Annual Leave Not Approved or Paid: What to Do

Encountering resistance when requesting annual leave, or discovering that unused leave was not properly compensated upon leaving a job, can be frustrating given that this is a protected entitlement under Saudi labor law. This guide explains what to do in both situations.

If Your Annual Leave Request Is Repeatedly Denied

While employers can reasonably influence the timing of leave based on business needs, repeatedly denying an employee’s ability to take their earned annual leave at all is generally not permitted under labor law. If you are facing this situation, consider the following steps.

Step-by-Step: Addressing Denied Leave Requests

1. Review your contract and company policy regarding leave request procedures and any required notice.
2. Submit your leave request in writing, keeping a copy for your records.
3. If denied, ask for a clear, specific business reason and a proposed alternative timeframe.
4. Escalate to HR or a higher level of management if your direct manager is unreasonably denying leave requests.
5. File a labor complaint if the pattern continues without reasonable justification.

If Unused Leave Was Not Paid Upon Leaving

Unused annual leave days should generally be compensated financially as part of your final settlement when you leave a company, and if this payment is missing or appears incorrect, it is worth addressing promptly.

Step-by-Step: Addressing Unpaid Leave Compensation

1. Calculate the number of unused leave days you believe you are owed compensation for.
2. Compare this against the final settlement statement provided by your employer.
3. Raise the discrepancy directly with your former employer’s HR department in writing.
4. File a labor complaint through the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development if the matter is not resolved directly.

Documenting Your Leave Balance Throughout Employment

Keeping your own informal record of leave taken and remaining balance throughout your employment, rather than relying solely on your employer’s tracking, helps you quickly identify and address any discrepancies when it comes time to request leave or calculate your final settlement.

When to Seek Formal Support

If informal attempts to resolve either a denied leave request or unpaid leave compensation are unsuccessful, filing a formal labor complaint provides a structured path toward resolution, backed by your documentation of the leave balance and any relevant correspondence.

Related Guides

• Annual Leave Entitlement in Saudi Arabia: Complete Guide
• How to File a Labor Complaint in Saudi Arabia: Step-by-Step Guide
• Browse all Employment guides

Conclusion

Both denied leave requests and unpaid leave compensation are addressable issues under Saudi labor law, provided you approach them with clear documentation and, if needed, escalate through the appropriate formal channels. Keeping track of your own leave balance throughout your employment puts you in the strongest position to resolve any disputes quickly.