Employees working in Saudi Arabia’s private sector are entitled to various types of leave under the Saudi Labour Law. These leave entitlements apply to both Saudi and expatriate employees unless a specific provision states otherwise.
Recent amendments to the Labour Law have updated several leave provisions, including maternity leave and bereavement leave. Below is a practical guide based on the latest Labour Law and official guidance.
Annual Leave
Employees become entitled to paid annual leave after completing one year of service.
- 21 days of paid leave per year.
- Increases to 30 days after completing five consecutive years with the same employer.
- Annual leave must generally be taken during the year in which it is earned. The employer schedules leave according to work requirements while considering the employee’s preferences where possible.
- Employees are entitled to receive their leave salary before beginning annual leave.
Sick Leave
Employees who become ill are entitled to sick leave upon presenting an approved medical certificate.
Maximum entitlement is 120 days in one year, divided as follows:
| Period | Salary |
|---|---|
| First 30 days | 100% pay |
| Next 60 days | 75% pay |
| Final 30 days | Unpaid |
The Labour Law does not require a medical certificate specifically “after two days.” Instead, employees must provide acceptable medical documentation in accordance with the applicable regulations and employer requirements.
Maternity Leave
Following the 2025 Labour Law amendments, female employees are entitled to:
- 12 weeks of fully paid maternity leave
- Six weeks after childbirth are mandatory
- The remaining six weeks may be taken before or after delivery, beginning up to four weeks before the expected delivery date.
- An additional one month of unpaid leave may be requested.
If a woman gives birth to a sick child or a child with special needs requiring continuous care, she is entitled to:
- One additional month with full pay.
- One further month without pay if needed.
Paternity Leave
A male employee is entitled to:
- 3 days of fully paid leave upon the birth of a child.
- The leave should be taken within the period specified by the Labour Law, and the employer may request supporting documents.
Bereavement Leave
Employees are entitled to paid leave in the event of the death of certain family members.
Current private-sector entitlements include:
- 5 days for the death of a spouse, parent, grandparent, child or grandchild (ascendants and descendants).
- 3 days for the death of a sibling under the amended Executive Regulations.
Special provisions also apply to female employees whose husbands pass away:
- Muslim women receive paid Iddah leave of at least four months and ten days.
- Non-Muslim women receive 15 days of paid leave.
Marriage Leave
Employees are entitled to:
- 5 days of fully paid leave upon marriage.
Hajj Leave
Muslim employees may receive paid leave to perform Hajj subject to certain conditions.
Eligibility includes:
- Completion of at least two consecutive years with the employer.
- The employee must not have previously performed Hajj.
- Leave is granted once during employment.
Duration:
- Between 10 and 15 days, including the Eid Al-Adha holiday, with full pay.
Public Holidays in Saudi Arabia
Private-sector employees are generally entitled to paid leave on the Kingdom’s official public holidays, including:
- Eid Al-Fitr: Typically 4 days (starting the day after the 29th day of Ramadan, depending on the official calendar).
- Eid Al-Adha: Typically 4 days (beginning on the Day of Arafah).
- Saudi National Day (September 23): 1 paid day.
- Saudi Founding Day (February 22): 1 paid day.
Study (Examination) Leave
Employees enrolled in an approved educational institution may receive leave for examinations.
The Labour Law provides:
- Fully paid leave equal to the actual examination days for first-time examinations.
- Repeat examinations are generally unpaid.
Unpaid Leave
Employees and employers may mutually agree on unpaid leave.
The Labour Law does not prescribe a fixed duration. Instead, the period depends on the agreement between both parties. During extended unpaid leave, certain employment rights may be affected according to the Labour Law.
Understanding your leave entitlements can help you plan your time off and ensure your rights are protected. If you have questions about your specific situation, check your employment contract or consult your employer’s HR department.