RIYADH — The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced the commencement of implementing the second phase of recognizing notarized employment contracts as enforceable documents. This phase includes fixed-term contracts upon their updating or renewal, as part of the ministry's efforts to enhance the reliability of contractual relationships and improve the efficiency of procedures related to safeguarding the rights of all parties involved.The second phase targets fixed-term contracts, with the third phase extending to open-ended contracts. This allows various establishments and employees the opportunity to gradually adapt to the new procedures.The ministry clarified that benefiting from the enforceable document requires notarizing or updating the employment contract through the Qiwa platform and obtaining an enforcement number from the Documentation Center at the Ministry of Justice. If an employee does not receive their full wages within 30 days of the due date, or receives only a partial wage after 90 days, they can submit an electronic request for enforcement through the Najiz platform. The employer has five days from the date of notification to file an objection.The ministry in partnership with the Ministry of Justice, initiated the first phase of recognizing notarized employment contracts as enforceable documents, effective October 2025. This allows the wage clause in contracts to be used for direct enforcement through the Najiz platform, bypassing long court procedures for payment disputes. The ministry emphasized to all establishments the importance of documenting and updating contracts by accessing their account on the Qiwa platform. It also urged all employers and employees to review the guidance manual available on its website, which details the regulations, procedures, eligible categories, and application process.It is worthy to note that adopting the documented employment contract as an enforceable instrument embodies one of the development initiatives launched by the MHRSD, in partnership with the Ministry of Justice, to build a work environment based on clarity and transparency. This initiative aims to enhance trust among parties to the contractual relationship by providing digital tools that proactively regulate obligations and safeguard rights, thereby reducing disputes, improving the quality of the contractual relationship, and ensuring the fair and effective implementation of rights.