Employee rights regarding annual leave, sick leave, and maternity leave

What are an employee's rights regarding annual leave, sick leave, and maternity leave? Guide to Articles 109–116 of the Saudi Labor Law.

The Saudi Labor Law grants employees a wide range of leave entitlements that ensure their well-being, health, and family stability. Articles 109 through 116 regulate employee rights to annual leave, sick leave, and maternity leave for working women. The following is a clear and concise explanation of the rights to which employees are entitled under the law.

First: Annual leave according to Article 109

The system sets the minimum annual leave for the worker as follows:

1. 21 days of annual leave for an employee who has spent less than five years at the establishment
2. 30 days of annual leave for a worker who has completed five years or more
3. The leave is with full pay.
4. The employer must inform the employee of the leave date at least 30 days in advance.

Second: Accumulation and postponement of leave days according to Article 110

The system allows for the postponement or deferral of annual leave according to clear regulations.

1. The worker may not waive his annual leave
2. Deportation is permissible with the consent of both the worker and the employer.
3. The worker must take his leave within a period not exceeding the end of the following year.

Third: Compensation for annual leave upon termination of the contract (Article 111)

The employer is obligated to pay financial compensation for the unused vacation balance, calculated based on the worker's daily wage at the time the contract ends.

Fourth: Sick leave according to Article 112

The employee is entitled to paid sick leave on a graduated basis during the year as follows:

1. 30 days with full pay
2. 60 days at three-quarters pay
3. 30 days without pay

A certified medical report proving the need for leave is required.

Fifth: Combining sick leave and annual leave

1. Annual leave is not counted as sick leave.
2. If an employee becomes ill during their annual leave, it is converted to sick leave according to medical reports.

Sixth: Maternity leave for working women according to Article 114

The system stipulates clear rights for women during pregnancy and childbirth.

1. 10 weeks maternity leave
2. The leave may be distributed before and after maternity leave according to the employee's wishes.
3. The portion you take after giving birth should be no less than 6 weeks.
4. The leave is with full pay if the last two years have been spent with the employer.
5. If the length of service is less than that, you receive half the salary.

Seventh: The right to breastfeeding breaks (Article 115)

Working women are entitled to breastfeeding breaks upon returning from maternity leave.

1. Additional daily periods totaling no less than one hour
2. These periods are counted as working hours.

Eighth: Protecting women from dismissal during pregnancy (Article 116)

The system prohibits the dismissal of an employee during pregnancy or maternity leave, and guarantees her return to work with all her rights.

Summary

Articles 109 to 116 guarantee all employee rights to annual leave, sick leave, and maternity leave, ensuring a healthy and stable work environment. Both employees and employers must be aware of these rights to ensure compliance with the regulations and avoid any future disputes.