In brief
The core law of public employment: merit as the basis for selection, and the rules on appointment, duties, salaries, allowances, promotion, leave and end of service.
Summary of the law
Key points
- Applicants must not have been sentenced to a hadd or qisas penalty or to over a year in prison, or convicted of bribery, forgery, embezzlement or drug crimes, unless at least a year has passed since the sentence ended or was waived (Article 4).
- Details on appointment, promotion and leave are in the HR Executive Regulation; pay and allowances in the Financial Rights and Benefits Regulation.
Common problems
- Engaging in trade directly or indirectly, which is prohibited for employees, as is accepting or soliciting bribes.
- Lateness and absence, the most frequent grounds for discipline.
- Disputes over promotion or credited experience, challenged with the employer and then the Administrative Court.
Practical tip
- Keep your appointment, promotion and appraisal decisions; they are the basis of any grievance before the Board of Grievances.
A plain-language summary prepared by Al-Bayan Al-Wadih Law Firm, focused on the violations and problems that come up most in daily life. It is not a substitute for the official text or for legal advice.
What it covers
- Merit as the basis of public office
- Conditions of appointment
- Duties and prohibited acts
- Pay, promotion and end of service
Timeline
- Issued: Royal Decree M/49 · 10/7/1397H
Full record of amendments and regulations at the official source
Official text at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development
The authoritative text is in Arabic; the Bureau of Experts publishes English translations for some laws.
Library content is simplified general information for awareness only. It is not legal advice and does not replace the official text. Laws change: always check the official source and consult a lawyer before acting. Library data last reviewed: .