Saudi Arabia Employment Guide
Saudi Arabia Employment Guide
Saudi Arabia, located in the Arabian Peninsula, is a leading economy in the Middle East driven by oil, petrochemicals, and increasingly, tourism and technology. With a population of over 35 million, the labor market is regulated by the Saudi Labor Law, which governs employment contracts, working hours, leave entitlements, termination rules, and Saudization requirements (employing a certain quota of Saudi nationals). Employers must comply with social insurance, GOSI contributions, and wage protection regulations. Employee rights, workplace safety, and non-discrimination are legally protected.
Check recruitment costs
Currency
Saudi Riyal (SAR)
Capital
Riyadh
Official language
Arabic
Salary Cycle
Monthly
Our Employment Guide in Saudi Arabia
Browse the following tags to learn all about hiring employees in Saudi Arabia
Maternity Leave Policy in Saudi Arabia
Employees who have completed 90 consecutive days of service are entitled to 10 weeks of fully paid maternity leave. Four weeks of this leave may be utilized prior to the expected date of childbirth. The full salary during this period is covered directly by the employer.
Paternity Leave Entitlements
For male employees with at least 90 days of continuous employment, a 3-day fully paid paternity leave is available. This leave must be taken following the birth of the child, with compensation provided at 100% of regular earnings by the employer.
Understanding Parental Leave Regulations
Saudi labor law does not currently mandate specific parental leave beyond maternity and paternity provisions. Employees should consult their employment contracts or company policies for any additional family-related benefits offered by progressive employers like SailGlobal.
Sick Leave Compensation Structure
Employees are eligible for up to 60 days of paid sick leave annually, with compensation varying by duration:
Duration | Salary Percentage | Payment Source |
---|---|---|
Days 1-30 | 100% | Employer |
Days 31-60 | 75% of basic wage | Employer |
International Best Practices Comparison
While Saudi Arabia's leave policies provide foundational support, multinational companies like SailGlobal often enhance these benefits. For instance, many global organizations extend paternity leave to 2 weeks and offer additional unpaid parental leave options, recognizing the importance of work-life balance in employee retention.
Hire easily in Saudi Arabia
Compare employee hiring costs across over 100 countries worldwide, helping you accurately calculate labor costs. Try it now
Cost Calculator
Please select the country/region you wish to recruit from, and the calculation can be done with just a few clicks.
USD