Employee Rights Under Saudi Labor Law 2026

The Saudi Labor Law, issued by Royal Decree M/51 of 1426 AH and its subsequent amendments, governs the worker–employer relationship. This guide covers core rights directly with references to the governing article, so it serves as a practical reference when asked about a specific right.

Wage and Time

Wage — How It Is Paid

• In the official currency (Saudi Riyal) and via a bank in the Wage Protection System
• Cycle: monthly for monthly-paid employees (Article 90), weekly or bi-monthly for daily workers
• Due date: within the first week of the month following the pay cycle (Article 90)
• Delay compensation: the employee may claim compensation for delay via the Labor Office

Working Hours

| Item | Detail | Reference | |---|---|---| | Weekly cap | 48 hours (8 × 6 days) | Art. 98 | | Ramadan (Muslim) | 36 hours (6 daily) | Art. 98(2) | | Overtime | Paid at 150% of the regular hourly wage | Art. 107 | | Working Friday/Holiday | Compensatory rest day or 150% pay | Art. 105 |

Overtime cap: 300 hours per year with Ministry approval. Exceeding this requires special authorization.

Leaves

Annual Leave (Article 109)

• 21 days minimum in the first year
• 30 days after 5 consecutive years with the same employer
• Cannot be waived in writing, and cannot be replaced by cash except at end of service
• Carry-over: leave may be carried to the next year by written agreement

Sick Leave (Article 117)

Within one year the worker is entitled to:

| Period | Wage percentage | |---|---| | 30 days | Full wage | | 60 days | Three-quarters wage | | 30 days | Unpaid | | Total | 120 days |

Requires a medical report from a certified provider (government hospital or insured provider).

Occasion Leaves

• Eid al-Fitr: 4 days (Article 112)
• Eid al-Adha: 4 days (Article 112)
• National Day: 1 day
• Marriage leave: 5 days (Article 113)
• Paternity leave: 3 days (Article 113 after M/46 amendment)
• Bereavement (spouse/parent/child): 5 days (Article 113)
• Widow's mourning leave: 130 days (Article 160)

Maternity Leave (Article 151)

• 10 weeks at full pay, split between pre- and post-birth per the worker's choice
• 4 additional weeks at full pay if the newborn requires special care
• Daily nursing right: one hour per day until the child reaches 6 months (Article 154)

Termination and Notice

Termination Types

| Type | Party | Effect | |---|---|---| | Legitimate termination (Art. 74) | Employer | Full gratuity | | Grave dismissal (Art. 80) | Employer | No gratuity | | Resignation (Art. 85) | Employee | Tiered gratuity | | Unfair dismissal | Employer | Additional compensation + full gratuity | | Termination for worker's disability | Health condition | Full gratuity |

Notice Period (Article 75)

• 60 days in writing for monthly-paid employees
• 30 days for others

The employer may accelerate termination by paying a notice allowance (the remaining period's wage).

Unfair Dismissal — Compensation

Article 77: if the dismissal is unfair on an open-ended contract, the compensation is:

• 15 days' wage per year of service, based on the last wage
• With a minimum of two months' wage
• In addition to the full end-of-service gratuity

By ruling of the Labor Court.

Protection and Safety

Job Security

• No dismissal during annual or sick leave (Article 77)
• No dismissal for union activity or formal complaint (Art. 77)
• Protection of pregnant and nursing workers — the contract cannot be terminated due to pregnancy (Article 151)

Wage Protection

The Wage Protection System obliges the employer to pay wages via approved Saudi banks, and the Ministry of Human Resources monitors establishment compliance monthly. Non-compliance suspends the establishment's government services.

Formal Complaint Process

First: Amicable Settlement

• Via Absher → "Foreign Workforce" → "Labor Complaints"
• Reviewed within 21 days
• 65% of complaints are resolved at this stage

Second: Labor Court

If amicable settlement fails, it is referred to:

• Specialized Labor Courts (Article 224)
• Litigation is free for the worker
• First-instance ruling within 6–12 months on average
• Appeal available within 30 days of the ruling

Official Sources

• Saudi Labor Law, Royal Decree M/51 and amendments
• Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, hrsd.gov.sa
• Absher labor complaint platform
• Najiz portal for Labor Courts

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