Article 8 of the Saudi Officers Service Law
المادة 8 من نظام خدمة الضباط · الفصل الثاني: التعيين
The article puts a second lieutenant on probation for two years, then a third year in another unit if his confidential reports are unsatisfactory, after which he is dispensed with, without rights, if they remain so.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
يعتبر الضابط المعين في رتبة ملازم تحت الاختبار لمدة سنتين فإذا كانت تقاريره السرية غير مرضية ينقل إلى وحدة أخرى لمدة سنة ثالثة فإذا كانت تقاريره عند نهايتها غير مرضية استغني من خدماته دون أن يترتب له أي حق من الحقوق المنصوص عليها في مجموعة الأنظمة العسكرية إلا إذا كان الضابط المذكور قد رقى من رتبة وكيل ممتاز فيجوز إعادته إلى رتبته التي رقى منها أو الاستغناء عن خدماته.
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 8 explained in plain English
This article governs the probation period of an officer appointed with the rank of second lieutenant, in stages:
- The original probation: a second lieutenant who is appointed is considered on probation for two years.
- A second chance: if his confidential reports are unsatisfactory, he is transferred to another unit for a third year.
- Dispensing with his services: if his reports at the end of the third year are also unsatisfactory, his services are dispensed with without his having any of the rights provided for in the body of military regulations.
The exception: if the officer was promoted from the rank of senior warrant officer, one of two things is permitted: returning him to his rank from which he was promoted, or dispensing with his services.
The text shows that an officer is not dispensed with immediately after unsatisfactory reports in the first two years, but is given a chance in another unit, and the decision to dispense with him is tied to his reports at the end of the third year. The most severe effect of dispensing with him is that he has no right to the rights provided for in the body of military regulations, and the article does not detail these rights.
Anyone who received unsatisfactory reports during the probation period may consult a lawyer specializing in administrative cases and military service matters.
Practical example
Second Lieutenant Badr was appointed after graduating, and his confidential reports in his first two years were unsatisfactory, so he was transferred to another unit for a third year. If his reports at its end are satisfactory he continues in service; if they remain unsatisfactory, his services are dispensed with without any of the rights provided for in the body of military regulations.
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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Frequently asked questions about Article 8 of the Saudi Officers Service Law
How long is the probation period of an officer with the rank of second lieutenant?
Two years, with a third year in another unit if his confidential reports are unsatisfactory.
What happens if a second lieutenant's reports continue to be unsatisfactory?
His services are dispensed with, and he has none of the rights provided for in the body of military regulations.
What is the rule for a second lieutenant promoted from senior warrant officer who does not pass probation?
He may be returned to the rank from which he was promoted, or his services may be dispensed with.
More articles on Conditions for Appointing Officers
- Article 4Amended (1403 AH)
The article sets the conditions for appointing an officer: Saudi origin and upbringing, completion of 19 years, medical fitness and freedom from disease, the required qualifications, good character, and no sentence for a hadd offense or a crime involving moral turpitude.
يشترط في تعيين الضابط توفر الشروط التالية : أ- أن يكون سعودي الأصل والمنشأ ويستثنى من شرط المنشأ من نشأ مع والده أثناء خدمته للدولة خارج المملكة. ب- قد أكمل الت
- Article 5
The article provides that an officer is appointed by decision of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, on the proposal of the Prime Minister and after the recommendation of the Minister.
يتم التعيين بقرار من القائد الأعلى للقوات المسلحة بناءً على اقتراح رئيس مجلس الوزراء وبعد توصية الوزير.
- Article 6
The article sets who is appointed with the rank of second lieutenant: graduates of Saudi military colleges and their equivalents, equivalent foreign institutions, and colleges and institutes whose specializations the Armed Forces need, with an exception possible by Council of Ministers decision.
1- يعين في رتبة الملازم :- أ- خريجو الكليات العسكرية أو المؤسسات العسكرية السعودية التي تعادل شهاداتها شهادات الكليات العسكرية السعودية. ب- خريجو الكليات أو الم
- Article 7
For graduates of colleges and institutes under paragraphs (b) and (c) of Article 6, the article counts study years beyond three as seniority, and requires paragraph (c) graduates to pass a military course to continue.
بالنسبة للمتخرج من الكليات والمعاهد المنصوص عليها في الفقرتين (ب،ج) من المادة السادسة إذا كانت سنوات الدراسة المقررة للكلية أو المعهد تزيد على ثلاث سنوات فتحتسب
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.