Why is it essential to review an employment contract before working abroad?

Receiving a new Job Offer abroad overseas is exciting! It feels like a new door has finally opened for new opportunities, career advancements and an increased income, writing down the beginning of a new chapter.

This excitement turns quickly a serious financial and legal strain for many people, especially those who accept the job offer outside their home country, and this is concerning, because those people didn’t take their time to read the contract terms and clauses wisely, nor have they had the knowledge to realize how risky it was.

Numerous people, quit their previous jobs, sign new contracts, travel abroad, and commit their lives to new employers they barely know, after signing their new contract and leaving their home country without taking their time to review the consequences of the contract terms.

After review some common issues we see are:

• Salary Structure changes after arrival

• Probation periods stricter than expected

• Clauses limiting their future career prospects- (Non- Compete Clauses)

• Transportation, housing, and other benefits that were promised but never written.

• Termination clauses and provisions that favor only the employer without the employee realizing it

When the process is completed, contracts are signed and the employee is relocated, the situation becomes harder and more difficult to resolve.

A legal review before signing any type of legal document is an important and a must-do step.

A good and qualified Lawyer can assist you in negotiating better terms before you are committed or legally bound, he can mark any risky and unfair clauses, verify your real actual rights and obligations; and most importantly he can clarify your contract and check if it complies with Saudi Labor Law.

A simple legal review can often save you and prevent months, if not years of stress, financial damage and career limitations.

Before moving from your country, before changing your career, and before regretting any fast decisions you make, make sure your contract is genuinely beneficial to you