Salary Not Paid in Saudi Arabia? How to File a Complaint (Mudad, Qiwa, HRSD)

Salary delay is one of the most common problems Indian workers face in Saudi Arabia. Whether it’s a one-month delay or your employer hasn’t paid for three months, you have legal rights — and there are specific government platforms to get your money.

This guide covers exactly how to file a complaint, what documents you need, and the timelines the law sets for your employer.

Your Right to Timely Salary Payment

Saudi Labor Law is clear on this:

• Monthly workers must be paid at least once per month (Article 90)
• Daily workers must be paid at least once per week
• Payment must be in Saudi Riyals (SAR) unless your contract specifies otherwise
• Employers must pay through WPS (Wage Protection System) — electronic bank transfer

WPS means your salary should hit your bank account every month. If it doesn’t, there’s a digital trail that proves the delay.

How Long Can an Employer Delay Salary?

There’s no “grace period” — if your salary is due on the 1st and it’s not in your account, that’s a delay. But here’s what the law says:

Important: You don’t need to wait. If your salary is late, you can file a complaint on the same day it’s due.

Step 1: Talk to Your Employer (Document Everything)

Before going to authorities, try resolving it directly:

1. Send a written message (WhatsApp, email, or internal system) asking about your salary
2. Keep screenshots of all conversations
3. Get a response (or document that they ignored you)
4. Wait 3-5 days for a response

Why this matters: When you file a complaint, having proof that you tried to resolve it directly strengthens your case.

Step 2: File a Complaint on Mudad

Mudad (mudad.sa) is the official platform for salary complaints in Saudi Arabia.

How to File on Mudad:

1. Go to mudad.sa or download the Mudad app
2. Log in with your Iqama number and Absher password
3. Select “File a Salary Complaint”
4. Enter details:
   • Employer name and CR number
   • Your job title
   • Salary amount
   • Months/days of delay
   • Your bank account details
5. Upload documents:
   • Copy of your Iqama
   • Copy of your employment contract
   • Bank statements showing no salary credit
   • Screenshots of conversations with employer
6. Submit the complaint
7. Note the complaint number — you’ll need it for follow-up

What Happens After Filing on Mudad:

• Mudad notifies your employer
• Employer has 5 business days to respond
• If they don’t respond or the response is unsatisfactory, Mudad escalates to HRSD
• HRSD investigates and can impose fines on the employer
• You’ll receive updates via SMS and the Mudad platform

Step 3: File on Qiwa (Alternative or Additional)

Qiwa (qiwa.sa) is another platform for labor complaints:

1. Log in with your Iqama number
2. Go to “Services” → “Labor Complaints”
3. Select “Salary Non-Payment”
4. Fill in the details similar to Mudad
5. Upload supporting documents
6. Submit

Qiwa vs Mudad: Both platforms handle salary complaints. You can use either one, or both. Mudad is specifically designed for salary/wage issues, while Qiwa handles broader labor complaints.

Step 4: Call HRSD Hotline

If you need immediate help or want to follow up:

HRSD Hotline: 19911 (available 24/7)

What to tell them:

• Your Iqama number
• Employer name and CR number
• How many months your salary is delayed
• Whether you’ve filed on Mudad/Qiwa
• Any complaint reference numbers

Language: The hotline has Arabic and English support. If you need Hindi, ask for an interpreter or have an Arabic-speaking friend help.

Step 5: Visit the Labor Office

If the online platforms and hotline don’t resolve your issue:

1. Find your nearest Labor Office — check hrsd.gov.sa for locations
2. Bring these documents:
   • Original Iqama
   • Employment contract (Qiwa printout)
   • Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
   • Mudad/Qiwa complaint reference number
   • Screenshots of conversations with employer
3. File a formal complaint at the Labor Office
4. Get a receipt with your complaint number

What Documents You Need

Before filing, gather these:

Timeline — How Long Does Resolution Take?

Fastest resolution: Most salary complaints filed on Mudad are resolved within 2-4 weeks if the employer is responsive.

What Happens to the Employer?

When you file a salary complaint, the employer faces:

1. Official warning from HRSD
2. Fine for late payment
3. Business suspension for repeated violations
4. Iqama renewal block — employer cannot renew worker iqamas if they have unpaid salary complaints
5. Potential criminal charges for prolonged non-payment

The system is designed to protect workers. Don’t feel guilty about filing — you’re exercising your legal right.

Special Situations for Indians

Situation 1: Employer Says “No Money”

This is not your problem. The employer is legally obligated to pay your salary regardless of their business situation. File a complaint.

Situation 2: Employer Asks You to Wait “Next Month”

Don’t wait indefinitely. If salary is delayed by more than one month, file a complaint. You can always withdraw it if they pay.

Situation 3: You’ve Already Left Saudi Arabia

You can still file a complaint through the Indian Embassy in Riyadh or through Mudad online (you don’t need to be in Saudi Arabia to use the platform).

Situation 4: Employer Threatens to Cancel Your Iqama

This is illegal. An employer cannot cancel your iqama as retaliation for filing a salary complaint. If they threaten this, report it to HRSD immediately.

Situation 5: Multiple Months of Unpaid Salary

File immediately. You’re also entitled to:

• All unpaid salary
• End of Service Benefit (ESB) if you choose to leave
• Damages for the delay

How to Check Your WPS Payment History

You can verify whether your employer has actually sent your salary through WPS:

1. Log in to Mudad (mudad.sa)
2. Go to “My Salary” or “Payment History”
3. Check if salary was processed through WPS
4. If WPS shows payment but you didn’t receive it — the issue is with your bank
5. If WPS shows no payment — the employer hasn’t processed your salary

Related Articles

• ESB (End of Service Benefit) Calculation Guide — Your gratuity rights when leaving
• Download Qiwa Contract — Verify your salary details
• Terminate Qiwa Contract Without Notice Period — When you can leave without notice
• Jobs & Employment Guide — Complete employment guide

FAQ

How long can my employer delay my salary? There’s no grace period. Salary must be paid monthly. If it’s delayed by even one day past the due date, you can file a complaint.

Which platform should I use — Mudad or Qiwa? Both work. Mudad is specifically for salary issues. Qiwa handles broader labor complaints. You can use either or both.

Do I need to be in Saudi Arabia to file a complaint? No. Both Mudad and Qiwa can be accessed online. You can also file through the Indian Embassy.

Can my employer fire me for filing a salary complaint? No. This is illegal retaliation. Report any threats to HRSD immediately.

What if my employer says the salary delay is because of “business problems”? This is not your problem. The employer is legally obligated to pay regardless of their business situation.

How long does resolution take? Most cases are resolved within 2-4 weeks through Mudad. Complex cases may take 1-3 months through the Labor Office.

Can I claim damages for salary delay? Yes. You can claim the delayed salary plus additional compensation for the delay.

What if I’ve already left Saudi Arabia? File through the Indian Embassy in Riyadh or use Mudad/Qiwa online platforms.

This article reflects Saudi Labor Law as of June 2026. Rules may change — always verify with the Ministry of Human Resources (hrsd.gov.sa) or call 19911 for the latest information.

Official Sources:

• Mudad Platform
• Qiwa Platform
• HRSD — File a Complaint
• Embassy of India, Riyadh — Labour Law