Article 9 of the Saudi Unemployment Insurance Law
المادة 9 من نظام التأمين ضد التعطل عن العمل
The Article makes compensation payable from the first day of the month after the Article 8 conditions are met, provided registration was made within the period in Article 10.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
يستحق المستفيد التعويض اعتباراً من أول الشهر التالي لتاريخ توافر الشروط المنصوص عليها في المادة (الثامنة) من هذا النظام، بشرط أن يكون التسجيل قد تم خلال الفترة المنصوص عليها في المادة (العاشرة) من هذا النظام.
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 9 explained in plain English
This Article sets when entitlement to compensation begins, and ties it to two things:
- The conditions being met: the beneficiary is entitled to compensation from the first day of the month following the date the conditions in Article 8 are met. These are: Saudi nationality; completing the periods set in Article 14; not being dismissed for a reason attributable to the subscriber; having no income from work or a private business; not having left work of one's own free will; being able to work; not reaching sixty; registering with the Ministry; a serious job search; complying with training; and abiding by the Ministry's instructions.
- Registering on time: registration must have been made within the period in Article 10, which is 90 days from the date of leaving work covered by the Law.
So compensation is not payable for days before the start of the month following the date the conditions are completed; it begins with the first day of that month. Because registering with the Ministry is itself one of the Article 8 conditions, a delay in registering delays the conditions being met, and passing the 90-day deadline means the condition of this Article is not met.
A worker who has lost their job should therefore register with the Ministry promptly, without waiting. As for the procedures and timing of paying out compensation, Article 20 refers them to the Implementing Regulations. Anyone with a disagreement about the date their entitlement begins can consult a lawyer specialized in social insurance.
Practical example
Abdullah's contract at a company in Makkah ended for a reason beyond his control, and he registered with the Ministry 20 days after leaving work, so his conditions were completed in the middle of a month. Abdullah is entitled to compensation from the first day of the month following that date, because his registration was made within the 90-day period.
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 9 of the Saudi Unemployment Insurance Law
When does entitlement to unemployment compensation begin?
From the first day of the month following the date the eligibility conditions in Article 8 are met.
Does late registration affect entitlement?
Yes. Registration must have been made within 90 days of the date of leaving work, as Article 10 provides.
Articles this article refers to
- Article 8
The Article lists the conditions a subscriber must meet to receive unemployment compensation, including Saudi nationality, completing work periods and not leaving work voluntarily.
1 - يحق للمشترك الحصول على التعويض المنصوص عليه في هذا النظام إذا توافرت لديه الشروط الآتية: أ - أن يكون سعودي الجنسية. ب - أن يكمل المدد المحددة في المادة (الر
- Article 10
The Article requires the subscriber to register with the Ministry within 90 days of leaving work, the beneficiary to notify it within 7 days of changes, and the employer to provide the Ministry with information.
1- يجب على المشترك أن يسجل لدى الوزارة خلال (90) تسعين يوماً من تاريخ ترك العمل الخاضع لهذا النظام. 2- يتعين على المستفيد إشعار الوزارة خلال مدة لا تتجاوز سبعة
More articles on Registering and Claiming Unemployment Compensation
- Article 10
The Article requires the subscriber to register with the Ministry within 90 days of leaving work, the beneficiary to notify it within 7 days of changes, and the employer to provide the Ministry with information.
1- يجب على المشترك أن يسجل لدى الوزارة خلال (90) تسعين يوماً من تاريخ ترك العمل الخاضع لهذا النظام. 2- يتعين على المستفيد إشعار الوزارة خلال مدة لا تتجاوز سبعة
- Article 20
The Article refers to the Implementing Regulations to set the procedures and times for paying compensation amounts.
تحدد اللائحة إجراءات دفع مبالغ التعويض وأوقاتها.
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.