Article 235 of the Saudi Labor Law
المادة 235 من نظام العمل · الباب الخامس عشر: العقوبات
While a case is pending before the labor courts, the article bars the employer from changing the terms of employment in force before the proceedings began, in a way that harms the worker's position in the case.
Text of the added article (Arabic)
This article was added to the law by Royal Decree No. M/14 dated 22/2/1440 AH.
لا يجوز لصاحب العمل أثناء نظر الدعوى أمام المحاكم العمالية أن يغير من شروط التشغيل التي كانت سارية قبل بدء الإجراءات، تغييراً يترتب عليه الإضرار بموقف العامل في الدعوى.
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 235 explained in plain English
This article protects a worker who has a case against the employer pending before the labor courts, so that changing working conditions is not used as a means of pressuring the worker or influencing the case.
The prohibition rests on several elements:
- Who it covers: The employer.
- When it applies: While the case is being heard before the labor courts.
- What is protected: The terms of employment in force before the proceedings began.
- The prohibited change: A change that harms the worker's position in the case.
The article does not prohibit every change in working terms, only a change that harms the worker's position in the case. It does not list the forms such a change may take, and it does not state the penalty for violating it.
The amendment history of this article shows Royal Decree No. M/14 dated 22/2/1440 AH.
If a worker believes the employer changed his working terms during the case in a way that harms his position, he is advised to consult a lawyer specializing in the Labor Law to assess his situation.
Practical example
Ahmed files a case before the labor court against a company in Riyadh where he works. While the case is being heard, the company may not change the terms of employment that were in force before the proceedings began in a way that harms Ahmed's position in the case.
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 235 of the Saudi Labor Law
May an employer change a worker's terms of employment during a labor case?
While the case is being heard before the labor courts, the employer may not change the terms of employment in force before the proceedings began in a way that harms the worker's position in the case.
Does the article prohibit any change in working terms during the case?
The article's text prohibits a change that harms the worker's position in the case, not every change.
Which terms does the article protect?
The terms of employment that were in force before the proceedings began.
Amendment history
Royal Decree No. M/14 — 22/2/1440 AH
Official amendment text (Arabic)
- إضافة مادة تحمل الرقم ( الخامسة والثلاثون بعد المائتين ) يكون النص كالآتي:
" لا يجوز لصاحب العمل أثناء نظر الدعوى أمام المحاكم العمالية أن يغير من شروط التشغيل التي كانت سارية قبل بدء الإجراءات، تغييراً يترتب عليه الإضرار بموقف العامل في الدعوى. "
وأضيفت هذه المادة وذلك بموجب المرسوم الملكي رقم (م/14) وتاريخ 1440/2/22هـ.
Earlier text under the same number
This article was renumbered by the amendments; the same number previously held the following text before it was repealed.
Repealed text (Arabic)
يعاقب صاحب العمل عن مخالفة حكم المادة التسعين من هذا النظام بغرامة لا تقل عن خمسمائة ريال ولا تزيد على ثلاثة آلاف ريال، وتتعدد الغرامة بقدر عدد العمال الذين وقعت المخالفة بشأنهم.
More articles on Labor Disputes
- Article 72Amended by M/44
Article 72 requires notifying the worker in writing of a sanction decision, gives them 30 days to submit a grievance to the employer, then 30 days to object before the labor courts if the grievance is rejected or not decided within 15 days.
يجب أن يبلغ العامل بقرار توقيع الجزاء عليه كتابة، فإذا امتنع عن الاستلام أو كان غائباً فيرسل البلاغ بكتاب مسجل على عنوانه المبين في ملفه، وله التظلم كتابة للجهة
- Article 234Amended (1440 AH)
Labor courts do not accept a claim for labor rights filed more than 12 months after the employment relationship ends, unless the court accepts an excuse or the defendant admits the right; labor cases are heard urgently.
أ- لا تقبل أمام المحاكم العمالية أي دعوى تتعلق بالمطالبة بحق من الحقوق المنصوص عليها في هذا النظام أو الناشئة عن عقد العمل بعد مضي اثني عشر شهاً من تاريخ انتهاء
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.