Saudi Arabia Labor Law for Vacation Leave
In this article, we will provide an overview of the main aspects of the Saudi Labor Law regarding vacation leave. Also, how it affects both workers and employers in the Arab Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia Leave Laws
If you are working in Saudi Arabia, or planning to do so, you may wonder what kind of leave benefits you have a right entitled to. Saudi Arabia has a complex and comprehensive legal system that regulates the rights and obligations of employees and employers. This happens in relation to various types of vacation and leave policies in Saudi labor law. Saudi Labor Law vacation leave 2022 contemplates different scenarios for a diverse variety of leaves.
Holidays
Saudi Arabia observes 11 public holidays per year, which are based on the Islamic lunar calendar.
- Eid al-Fitr
The festival that marks the finish of Ramadan, the fasting month. It lasts for three days, starting from the first day of Shawwal.
- Eid al-Adha
The festival that commemorates the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim. It lasts for four days, starting from the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah.
- Saudi National Day
The anniversary of the unification of the kingdom and nation of Saudi Arabia.
- Islamic New Year
The first day of Muharram. Which is the first month of the Islamic calendar.
- Ashura
The 10th day of Muharram, which is a day of mourning for Shia Muslims and a day of fasting for Sunni Muslims.
- Prophet’s Birthday
The 12th day of Rabi al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar, which celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
- Isra and Mi’raj
The 27th day of Rajab, the seventh month of the Islamic calendar, which marks the night journey and ascension of Prophet Muhammad.
- Ramadan
The ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Which is a month of fasting and spiritual devotion for Muslims.
- Laylat al-Qadr
The night of power, which is the night when the Quran came into revelation to Prophet Muhammad. It falls on one of the odd nights in the last 10 days of Ramadan.
- Eid al-Ghadir
The 18th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is a significant day for Shia Muslims, as it marks the appointment of Ali as the successor of Prophet Muhammad.
Employees have a right to full Saudi Labor Law vacation pay for these holidays. Furthermore, if they are required to work on a public holiday, they have a right to an additional 50% of their normal wage, or a compensatory day off within 30 days.
Accruals
Additionally to public holidays, employees have a right to annual leave. Which accrues at a rate of 2.5 days per month, or 30 days per year. Employees can carry over up to 15 days of unused annual leave to the next year, but they cannot accumulate more than 45 days in total. Employees can request to cash out up to 10 days of their annual leave per year. Subject to the approval of their employer according to Saudi Labor Law vacation leave 2022.
Workers are eligible to take annual leave after completing six months of service with their employer. They can take their leave in one or more periods, but at least one period must be at least five consecutive days. Employees must submit their leave requests at least 30 days in advance. Unless there is an urgent reason. Saudi Labor Law vacation leave 2022 states that employers can approve or reject leave requests based on operational needs. However, they cannot deny leave entirely.
Furthermore, employees have an entitlement to full pay for their annual leave. Which is calculated based on their average wage in the last three months before taking leave. However, employees also receive an allowance for travel expenses. Which is equivalent to half a month’s wage for each year of service.
Furthermore, employees need to do a proper leave salary calculation in KSA according to Saudi Labor Law vacation leave 2022.
Maternity Leave, Child Raising Leave, Parental Leave
Female employees have a right to maternity leave in KSA. This consists of four weeks before delivery and six weeks after delivery. They can extend their maternity leave by up to one month without pay if they have a medical certificate. Also, they have a right to full pay for their maternity leave. Which calculation is based on their average wage in the last three months before taking leave.
The female workers can also take child raising leave. Which is a leave without renumeration they can take until their child reaches two years old. They can take this leave in one or more periods, but each period must be at least one month long. Additionally, they must submit their leave requests at least 30 days in advance, unless there is an urgent reason. Employers can approve or reject leave requests thinking about operational needs, but they cannot deny leave entirely.
Male employees can take paternity leave in Saudi Arabia. However, this is an unpaid leave that can be taken within six months after the birth or adoption of their child. They can take this leave for up to three days per child, but not more than six days per year. Also, they must submit their leave requests at least seven days in advance. Unless there is an urgent reason. Employers can approve or reject leave requests based on operational needs according to services in Saudi Arabia.
Sick Leave
Employees have the entitlement to Saudi labor Law sick leave if they have a medical certificate from a professional physician. They can take up to 180 days of sick leave per year. However, they have a right to different rates of pay depending on the duration of their leave. They have a right to:
- Full pay for the first 30 days of sick leave.
- 75% of their pay for the next 60 days of sick leave.
- 50% of their pay for the remaining 90 days of sick leave.
If employees exhaust their sick leave entitlement, they can request to use their annual vacation or a leave without renumeration. If they are still unable to resume work, their employment contract can terminate by mutual consent or by a decision of the labor court.
Jury Duty Leave and Voting Leave
Employees are entitled to jury duty leave if they are summoned to serve as jurors in a court of law. They are entitled to full pay for their jury duty leave, which is calculated based on their average wage in the last three months before taking leave. Submit a copy of their summons is essential and a proof of attendance to their employer too.
Employees are also entitled to voting leave if they are registered voters and there is an election or referendum in their area. They are entitled to sufficient time off to cast their vote, without any deduction from their pay. However, they must submit a proof of voting to their employer.
Bereavement Leave
Employees have a right to bereavement leave if they lose a close relative. Such as, a spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent or grandchild. They can take up to five days of bereavement leave per year, which can be taken in one or more periods. They have a right to full pay for their bereavement leave. Which is calculated based on their average wage in the last three months before taking leave. They must submit a proof of death to their employer.
Military Leave
Employees who are members of the reserve forces or the national guard are entitled to military leave if they are called for training or active duty. They can take up to 90 days of military leave per year, which can be taken in one or more periods. Also, workers have a right to full pay for their military leave. The number is chosen through vacation pay calculation in Saudi Arabia. They take into account the average wage in the last three months before taking leave. Workers must submit a copy of their orders and a proof of service to their employer.
Conclusion
The Saudi Labor Law vacation leave 2022 is a complex and evolving area of legislation. It affects workers and employers in the Muslim Kingdom. Furthermore, it is important for both parties to be aware of their rights and obligations. Regarding holidays, annual leave, maternity leave, sick leave, and other types of leave, and to comply with the legal provisions and procedures. By doing so, they can avoid disputes and ensure a harmonious and productive work environment. If you need further information, try contacting us today and we will be pleased to lend a hand.
