Saudi Arabia amends labor code: Longer maternity leave, compensated overtime

Saudi Arabia amended its labor code, introducing changes such as longer maternity leave for female employees.

These new amendments, announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, were visible in the latest version of the labor code on the ministry's website, dated Feb. 16, and took effect on Thursday.

Maternity leave was extended to 12 weeks for female employees. Six weeks must be taken post-delivery, and the remaining six can be taken at the employee's discretion, starting four weeks before the due date, according to the code. The leave can be extended by another month without pay at the employee's request. An additional paid month can also be granted if the child is born sick or disabled.

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Previously, the duration of maternity leave in Saudi Arabia was 10 weeks, which could be distributed before and after delivery.

Overtime, notice and trial periods

Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), Saudi Arabia has granted new rights to women, such as the ability to drive or travel alone. However, the kingdom is regularly criticized by NGOs for severe human rights violations, including its crackdown on dissidents and feminist activists.

Employers can now compensate employees for overtime with additional days off, according to the amendments announced by the ministry, as reported by Al Arabiya.

Regarding notice periods for employees on indefinite contracts, the new code stipulated that employees must give 30 days' notice before departure, and employers must provide 60 days' notice before terminating an employment contract. The trial period for new employees was standardized to 180 days, up from the previous 90 working days, and employers are now required to provide accommodation and transportation for their employees or pay them a cash allowance.

'More attractive' labor market

The Ministry of Human Resources stated that these changes aimed to "strengthen workers' rights" and create a "more attractive" labor market in the kingdom.

Riyadh is often criticized by human rights organizations for the severe abuses suffered by migrant workers on construction sites in Saudi Arabia. Like other Gulf countries, Saudi Arabia hosts millions of Indian, Pakistani and Filipino workers in low-paid, subordinate jobs, largely avoided by Saudis. Despite labor law reforms introduced in 2021, workers say they continue to depend on their employers to change jobs or leave the country, a system Human Rights Watch describes as exploitative.

The working framework for migrant workers is subject to the labor code and should thus benefit from these amendments, except for domestic workers, who are governed by a separate code.

This article was originally published in French in L'Orient-Le Jour.