials that may harm his health. If an employer or worker faces a specific problem about an inspection visit, it is appropriate to consult a lawyer specialized in labor cases.