Employee Leave Rights in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Labour Law guarantees employees several types of leave to protect their health, family life, religious obligations, and personal wellbeing. These rights apply to both Saudi nationals and expatriates working in the Kingdom.
- Annual leave
- Sick leave
- Emergency leave
- Maternity leave
- Paternity leave
- Hajj leave
- Public holidays
- Legal protection for employees
Related Labour Law Guides
1. Annual Leave
- Minimum 21 days per year
- 30 days per year after 5 years of service
- Leave must be paid in full
- Cannot be replaced with salary unless employment ends
Annual leave is a statutory right and must be granted by the employer.
2. Sick Leave
- First 30 days → Full salary
- Next 60 days → 75% salary
- Next 30 days → Unpaid
Sick leave requires medical certification from an approved medical authority.
3. Emergency Leave
Emergency leave may be granted in special circumstances such as family emergencies, depending on company policy and employment contract terms.
4. Maternity Leave
- 10 weeks maternity leave
- Up to 4 weeks before delivery
- 6 weeks after delivery
- Paid according to service period
5. Paternity Leave
- 3 days paid leave for fathers
- Granted after childbirth
6. Hajj Leave
- 10 to 15 days leave
- Once during employment
- Includes Eid holidays
- Requires minimum 2 years service
7. Public Holidays
- Eid Al-Fitr
- Eid Al-Adha
- Saudi National Day
- Founding Day
8. Legal Protection for Employees
Leave rights are protected under Saudi Labour Law. Employers cannot deny statutory leave entitlements.
- HRSD (Ministry of Human Resources)
- Labour courts
- Najiz platform
Protect Your Leave Rights
If your employer denies statutory leave or salary during leave, get professional legal support.