Resigning from a job in Saudi Arabia works differently from India or the UAE — and the rules changed in 2025. If you have a new offer, inside or outside the Kingdom, here is what you need to know about notice periods and resignation before you hand in your letter.
What changed in 2025
Amendments to the Saudi Labour Law took effect on 19 February 2025. The key points for workers:
- Resignation is now clearly defined in the law as a valid way to end a contract.
- For an indefinite (unlimited) contract with a monthly wage, the employee must give at least 30 days' written notice, while the employer must give at least 60 days. If wages are not paid monthly, both sides give at least 30 days.
- After you submit a resignation, if the employer does not accept or reply within 30 days, the resignation is treated as accepted.
- The employer can delay acceptance for up to 60 days if there is a genuine business reason, and must tell you in writing.
Sources: Al Tamimi & Company on the labour law amendments, BCLP's consolidated Saudi labour update and Morgan Lewis on the key amendments. Laws can be updated — always check your contract and the latest official guidance. Last checked: October 2026.
You can change your mind, briefly
The amended law also gives a short cooling-off window. According to BCLP's summary, an employee can withdraw a resignation within 7 days of submitting it, as long as the employer has not already accepted it. If you resigned in anger or your new offer falls through, act quickly and withdraw in writing.
Fixed-term contracts are different
If your contract has a fixed end date, leaving early can mean compensation for the remaining period, depending on your contract terms. Read the termination clause carefully, or ask HR in writing before resigning.
Step-by-step: resigning the right way
- Read your contract — type (fixed or indefinite) and notice clause.
- Write a resignation letter with the date and your last working day.
- Submit it formally (email to HR plus a signed copy, or through the company system) and keep proof.
- Count your notice — at least 30 days for an employee on an indefinite contract under the amended law.
- Plan your new joining date after the notice ends, with a small buffer.
- Settle your end-of-service award and documents (experience letter, final settlement).
Your end-of-service award when you resign
Resigning reduces the end-of-service award in Saudi Arabia on a sliding scale. Under Article 84 the full award is half a month's wage for each of the first five years and one month's wage for each year after that. Under Article 85, when the employee resigns:
| Years of service | Share of the award |
|---|---|
| Less than 2 years | Nothing |
| 2 to under 5 years | One third |
| 5 to under 10 years | Two thirds |
| 10 years or more | Full award |
These tiers are set out in guides such as KSA Expats' Article 84 and 85 calculator and the Etqan law firm's note on Article 85. Some exceptions (in Article 87) allow a full award, for example in certain cases where the employee leaves because of the employer's breach. If you are close to a threshold, such as 4 years 10 months, it can pay to wait until you cross it before resigning.
Moving to a new employer inside Saudi Arabia
Job transfers are handled on the Qiwa platform, and your contract status matters. The usual route is that your new employer submits a transfer request through Qiwa once you meet the conditions, as Wego's 2026 Iqama transfer guide describes. In some cases a transfer is possible without the current employer's consent; for example, ARY News reported in 2026 that a worker whose Iqama has been expired for more than three months may be eligible. Conditions change, so check Qiwa or the Ministry of Human Resources before you rely on any route. Do not start working for a new employer until the transfer is properly completed — working for someone other than your sponsor-employer without the right approvals can cause serious problems.
Common resignation mistakes in Saudi Arabia
- Resigning only by WhatsApp or verbally. Submit a written resignation (email plus signed copy, or the company HR system) and keep proof of the date.
- Counting from the wrong day. Your notice starts from the date the employer receives the letter, not the date you wrote it.
- Booking a flight before your final exit visa is issued. Wait until the exit process is complete.
- Ignoring the end-of-service thresholds. A few weeks can move you from one-third to two-thirds of the award.
- Starting a new job early. Working for a new employer before the Qiwa transfer is complete can create legal trouble for you and the new company.
Leaving Saudi Arabia for a job in another country
- Serve your notice, collect your final settlement and experience letter.
- Make sure your exit/final-exit process is completed correctly before you travel.
- Keep copies of everything — new employers in the UAE, Qatar or your home country will ask for experience letters.
FAQ
Is the notice period 30 or 60 days in Saudi Arabia?
Under the 2025 amendments, an employee ending an indefinite contract gives at least 30 days; an employer gives at least 60 days (for monthly-paid workers). Your contract may set other terms within the law.
What if my employer ignores my resignation?
Under the amended law, if there is no reply within 30 days, the resignation is treated as accepted (unless the employer has delayed it for a valid reason, up to 60 days).
Do I get end-of-service benefits if I resign?
Usually yes, but the amount can depend on your years of service and contract — check with HR.
Can I withdraw my resignation?
Yes, within 7 days of submitting it, if the employer has not accepted it yet.
How much end-of-service award do I get if I resign after 3 years?
One third of the full award, because resignation between 2 and 5 years of service reduces it to one third.
Plan your exact dates. Use the free Notice Period Calculator → to find the latest day you should resign before your new job starts.