Saudi Legal Glossary

Plain-language explanations of common Saudi legal terms: the official term, what it means, and what to watch for — with the official source and the related guide for each term.

Absence-from-work (taghayyub) report

Also searched as: huroob report, absconding report, absence report, taghayyub report

An official notification concerning a worker's absence from work. The older label “huroob” is deprecated; the competent authorities decide whether a report or objection is accepted.

Note: This tool does not assume the report is valid or that one deadline or outcome applies to every worker category.

Source: Procedural Guide for Absence-from-Work Reports — HRSD — Procedural guide, “Absence-from-work report” section · Source checked 2026-07-10

Custody

Also searched as: child custody, custody of the children, who gets the children, custody rights

Protecting and raising a person who cannot care independently for themselves, including attending to education and treatment. The child's best interests remain the court's criterion.

Note: The tool does not predict who will obtain custody and does not replace the court's examination of the facts.

Source: Personal Status Law — Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers — Articles 124 and 127 · Source checked 2026-07-10

Related guide: Custody after divorce

Enforcement of a cheque as a commercial paper and executive instrument

Also searched as: bounced cheque, returned cheque, dishonoured cheque, cheque without funds

A cheque is commercial paper within the executive-instrument framework, and direct enforcement is an established Saudi rule.

Note: Civil enforcement is separate from any criminal track, and each has different requirements.

Source: Enforcement Law — Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers — Article 9(4): commercial papers · Source checked 2026-07-10

Khul

Also searched as: khul, khula, mutual khul, divorce for compensation

Separation between spouses at the wife's request and with the husband's agreement, in return for compensation provided by the wife or another person, under the statutory definition.

Note: The tool does not choose between khul, annulment, or another route; that depends on facts and evidence.

Source: Personal Status Law — Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers — Article 95 · Source checked 2026-07-10

Related guide: Khul: procedure and compensation

Termination of an employment contract for an unlawful reason

Also searched as: unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal, unlawful termination, fired without cause

A statutory description connected to Article 77 compensation where its conditions are met. Using the term does not establish that a termination was unlawful; that depends on the contract, facts, and competent decision-maker.

Note: The tool explains the term; it does not classify an individual dismissal decision.

Source: Labor Law issued by Royal Decree M/51 and amended by Royal Decree M/44 of 1446H, effective 19 February 2025 — Article 77 · Source checked 2026-07-10

Content on this site is general legal information, not legal advice, and is no substitute for consulting a licensed lawyer. We link you to official sources and do not represent any government body.