The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia has issued guidance on relations between the employees and private sector employers during the Corona virus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Private companies are allowed to reduce working hours and can deduct employees salaries only for the next 6 months, keeping account of the daily or weekly working hours reports Arab News.

However, The salaries should not be reduced by more than 40% of the total salary, After 6 months, employers must pay full salaries to their workers. 

- Workers do not have right to object the reduction of salary unless the reduction is more than 40% of the total wage. The law also allows business owners the right to approve the timings of their workers annual leave depending on work conditions.

- It is allowed for companies to give their workers annual leave at the same time or alternatively, Salaries during annual leave will be paid at the rate before any reduction.

- Workers have the right to seek an unpaid leave, if the employer approves, Employers given the right to use these measures are not exempt from state subsidies granted to help private sector companies crippled due to the Coronavirus pandemic. 

- Employers are not allowed to terminate the employment contracts in this situation till the mentioned 6 months finishes.

SOURCE : SAUDI EXPATRIATES