Working Hours in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, the standard working week is 40 hours, which is usually spread over five days. However, during the holy month of Ramadan, the working hours are reduced to 30 hours per week.
Overtime work is allowed in Saudi Arabia, and employees who work beyond their normal working hours are entitled to overtime pay. The rate of overtime pay is usually 1.5 times the normal hourly rate.
Employment Rights and Benefits in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has a range of employment rights and benefits in place to ensure that workers are treated fairly and with respect. Some of the key employment rights and benefits in Saudi Arabia include:
Annual leave
Employees in Saudi Arabia are entitled to at least 21 days of paid annual leave per year. This entitlement increases to 30 days after five years of service.
Sick leave
Employees in Saudi Arabia are entitled to a maximum of 30 days of sick leave per year. During this period, the employee is entitled to full pay.
Maternity leave
Female employees in Saudi Arabia are entitled to 10 weeks of paid maternity leave. This leave can be taken before or after the birth of the child.
End-of-service benefits
End-of-service benefits are payments made to employees at the end of their employment contract. The amount of the payment is usually based on the length of service and the employee’s salary.
Pensions
Pensions are mandatory in Saudi Arabia, and employers are required to provide their employees with a pension scheme. The schemes are usually based on a defined contribution plan, where both the employer and employee contribute to the pension fund.
Pensions for Expats in Saudi Arabia
Expats who work in Saudi Arabia are entitled to the same pension benefits as Saudi Arabian citizens. The pension system in Saudi Arabia is based on a defined contribution plan, where both the employer and employee contribute to the pension fund.
Expats who have worked in Saudi Arabia for at least 10 years may be eligible for a pension when they reach the retirement age. The amount of the pension is usually based on the individual’s average salary and the number of years they have worked in Saudi Arabia.
Retirement Age in Saudi Arabia
The retirement age in Saudi Arabia is currently 60 years for men and 55 years for women. However, there are plans to increase the retirement age for both men and women to 62 years by 2024.
It is important to note that the retirement age may change in the future, depending on the economic and demographic circumstances in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia offers a range of employment terms and conditions in place to ensure that workers are treated fairly and with respect. From annual leave to sick leave and pensions, Saudi Arabian law ensures that employees are provided with adequate benefits.
Expats who work in Saudi Arabia are entitled to the same pension benefits as Saudi Arabian citizens, and it is important for them to understand their entitlements and obligations under Saudi Arabian employment law to ensure that they are receiving the benefits they are entitled to and complying with their legal requirements as employees or self-employed workers.
The retirement age in Saudi Arabia may change in the future, and it is important for individuals to plan for their retirement accordingly, whether through a pension scheme provided by their employer or a private pension scheme.
Overall, Saudi Arabia offers a range of employment terms and conditions that are designed to protect workers and ensure that they are treated fairly. Expats who work in Saudi Arabia can expect to receive similar benefits to Saudi Arabian nationals, and it is important for them to understand their entitlements and obligations under Saudi Arabian employment law.