Guidance for Resignation in Probation Period

Member since 04 December 2024

Mahirah JawaidMember05 December 2024 09:52:15

Hey, I am Mahirah currently working in Riyadh's company. I joined my company in March 2023 on a business visa with a 2-year agreement. In September 2024, after 2.5 years, they issued me an iqama and signed a 2-year contract via Qiwa. The contract clearly states that either party can terminate it at any time with a penalty of SAR 11,000.

Recently, I received a better job offer, so I resigned after completing 3 months of probation as per the Qiwa contract. Despite fulfilling all my obligations, my employer is refusing to transfer my iqama and is insisting on processing a final exit instead.

I am concerned they might impose a re-entry ban, which could harm my career. I want to know if I’m legally entitled to an iqama transfer, whether they can impose such a ban, and what steps I can take to resolve this fairly.

Also he rejected my resignation during probation period. Is it allowed that employer can reject the resignation during probation?

XTang Bahrain/UAE/KSA Expert

Member since 22 April 2014

XTangBahrain/UAE/KSA Expert08 December 2024 08:59:49

11957

No, during probation either party can resign. The issue is that to get your rights, you have to file a labor case or reach some sort of agreemetn with your employer. There is no automatic enforcement of QIWA contract. And no, you are not legally entitled to an Iqama transfer - theoretically you can transfer by following due process on QIWA when your contract has finished and not renewed. During the contractual period, it will still go to employer for approval