Article 202 of the Saudi Labor Law
المادة 202 من نظام العمل · الباب الثالث عشر: تفتيش العمل
Article 202 binds the labor inspector to absolute confidentiality regarding complaints that reach him about a deficiency in devices or a violation of the Law, and bars him from telling the employer or his stand-in that they exist.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
على مفتش العمل أن يحيط بالسرية المطلقة الشكاوى التي تصل إليه بشأن
أي نقص في الأجهزة أو أي مخالفة لأحكام النظام، وألا يبوح لصاحب العمل أو من يقوم مقامه بوجود هذه الشكاوى.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 202 explained in plain English
Article 202 of the Labor Law sets a clear rule to protect whoever reports violations at the workplace: every complaint that reaches the labor inspector remains absolutely confidential, and he may not reveal its existence to the employer or whoever stands in his place, such as the authorized manager or supervisor.
This obligation covers two kinds of complaints according to the text of the article:
- Complaints relating to any deficiency in devices within the establishment.
- Complaints relating to any violation of the provisions of the Labor Law in general.
The practical aim of this rule is to enable the worker or any other person to report the defect to the inspection body without fear that the employer will learn of it; if the employer knew a complaint existed he could guess its source, which might deter workers from reporting at all. For this reason the prohibition is not limited to revealing the complainant's name, but extends to merely disclosing that a complaint exists in the first place.
This article complements Article 201, which gives the labor inspector the power to issue instructions to employers to make amendments to work rules for devices and equipment within periods he sets, and to request the necessary procedures immediately when there is a danger threatening workers' health and safety. The inspector can act on the complaints that reached him and exercise his powers under Article 201, without linking that, before the employer, to the existence of a particular complaint.
In practical terms, if you are a worker and notice a defect in devices or a violation of the provisions of the Law, filing a complaint with labor inspection is surrounded by this legal protection. If you have a special situation in which you fear the consequences of reporting, it is appropriate to consult a lawyer specialized in labor cases to learn your options precisely.
Practical example
Saad works as a technician at a factory in Dammam and noticed that one machine was running without the required safety guard. Saad filed a complaint with the labor inspector. When the inspector visits the factory, he does not tell the factory manager that he received a complaint, but conducts the inspection and issues his instructions to install the safety guard within a period he sets, relying on Article 201, so the matter of the complaint and its author stays confidential under Article 202.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Active contributorFrequently asked questions about Article 202 of the Saudi Labor Law
Is a labor inspector entitled to tell the employer that a complaint has been filed against him?
No. Article 202 expressly provides that the labor inspector may not reveal the existence of these complaints to the employer or whoever stands in his place, and must treat them with absolute confidentiality.
What kinds of complaints does the confidentiality in Article 202 cover?
It covers complaints that reach the labor inspector about any deficiency in devices, as well as any violation of the provisions of the Labor Law.
Does confidentiality prevent the labor inspector from taking action on the complaint?
No. Confidentiality relates only to not disclosing that the complaint exists, and the inspector retains his powers under Article 201, such as issuing instructions for the necessary amendments or requesting immediate procedures when there is a danger to workers' health and safety.
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The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.