Employment Contracts in Saudi ...

Within the framework of protection provided by Saudi legislation for workers' rights, Article 81 of the Saudi Labor Law serves as a cornerstone ensuring the worker's right to withdraw from their employment contract without prior notice, while preserving all their legal rights. This right manifests as a symbol of the balance in the employment relationship between both parties, a balance the Saudi system seeks to enhance, thereby achieving justice and equality within it.

The worker has the right to leave work without notice while retaining all his statutory rights, in any of the following cases:

1- If the employer fails to fulfill contractual or substantive legal obligations towards the worker.

2- If it is proven that the employer or their representative engaged in deception regarding the terms and conditions of employment at the time of contracting.

3- If the employer assigns the worker, against their will, to work substantially different from what was agreed upon, contrary to what is stipulated in Article 60 of this law.

4- If the employer, their family members, or the responsible manager commits violence or behaves in a manner contrary to ethics towards the worker or their family members.

5- If the treatment by the employer or the responsible manager exhibits signs of cruelty, injustice, or humiliation.

6- If there is a serious threat to the worker's safety or health at the workplace, provided that the employer was aware of it and did not take measures to address it.

7- If the employer or their representative forces the worker, especially through unfair treatment or violation of contract terms, to the extent that it appears the worker terminated the contract.

In conclusion, Article 81 of the Saudi Labor Law represents a legal guarantee for workers, safeguarding their rights in situations where continuing employment becomes impractical or detrimental to their rights and interests, thus promoting balance and justice in the employment relationship.