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The Gulf Expat

Can I withdraw my resignation in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, within 7 days of handing it in, as long as your employer has not accepted it first (Art. 79 bis). After that, the request runs its course.

Checked 21 October 2026

Get your datesEvery deadline as a date, from your last working day.

What to do now

  1. Count 7 days from the day you handed in your resignation. That is your last day to withdraw.
  2. Withdraw in writing, and ask HR to confirm it in writing.
  3. If you go ahead, build your leaving plan.
See an example plan
Example only: an expat who resigned, with a last working day of 7 Nov 2026. Tap it to build your own.

What to ask HR

  1. Has my resignation been accepted yet, and on what date?
  2. Can you confirm in writing that my withdrawal is received?
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The 7-day window

You can take back your resignation within a period of up to 7 days from the day you submitted it (Art. 79 bis).

The window closes early if your employer accepts the resignation before you withdraw.

So if you are unsure, wait before you hand it in. A request sent in a hurry can be accepted the same day.

How to withdraw

Do it in writing, the same way you handed in the resignation. Keep a dated copy.

Ask HR to confirm in writing that the request is withdrawn and your contract carries on.

What happens if you do nothing

Your contract ends when one of these happens first (Art. 79 bis):

  • Your employer accepts the resignation.
  • 30 days pass from submission with no reply.
  • A deferral your employer set runs out.

Deferral

If the work needs it, your employer can put acceptance off for up to 60 days. It must decide before the 30 days run out, and tell you why in writing.

While the request is open, your contract stays valid. You keep working and keep all your rights.

Write it right the first time

A resignation is a written request with no conditions (Art. 2). It may not carry a later resignation date either (Art. 79 bis).

Give 30 days' notice in writing (Art. 75).

If you do not withdraw

Article 85 sets the share a resignation keeps, unless an Article 87 exception applies. Ask HRSD how your exit will be recorded.

  • Under 2 years: nothing.
  • 2 to 5 years: one third.
  • Over 5 and under 10: two thirds.
  • 10 years or more: all of it.

When you end the contract, your employer has two weeks to settle everything (Art. 88).

Not paid? HRSD's friendly settlement service through Wedi is free. The labour court stops hearing claims 12 months after the job ends (Art. 234).

SANED covers Saudi nationals only, and does not pay after a resignation (SANED Law, Arts. 3 and 8).