The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia has announced significant changes to the Labour Law, which will come into force on Thursday.
Under the new regulations, women workers will receive 12 weeks of maternity leave, with six weeks mandatory leave after delivery. The remaining six weeks can be taken at the employee’s discretion, according to the amendment.
Women can begin their maternity leave four weeks before their expected delivery date, according to a report by the Saudi Gazette.
Saudi labour law reforms
In addition, the amendments introduce bereavement leave, granting workers three days off upon the death of a sibling.
Employers can now offer vacation days as compensation for overtime hours, subject to worker agreement.
However, the notice period for contract termination has been revised. The worker must notify the employer at least 30 days before terminating the contract if the request is from the side of the worker, the report said, adding that employers, however, must give 60 days’ notice before terminating a worker’s contract.
The law establishes a 180-day probationary period during which either party can terminate the contract. The amendments mandate equal opportunities and prohibit discrimination between new and existing workers.
Employers must provide housing and transportation or equivalent cash allowances. The law requires proper documentation of employment contracts as specified in the regulations.
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