The Saudi Labor Law regulates working hours and employee leaves to ensure a fair, safe work environment and protect workers from exploitation. Below are the key provisions with practical examples:
1. Maximum Working Hours
Article 98:
- Employees cannot work more than 8 hours/day (daily standard) or 48 hours/week (weekly standard).
- During Ramadan, hours are reduced to 6 hours/day or 36 hours/week for Muslim workers.
Article 99:
- Working hours may increase to 9 hours/day for certain categories or industries.
- Hours may decrease to 7 hours/day for high-risk or harmful work.
Article 100:
- With Ministry approval, shift-based work can exceed 8 hours/day, provided a 3-week average does not exceed 8 hours/day or 48 hours/week.
Example:
A factory employee typically works 8 hours/day. If assigned to a special project for 2 weeks, daily hours may increase to 9, while maintaining an average of 8 hours over 3 weeks.
2. Overtime Pay
Article 107:
- Employers must pay 1.5x the hourly rate for overtime hours.
- Alternatively, compensatory paid leave may be agreed upon.
- Work on holidays or public holidays counts as overtime.
Example:
An employee works 6 hours on a public holiday. The employer pays 9 hours’ wage or grants 6 hours paid leave as compensation.
3. Special Leaves
Article 113:
- 5 days paid leave for marriage or death of spouse/parents/children.
- 3 days for death of sibling.
- 3 days for the birth of a child within 7 days.
Article 151:
- Female employees are entitled to 12 weeks maternity leave, 6 weeks mandatory after birth.
- Remaining 6 weeks can be distributed as preferred, with the option to extend by 1 month unpaid.
- For a sick or disabled child, 1 month paid leave is allowed, extendable by 1 month unpaid.
Example:
A female employee gives birth, takes 6 weeks postnatal leave, 6 weeks prior to expected delivery, and may extend 1 month unpaid.
FAQ
1. What is the maximum daily working hours?
8 hours/day, 6 hours/day during Ramadan for Muslims.
2. Can working hours be increased?
Yes, up to 9 hours/day for certain categories or non-continuous work.
3. How is overtime calculated?
Hourly rate + 50%, or compensatory paid leave by agreement.
4. What is maternity leave duration?
12 weeks paid, 6 weeks mandatory postnatal, rest flexible with optional 1-month extension unpaid.
5. Are holiday hours considered overtime?
Yes, all hours worked on holidays or public holidays are considered overtime.
How Can Sndk Help?
- Monitor working hours and leave entitlements according to Saudi law.
- Accurately calculate overtime pay.
- Provide legal advice to protect both employer and employee rights.
Start now with Sndk to secure your rights and ensure a fair workplace.