Navigating Overtime and Working Hours in Saudi Arabia
Understanding Working Hours
- According to Article 98 of Saudi Labor Law, a standard workweek consists of 48 hours, with 8 hours per day. Overtime applies if working hours exceed this.
- Article 101 stipulates that a worker cannot be required to work more than 11 hours in a day, with a mandatory 30-minute break after 5 consecutive hours.
- Time for prayers, meals, and rest is excluded from normal working hours as per Article 102.
- Government employees have a standard workweek of 40 hours.
Working Hours during Ramadan
- During Ramadan, Muslim workers have reduced working hours to 6 hours per day or 36 hours per week, while non-Muslim workers maintain 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week.
Overtime Calculation
- Overtime is compensated at 150% of the regular wage rate as per Article 107.
- If the organization operates on weekly working hours, overtime is any work beyond 48 hours per week. For daily working hours, it’s any work beyond 8 hours per day.
- Work during public holidays and weekends is considered overtime.
- High-ranking managerial positions are exempt from overtime regulations under Article 108.
Example: Overtime Calculation
- Given a monthly basic salary of SR 3,000 and 50 overtime hours:
- Monthly Basic Salary: SR 3,000.
- Normal Working Hours: 8 hours/day.
- Hourly Wage: SR 12.5 (3,000 / 30 days / 8 hours).
- Overtime Rate: SR 18.75 (Hourly Wage x 1.5).
- Total Overtime Pay: SR 937.50 (Overtime Rate x 50 hours).
Additional Calculators
- Explore other helpful calculators:
- End of Service
- Saudi Dependent Fee
- Maktab Amal Fee
- Iqama Fee
- Vacation Salary