Saudi courts issued over 130,000 rulings in labour cases last year

Cairo: Labour courts in Saudi Arabia issued more than 130,000 rulings in labour cases last year, an increase of 21 per cent against the previous year, the kingdom’s Justice Ministry has said.

The ministry added that labour courts have contributed to shortening the average hearing period to only 20 days per case, starting from the date of filing the case until it is closed.

Behind-closed-door sessions, meanwhile, dropped to two on average per case.

The time-saving handling of cases last year had a positive impact on protecting the rights of workers and employers alike, thereby improving the work environment and making it more stable and attractive, noted the ministry.

Saudi Arabia, a country of 32.2 million, is home to a large community of expatriate workers.

In recent years, Saudi labour tribunals have kept abreast of major developments in the kingdom’s job market by fast-tracking decisions on related disputes.

A mechanism has been introduced in the kingdom to reach friendly settlements to disputes that may break out between the employee and the employer to ensure stable relationship between the contractual parties.

Efforts to reach an amicable settlement mark the first phase in handling suits on labour rows during which mediation endeavours are made to bring views of the parties involved closer in a bid to reach a compromise acceptable to both sides.

If not, the suit is referred to a labour court within the 21 days of the first settlement session.

In 2018, new labour courts were introduced in Saudi Arabia to ensure fast-track litigation and delivery of justice as part of massive reforms in the country.