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.

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Currency

Saudi Riyal (SAR)

Capital

Riyadh

Official language

Arabic

Salary Cycle

Monthly

Our Employment Guide in Saudi Arabia

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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:

DurationSalary PercentagePayment Source
Days 1-30100%Employer
Days 31-6075% of basic wageEmployer

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.

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