Maktab Amal (مکتب العمل), officially known as the Labor Office, operates under Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD). This essential government institution serves millions of workers and employers across the Kingdom, handling everything from work permits to labor disputes.
With over 11.5 million expatriate workers and 5.2 million Saudi employees in the private sector as of 2026, Maktab Amal plays a crucial role in regulating the labor market and ensuring compliance with Saudi labor laws under Vision 2030.
What is Maktab Amal?
Maktab Amal, translating to “Labor Office” in English, is the government body responsible for:
- Regulating employer-employee relationships
- Processing work permits and visas
- Resolving labor disputes
- Enforcing Saudi labor laws
- Managing the Nitaqat system
- Overseeing wage protection programs
The institution operates under the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), which was formed in 2020 by merging the Ministry of Labor and Social Development with the Ministry of Civil Service.
Maktab Amal Locations Across Saudi Arabia
Maktab Amal maintains offices in all major cities and provinces throughout the Kingdom. Below is a comprehensive table of primary locations:
Major City Locations
| City | Office Name | Address | Contact Number |
| Riyadh | Main Labor Office | King Fahd Road, Al Olaya District | 920001177 |
| Jeddah | Jeddah Labor Office | Madinah Road, Al Sharafeyah | 920001177 |
| Dammam | Eastern Province Office | King Saud Street, Al Dammam | 920001177 |
| Makkah | Makkah Labor Office | Al Aziziyah District | 920001177 |
| Madinah | Madinah Labor Office | King Abdulaziz Road | 920001177 |
| Tabuk | Tabuk Labor Office | Prince Fahd Bin Sultan Road | 920001177 |
| Abha | Asir Region Office | King Khalid Road | 920001177 |
| Qassim | Buraydah Labor Office | King Abdulaziz Road | 920001177 |
| Hail | Hail Labor Office | King Faisal Street | 920001177 |
| Jazan | Jazan Labor Office | Corniche Road | 920001177 |
| NEOM | NEOM Labor Office | NEOM City Center | 920001177 |
Regional Branches Distribution (2026)
| Region | Number of Offices | Population Served |
| Riyadh Region | 15 | 9.2 million |
| Makkah Region | 12 | 9.5 million |
| Eastern Province | 10 | 5.6 million |
| Madinah Region | 6 | 2.5 million |
| Asir Region | 5 | 2.5 million |
| Other Regions | 30+ | 8.2 million |
Maktab Amal Working Hours 2026
Understanding the working hours is essential for planning your visit. Here’s the complete schedule:
Regular Working Hours
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM | 2:20 PM |
| Monday | 8:00 AM | 2:20 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM | 2:20 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM | 2:20 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM | 2:20 PM |
| Friday | Closed | – |
| Saturday | Closed | – |
Ramadan Working Hours (2026)
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
| Sunday – Thursday | 10:00 AM | 3:00 PM |
| Friday – Saturday | Closed | – |
Important Note: Working hours may vary during national holidays, Eid celebrations, and special occasions. Always verify through the official helpline before visiting.
Maktab Amal Helpline and Contact Information
Saudi Arabia provides multiple channels to contact Maktab Amal:
Primary Contact Numbers
| Service Type | Number | Availability |
| Unified Call Center | 920001177 | 24/7 |
| WhatsApp Support | 920001177 | 8 AM – 10 PM |
| Complaints Hotline | 19911 | 24/7 |
| MHRSD Customer Service | 1422 | Working Hours |
Online Contact Channels
- Official Website: www.hrsd.gov.sa
- Qiwa Portal: www.qiwa.sa
- Musaned Platform: www.musaned.com.sa
- Twitter/X: @HRSD_SA
- Email: support@hrsd.gov.sa
Response Time Statistics (2026)
According to MHRSD 2026 reports:
- Average call wait time: 2-4 minutes
- Online inquiry response: 12-24 hours
- Complaint resolution: 5-10 working days
- Customer satisfaction rate: 92%
Services Offered by Maktab Amal
Maktab Amal provides a wide range of services for both employers and employees:
For Employers
- Work Permit Issuance and Renewal
- New work permit applications
- Annual renewals
- Profession changes
- Visa Services
- Entry visa approvals
- Exit/re-entry visas
- Final exit processing
- Nitaqat Compliance
- Saudization percentage verification
- Category upgrades
- Exemption requests
- Wage Protection System (WPS)
- Salary file registration
- Payment verification
- Compliance monitoring
For Employees
- Labor Complaints
- Wage disputes
- Contract violations
- End of service benefits
- Contract Services
- Contract authentication
- Transfer requests
- Occupation corrections
- Rights Protection
- Working conditions complaints
- Safety violations reporting
- Discrimination cases
Service Statistics (2026)
| Service Type | Annual Transactions |
| Work Permits Issued | 3.4 million |
| Labor Disputes Resolved | 210,000 |
| Visa Transactions | 5.1 million |
| Online Services | 18.5 million |
How to Book an Appointment at Maktab Amal
