Private-sector contracts are governed by the Labour Law (Law No. 36 of 2012), which the LMRA publishes in English.
Form of the contract
- It must be in writing, in Arabic, with a copy for each side. If it is written in another language, an Arabic version must come with it.
- If the employer has internal work rules, they must be attached and signed.
- If there is no written contract, the worker (not the employer) can prove their rights by any means, such as payslips or messages.
What it must say: the employer's name, address and CR number; the worker's details; the type of work and the length of the contract; and the wage, how and when it is paid, and any benefits.
Probation
- Only valid if it is written into the contract.
- Up to 3 months (some jobs named by ministerial decision can go up to 6).
- During probation either side can end the contract with at least one day's notice.
- An employer can put you on probation only once.
The employer also cannot make you do work that is clearly different from what the contract says, except in an emergency.
The catch: keep your own signed copy. Disputes often turn on what the contract said about salary and allowances, and the Arabic text is the one that counts.
Steps
- Ask for the contract in Arabic (with a translation if you need one).
- Check the job, wage, benefits, contract length and any probation clause.
- Sign two copies and keep one.
- Keep payslips and messages in case of a dispute later.