The limitation of action for labor disputes is generally three years. According to Article 188 of the Civil Code, the limitation period of action for requesting the people's court to protect civil rights is three years. If the law provides otherwise, such provisions shall prevail. The limitation period of action shall be counted from the date when the obligee knows or should know that his rights have been damaged and the obligor. If the law provides otherwise, such provisions shall prevail.
 However, if it has been more than 20 years since the date of damage to rights, the people's court shall not protect them. Under special circumstances, the people's court may decide to extend them on the application of the obligee. Therefore, the limitation of action for general debt disputes is three years, three years from the expiration of the performance period. If there is no demand for repayment in these three years, the debtor does not promise to repay. After three years, the limitation of action ends, and this debt is not protected by law.
 Legal basis
 Article 188 of the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China [Ordinary limitation of action, maximum period of protection of rights] The limitation of action to apply to the people's court for protection of civil rights is three years. If the law provides otherwise, such provisions shall prevail.
 The limitation period of action shall be counted from the date when the obligee knows or should know that his rights have been damaged and the obligor. If the law provides otherwise, such provisions shall prevail. However, if it has been more than 20 years since the date of damage to rights, the people's court shall not protect them. Under special circumstances, the people's court may decide to extend them on the application of the obligee.