Online Appointment Booking (Recommended)
Step 1: Visit the Qiwa Portal (www.qiwa.sa) or MHRSD website
Step 2: Log in using your Absher/Nafath credentials
Step 3: Navigate to “Appointments” section
Step 4: Select your preferred:
- Service type
- Location
- Date and time
Step 5: Confirm appointment and save the reference number
Appointment Tips
- Book at least 3-5 days in advance
- Morning slots (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM) are less crowded
- Midweek appointments (Tuesday-Wednesday) have shorter wait times
- Carry all required documents to avoid rescheduling
Online Services Through Digital Platforms
Saudi Arabia has digitized most Maktab Amal services through these platforms:
Qiwa Platform (قوى)
The primary digital platform for labor services offering:
- Work permit management
- Employee transfers
- Contract documentation
- Violation corrections
- Establishment management
Musaned Platform
Specialized for domestic workers:
- Recruitment processing
- Contract management
- Complaint filing
- Visa services
Absher/Nafath Integration
Connected services include:
- Iqama renewals
- Exit/re-entry visas
- Final exit procedures
- Dependent sponsorship
Digital Adoption Statistics (2026)
| Platform | Monthly Active Users | Service Completion Rate |
| Qiwa | 3.8 million | 97% |
| Musaned | 720,000 | 95% |
| MHRSD Portal | 2.6 million | 94% |
Required Documents for Maktab Amal Services
General Requirements
| Document | Purpose |
| Valid Iqama/National ID | Identity verification |
| Passport (original + copy) | Processing applications |
| Employment Contract | Service verification |
| Commercial Registration | Employer verification |
| Authorization Letter | Representative visits |
Service-Specific Documents
For Work Permit Renewal:
- Valid Iqama
- Medical insurance certificate
- Payment receipt
- Employer authorization
For Labor Complaints:
- Employment contract
- Salary slips (last 3 months)
- Evidence documentation
- Written complaint form
For Profession Change:
- Original certificates (attested)
- Current Iqama
- Employer approval letter
- SATR certificate (if applicable)
Fees and Charges 2026
Work Permit Fees (Updated 2026)
| Service | Fee (SAR) | Processing Time |
| Work Permit (Annual) | 9,600 | 1-2 days |
| Work Permit Renewal | 9,600 | 1-2 days |
| Profession Change | 1,000 | 3-5 days |
| Establishment Transfer | 2,000 | 2-4 days |
| Iqama Renewal (per year) | 650 | Same day |
| Dependent Iqama (per year) | 400 | Same day |
Note: Fees are subject to change. Verify current rates through official channels.
Tips for a Successful Visit to Maktab Amal
Before Your Visit
✅ Book an appointment online via Qiwa
✅ Verify required documents
✅ Check current working hours
✅ Prepare all original documents and copies
✅ Note your appointment reference number
During Your Visit
✅ Arrive 15-20 minutes early
✅ Dress appropriately
✅ Carry a valid ID
✅ Keep documents organized
✅ Note the employee’s name handling your case
After Your Visit
✅ Keep all receipts and reference numbers
✅ Follow up on pending applications
✅ Track status through online portals
✅ File complaints through proper channels if needed
Conclusion
Maktab Amal remains an essential institution in Saudi Arabia’s labor ecosystem, serving millions of workers and employers annually. With Vision 2030 in full progress, most services have been fully digitized through platforms like Qiwa and Musaned, significantly reducing the need for physical visits.
For efficient service, always use online platforms when possible, book appointments in advance, and maintain proper documentation. The unified helpline 920001177 remains your primary resource for any queries or assistance.
Whether you’re an employer managing workforce compliance or an employee seeking to protect your rights, understanding Maktab Amal’s services and processes will help you navigate Saudi Arabia’s labor system effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I visit Maktab Amal without an appointment in 2026?
Walk-ins are mostly discouraged. Online appointment through Qiwa portal is mandatory for most services.
Is the 920001177 helpline available 24/7?
Yes, the unified call center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in multiple languages including Arabic, English, Urdu, Hindi, and Filipino.
How can I check my labor complaint status?
Log in to the Qiwa portal or MHRSD website using your credentials and navigate to the complaints section for real-time updates.
What is the Nitaqat system?
Nitaqat is Saudi Arabia’s Saudization program that categorizes companies based on their percentage of Saudi employees, affecting their ability to obtain work permits.
Can I transfer my sponsorship through Maktab Amal?
Yes, sponsorship transfers can be processed through the Qiwa platform or by visiting the Labor Office with required approvals.
How long does it take to resolve a labor dispute in 2026?
Simple cases are resolved within 15 working days. Complex cases may take 30-45 days or be referred to labor courts.
