14 votes

My employer in Saudi hasn't paid salary for 2 months. What can I do?

Legal

I work as a chef at a hotel in Jeddah. It's been 2 months and my employer has not paid my salary. He keeps saying 'next week, next week.' I have a family in Sri Lanka depending on me. I don't know what to do.

Can I complain? Will I get deported if I complain? I'm scared to take action but I cannot go on like this. Please I need urgent help.

Chaminda Kumara 1 month ago 493 views 3 answers

3 Answers

Accepted Answer

Brother, DO NOT be afraid. You have every right to get paid — this is THEFT by your employer. Saudi Labour Law is clear on this. Here's what to do RIGHT NOW:

STEP 1 — DOCUMENT EVERYTHING
Save all messages/communications where salary is promised. Keep your employment contract safe.

STEP 2 — FILE A COMPLAINT (ONLINE — EASY)
Go to: musaed.com.sa OR the MHRSD app
OR Call: 19911 (Ministry of Human Resources)
File a complaint — state: 'employer has not paid salary for 2 months'

STEP 3 — EMBASSY SUPPORT
Contact Sri Lanka Embassy Riyadh: +966-11-4542614 immediately. They have a Labour Attaché specifically for such cases. They are very helpful.

STEP 4 — WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The Labour Office will contact your employer and demand payment within a specific deadline. If employer doesn't comply, the case goes to Labour Court. Saudi courts generally rule in favor of workers on wage theft cases.

WILL YOU BE DEPORTED? No — complaining is your legal right. You are protected. Your employer cannot legally terminate you for filing a labor complaint.

You can also call SLBFE Sri Lanka: 1987 for advice and support.

Saman Wickramasinghe 1 month ago

I had a similar situation in Kuwait years ago. The most important thing — start documenting from today. Take photos of any chat messages about your salary.

Also if it gets to the worst case, the Saudi Labour Court provides free legal representation for workers. You don't need a lawyer — the court handles it. Cases are usually resolved in 1-3 months.

Stay strong! The law is on your side.

Malini Herath 1 month ago

Also worth knowing: Saudi Arabia has a Wage Protection System (WPS). Employers are legally required to pay salaries through bank transfer and report this to MHRSD. If your employer is NOT doing this, they are already in violation. This makes your case even stronger when you complain.

Ask your employer for a bank account transfer — if they refuse, that itself is documented proof.

Priya Rathnayake 1 month ago