Managing leave under Saudi Labor Law is one of the most critical pillars of legal compliance, ensuring the rights of both employees and employers alike. This guide summarizes the key rules and approved regulations governing all types of leave and their financial calculation.
First: Annual Leave and Calculation Method
- Entitlement Duration: An employee is entitled to a minimum of 21 days of annual leave per year of service, increasing to 30 days upon completing 5 consecutive years.
- Provisions: Leave must be taken within the year it is earned; employees may not waive it or receive cash compensation in lieu during active employment.
- Pay: Annual leave is paid in full in advance, prior to departure.
Second: Leave Extensions and Sick Leave
- Leave Extensions: Public holiday periods (Eid, Foundation Day, or National Day) are extended by the number of sick leave days that overlap with them. If an employee’s annual leave coincides with Foundation Day or National Day, it is extended by one additional day.
- Sick Leave Regulation: Sick leave is capped at 120 days per year from the date of the first sick leave instance, structured as follows:
- First 30 days: Full pay
- Next 60 days: 75% of pay
- Final 30 days: Unpaid
Third: Occasion-Based Leave
| Leave Type | Duration | Terms & Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn Leave | 3 days | Full pay, to be taken within 7 days of the birth date |
| Marriage Leave | 5 days | Full pay for both genders, subject to proof of marriage |
| Bereavement – Direct Family | 5 days | Covers father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, children, and grandchildren |
| Bereavement – Siblings | 3 days | Full pay with proof of death |
| National Occasions | 1 day | Foundation Day (22 February) and National Day (23 September) |
| Eid Holidays | 4 days | Eid Al-Fitr begins the day following the 29th of Ramadan; Eid Al-Adha begins on the Day of Arafah |
| Hajj Leave | 10–15 days | Granted once throughout the entire employment period, provided the employee has completed two years of service with the establishment |
| Exam Leave | Paid / Unpaid | Paid if the employer approved the enrollment; deducted from annual leave balance if not approved |
| Unpaid Leave | By mutual agreement | Subject to agreement by both parties; the contract is considered suspended if leave exceeds 20 days |
Fourth: Female Employees’ Leave and Special Cases
- Maternity Leave: 12 weeks at full statutory entitlement, including 4 weeks prior to the expected delivery date.
- Bereavement Leave – Widowed Muslim Employee: 4 months and 10 days at full pay.
- Bereavement Leave – Widowed Non-Muslim Employee: 15 days at full pay.
- Dialysis Leave: Determined by the frequency of treatment sessions; employers may benefit from the Hadaf Fund initiative to cover wage costs.
- Maternity Benefit (GOSI): Compensates the female employee for up to 3 months at full pay, with the possibility of extension.
At HR Plan, we ensure your full compliance with all applicable regulations and are ready to support you with every step and tool you need.
Contact us today and book your free consultation!