Types of Leaves in Saudi Labor Law
Sick Leave
- Employees who fall ill are entitled to sick leave for up to 4 months, with varying payment structures:
- First month: Fully paid.
- Following two months: Paid at 75% of total salary.
- Fourth month: Unpaid.
- Rules related to Sick Leave in Saudi Arabia are recommended for further understanding.
Annual Leave
- Based on tenure with the employer:
- Less than 5 years: 21 days.
- More than 5 years: 30 days.
Unpaid Leave
- Article 116 permits workers to take unpaid leave with employer consent.
- If exceeding 20 days, the employment contract is suspended, barring End of Service Benefits.
Death Leave
- In case of the death of a spouse, children, or parents, employees are entitled to 5 fully paid working days (Article 113).
Iddah Leave
- For a woman whose husband has passed away:
- Non-Muslim: 15 days.
- Muslim: 130 days (Article 160).
Hajj Leaves
- Employees can avail 10 to 15 days of Hajj leave instead of Eid-ul-Adha vacation, under certain conditions:
- Once during employment.
- Minimum 2 years of service required.
- Employer may limit beneficiaries (Article 114).
Marriage Leaves
- Employees can take 5 days fully paid vacations on the occasion of marriage (Article 113).
Child Birth Leave
- Fathers: Entitled to 3 fully paid days.
- Mothers: Eligible for maternity leaves.
Eid Holidays
- Eid ul Fitr: 4 fully paid leaves from the 30th of Ramadan.
- Eid ul Adha: 4 fully paid leaves from the 9th of Dhul Hijjah.
- If Eid leaves are not granted, compensated leaves or overtime should be provided.
Exam Leave
- Employees can take leave for unrepeated exams on the exam day.
- Repeated exams warrant unpaid leave (Article 115).
National Day
- Celebrated on September 23rd, it constitutes a fully paid leave.