Maternity Leave in Saudi Arabia for Expats: What Woman Needs to Know?

Maternity leave in Saudi Arabia for expats is recognized as a key right within the labor system, reflecting the Kingdom’s broader commitment to supporting women in the workplace. This approach aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to empower women, enhance their participation in the labor market.

Maternity leave stands out as a vital provision that helps working women both citizens and expatriates achieve a healthy balance between professional life and family responsibilities. By offering this support, Saudi labor law demonstrates its dedication to creating an inclusive and sustainable work environment, enabling women to contribute effectively to both the economy and society.

Maternity Leave in Saudi Arabia for Expats

• Maternity leave in Saudi Arabia 2025, working women are entitled to fully paid maternity leave that extends for up to 10 weeks. This leave is typically divided into two parts: 4 weeks before the expected delivery date based on a certified medical report and 6 weeks after giving birth.
• There’s flexibility in how the leave is arranged, as long as the employee refrains from working during the first six weeks following childbirth.
• To qualify for full pay during this period, it’s essential that the employee does not engage in work for another employer. The law also protects the woman’s job security, ensuring that her contract cannot be terminated simply because she took maternity leave. Once the leave is over, she has every right to return to her original position.
• Employers are obligated to cover the necessary medical care throughout pregnancy and childbirth. In addition, once the employee resumes work, she is entitled to a one-hour paid break each day to breastfeed her child—this hour is granted separately from the regular rest periods given to other employees.
• Women who wish to extend their maternity leave may request an additional month without pay. In cases where the newborn has a health condition or special needs requiring continued care, the mother can take an extra month off with full pay. If needed, this can be followed by a further month of unpaid leave, subject to employer approval.

How to Apply for Maternity Leave in Saudi Arabia?

To be granted maternity or paternity leave, employees must follow certain steps and meet specific conditions to ensure their right to the leave is protected under the law:

• First, it’s important to submit a leave request in advance to the employer ideally well before the expected due date, to allow proper planning and coordination at work.
• Second, the employee must provide the required documents, such as a certified medical report from a recognized healthcare provider stating the expected delivery date. After the birth, a birth certificate must be submitted as official proof.
• Finally, for female employees, it’s essential to adhere to the approved leave duration and not engage in any work for another employer during the leave period. Failing to comply with this may result in losing the right to the leave and the associated salary.

Check Out: When Are You Request Emergency Leave in Saudi Labor Law?

What Are the Conditions for Maternity Leave in Saudi Arabia?

Maternity leave in Saudi Arabia for expats is a fundamental right granted to working women under Saudi labor law, designed to protect their health and well-being during pregnancy and after childbirth. To ensure the smooth processing and legal eligibility for maternity leave, there are several key conditions that a working woman must meet:

1. Adhering to the legally defined duration of maternity leave

 The law outlines a specific time frame for maternity leave, and it’s essential that the employee neither shortens nor exceeds this period unless in accordance with official labor regulations. This time is designed to allow the mother sufficient rest before delivery, recovery afterward, and the opportunity to bond with and care for her newborn.

Read More: Sick Leave Saudi Labor Law: Know Your Esential Rights

2. Submitting the leave request ahead of time

 Women are expected to formally request maternity leave well in advance of their due date—ideally, no later than four weeks before the expected delivery. This advance notice gives the employer enough time to make the necessary work adjustments and ensure coverage during the employee’s absence.

3. Providing a medical certificate with the expected delivery date

 To begin maternity leave at the correct time, the woman must present a medical certificate issued by an authorized health facility. This certificate confirms the anticipated delivery date based on medical evaluation, ensuring that leave starts appropriately according to the pregnancy timeline.

4. Not working for another employer during the leave period

 One of the strict conditions is that the employee must not engage in work for any other organization during her maternity leave. This rule ensures that the mother fully utilizes this period for rest and recovery, safeguarding her health and the health of her baby, and preventing any additional physical or mental strain.

Together, these conditions serve to safeguard the rights of working mothers in Saudi Arabia. They aim to create a balanced environment where women can maintain their professional roles while also taking the time needed to care for themselves and their newborns during this critical stage of life.

Maternity Leave in Saudi Arabia for Expats Calculator

In Saudi Arabia, maternity leave in Saudi Arabia for expats can extend up to 10 weeks (equivalent to 70 days). Typically, a woman can begin her leave up to 4 weeks before the expected delivery date, with the remaining weeks taken after childbirth.

There is a degree of flexibility in how the leave is distributed. The employee and employer may agree on a schedule that suits the woman’s health condition and the workplace needs. However, one important condition remains: the employee is not allowed to work during the first 6 weeks following childbirth, to ensure both her well-being and the safety of the newborn.

Learn About: Article 109 Saudi Labor Law: Employee Leave Rights & Benefits

Paternity Leave in Saudi Arabia for Expats 2025

Paternity leave in Saudi Arabia is entitled to three days of paternity leave, which he can take during the first week after his wife’s delivery. These days are fully paid and are considered one of the official types of leave recognized by the Saudi Labor Law, as stated in Article 153 of the Executive Regulations for Human Resources. This leave is granted to all employees and is not deducted from their annual leave balance.

Conclusion

Maternity leave in Saudi Arabia for expats is a clear reflection of the Kingdom’s evolving labor environment—where women’s rights, especially in the workplace, are becoming a national priority. If you’re an expat or an employer seeking legal clarity on maternity leave, employment rights, or labor regulations in Saudi Arabia, the Etqan Law Firm is here to assist.

The Etqan Al Mutamayza Law Firm is ready to provide the essential support you need. You can reach their team at the following mobile numbers: +966550600204, +966551020060.

Additionally, feel free to visit our branches located at:

• Jeddah: Al-Aziziyah District, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street (Tahlia)
• Riyadh: King Abdulaziz Street, across from the Kingdom Tower
• Dammam: Al-Ashri’a Street, Al-Badeea, Dammam 32415.

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