Worker rights
Understand Saudi Labor Law in plain language
Preparing to work in Saudi Arabia is not only about passing a skill assessment. Learn how contracts, wages, leave, leaving a job and complaints work in this independent guide based on official sources.
Last legal review: 28 August 2026
This is not legal advice. Rules can change and every case is different. For a dispute or deadline, use the official Arabic text and obtain qualified advice.
Quick summary
- Annual leave
- 21 days; 30 after five years
- Probation
- Maximum 180 days in total
- Sick leave
- 30 full + 60 three-quarter + 30 unpaid
- Overtime
- Hourly wage + 50% of basic hourly wage
Six topic guides
ContractsSaudi employment contracts and probationA practical guide to Qiwa contracts, fixed terms, probation and the current rules for non-Saudi workers.Pay and timeWages, working hours and overtime in Saudi ArabiaUnderstand wage payment, lawful deductions, normal hours, Ramadan hours and the current overtime formula.LeaveSaudi leave rights: annual, sick and family leaveA current summary of annual leave, sick leave, public holidays, Hajj, maternity and family-event leave.Leaving a jobResignation and end-of-service award in Saudi ArabiaCurrent resignation timing, notice periods, final settlement and end-of-service award calculations.DisputesDismissal, worker complaints and labor disputesWhat to document after dismissal, when Articles 80 and 81 apply, and how Friendly Settlement works.Foreign workersForeign workers, Qiwa and protecting your recordsA checklist for non-Saudi workers covering Article 37, contract review, job changes, documents and official services.
Separate questions and answers
100 Saudi Labor Law FAQs
Contracts, leave, wages, resignation and complaints—five categories with 20 questions each.
Official sources
The guide is based on current HRSD labor-relations, working-conditions, contract and service pages. Each article and FAQ links to its relevant source.