A worker in Saudi Arabia has the right to a five-day paid leave in the event of a family member’s death, the kingdom’s Ministry of Human Resources has said.

The fully paid leave must be obtained in case of the death of the worker’s spouse or anyone of the “ascendants or descendants.” The ministry explained that under the Saudi labour law, the term “ascendants” refers to the mother, father, grandfather, and grandmother, while “descendants” refers to sons, daughters, and grandchildren.

Article 113 of Saudi Labour Law

Article 113 of the Saudi labour law stipulates that the worker has the right to fully paid leave for five days upon their marriage, or in the event of the death of a spouse or one of their ascendants or descendants, and three days in the case of a sibling’s death. This leave is calculated from the date of the event.

Moreover, the worker is entitled to a three-day holiday upon the birth of a child, within seven days from the date of birth. The employer, however, has the right to request official documents confirming these events.

Labour Reforms to Enhance Job Market

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has introduced labour reforms to make its job market more attractive and competitive. These reforms aim to preserve contractual rights and promote fair treatment.

Notable Labour Reforms

• A notice period for terminating an employment contract with non-specific duration is now set at 30 days if initiated by the worker and 60 days if initiated by the employer.

• Maternity leave has been extended from 10 to 12 weeks.

• The maximum duration of probation periods has been fixed at 180 days.

Key Changes to Sponsorship System

In 2020, Saudi Arabia introduced significant labour reforms, transforming its sponsorship system. These reforms, implemented in the following year, now allow job mobility and regulate exit and re-entry visas for expatriate workers without the need for employer approval.

Saudi Arabia, with a population of 32.2 million, is home to a large expatriate workforce. These changes reflect the kingdom’s commitment to improving worker conditions and ensuring equal opportunities.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia’s recent labour reforms, including paid leave for family deaths and improved worker rights, aim to foster a fairer and more competitive job market. The kingdom continues to make strides in preserving contractual rights and enhancing the conditions for expatriate workers.