Law and You by Mohammed Jaber Nader

C.M. I have been working in a Riyadh bank for a year now. My current employer recruited me from my home country. I am being paid much less than what I see others in my job category being paid in the marketplace. I have been offered jobs at triple my current salary. My employer will not grant a no-objection certificate that would allow me the freedom of choosing another employer who knows what I am worth as an employee. If I decide to leave, would I need this no-objection certificate to return and work for another employer?

Technically, no. Practically, maybe. The law has changed, but some consulates abroad are still applying the old law, not yet having received notice that this requirement — to obtain a NOC even if you’re sent home and return to work for another employer — has been abolished. You will need to check with the Saudi mission nearest your home to see if it is still implementing the old requirement or not.

ABR I have been working with my present company for the past five years. Each year I work during Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha holidays receiving neither extra payment nor off days in lieu of the days I work. On asking the management, I was told that there was percentage in my monthly salary to financially reward me for the loss of such benefits. My contract mentions nothing in this regard. I am thinking of complaining to the Labor Office. Is it a good idea?

If you can prove that you have been instructed by your company in writing to work on those public holidays, the law entitles you to get overtime. If not, and if your company denies and claims you have worked voluntarily, then you do not have the right to claim. Remember you must have written instructions or acknowledgment from your employer. Of course, you can always complain to the Labor Office. If you do not know good Arabic, take an interpreter with you.