Annual Leave And Holidays in Saudi Arabia

M. AMEENLast Updated: December 22, 2022

Annual leave and holidays are an important part of any employment contract, providing employees with time off to rest, relax, and recharge. In Saudi Arabia, the rules governing annual leave and holidays are outlined in the country’s labor laws, which provide important protections and benefits for workers. In this article, we will take a closer look at the annual leave and holiday provisions in Saudi Arabia, including how much time off workers are entitled to and other important considerations. Whether you are an employer or an employee in Saudi Arabia, it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities when it comes to annual leave and holidays.

Leave rules as per Saudi Labor Law

Annual Leave

According to Saudi labor laws, if an expatriate worker has completed one year of service with their employer, they are entitled to 21 days of annual leave. After 5 years of continuous service with the same employer, the worker becomes eligible for 30 days of annual leave.

Medical leave

If an employee in Saudi Arabia needs to take medical leave, they are entitled to a full wage for the first 30 days of sick leave. For the next 60 days of sick leave, the employee is entitled to 3/4 of their wage. After 90 days of sick leave in a single year, the employee is not entitled to pay.

Paternity Leave

An employee in Saudi Arabia is entitled to 3 days of leave upon the birth of their child.

Maternity Leave

In Saudi Arabia, maternity leave is granted to female employees for a period of 10 weeks, which includes four weeks before the expected date of delivery and six weeks after delivery. This leave period may be extended by one month without pay. If the employee has served with the employer for one year or more, they are entitled to half their salary during maternity leave. If the employee has served with the employer for three years or more, they are entitled to a full salary during maternity leave.

Other types of Leaves

Death of spouse or children

In the event of the death of an employee’s spouse or child in Saudi Arabia, the employee is entitled to 5 days of leave. If the employee is a female and her husband has died, she is entitled to 15-130 days of leave, depending on her religion.

Hajj Leave

An employee in Saudi Arabia is entitled to a paid leave of 10-15 days for the purpose of performing the Hajj pilgrimage once during their employment, provided they have not previously performed the Hajj and have completed at least two years of service. This leave is granted to allow the employee to fulfill their religious obligations.

Public Holidays

In Saudi Arabia, the following public holidays are fully paid for: Saudi National Day, Founding Day, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha. If employees are required to work on any of these holidays, they are entitled to overtime pay. These holidays are set by the government and are typically observed by businesses and organizations throughout the country.

Cost of air ticket

In Saudi Arabia, employers are required to pay for the airfare of workers traveling from their home country to Saudi Arabia to begin work, as well as for their return home after the completion of their contract period. However, suppose an employee’s contract is terminated during the probation period. In that case, if they fail a medical test or if they terminate their own employment for any reason, the cost of the airfare must be borne by the employee. This ensures that workers are not left stranded in a foreign country due to unforeseen circumstances.

Conclusion

In conclusion, annual leave and holidays are an important part of any employment contract in Saudi Arabia, providing employees with time off to rest, relax, and recharge. The country’s labor laws outline the provisions for annual leave and holidays, including how much time off workers are entitled to and how to request leave. It is important for both employers and employees to understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to annual leave and holidays in Saudi Arabia. By following the rules and regulations outlined in the labor laws, employers can ensure that their employees are able to take time off they need to stay healthy, happy, and productive.

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