Learn Your Legal Rights Under the Saudi Arabia Labour Salary Law

The Saudi Arabia Labour Salary Law is a cornerstone for employee and employer rights in the dynamic world of work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This law ensures transparency in salaries, contributions, and working hours, fostering a fair work environment.

It also establishes a minimum wage, providing strong protection for workers and ensuring fair compensation. Understanding your rights and obligations under this law including how to act in case of delayed salaries is essential for navigating the job market confidently and safeguarding your legal entitlements.

Saudi Arabia Labour Salary Law

If you are an employee or employer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it is important to know your rights and obligations under the Saudi Labor Law 2025 related to subscriptions, salaries, working hours, vacations, and termination of service, which include the following:

• Contributions are required from both the employer and employee depending on nationality.
• For Saudi employees, the contribution is 12%, covering retirement and unemployment insurance.
• For non-Saudis, the employer pays 1.5% and the employee pays 10% to social insurance.
• Salaries can be paid weekly or monthly according to company policy.
• The 13th salary is optional and may be given as a bonus at the company’s discretion.
• Regular working hours are 8 hours per day, 6 days a week.
• During Ramadan, working hours are reduced to 6 hours per day.
• Overtime is paid for hours worked beyond regular hours, with a daily maximum of 11 hours.
• Employees are entitled to paid annual leave based on their length of service.
• Unused leave can be carried over to the next year with prior agreement from the employer.
• Public holidays such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Saudi National Day are fully paid.
• Work performed on public holidays is paid as overtime.
• Employees are entitled to 120 days of sick leave with a medical certificate.
• Sick leave is divided as follows, first 30 days full pay, next 60 days one-third pay, final 30 days unpaid.
• Maternity leave is 2.5 months paid, starting one month before the expected delivery date.
• Maternity pay depends on length of service, one year of service = 50% of salary, more than 3 years = 100%.
• Fathers are entitled to 3 days of paid paternity leave after the birth of their child.
• Notice period for termination depends on contract type, monthly contracts = 30 days, other contracts = 15 days.
• End-of-service benefits, 15 days per year for the first 5 years, and one month’s salary for each year beyond 5 years.
• In case of resignation, 2–5 years = one-third of the benefit, 5–9 years = two-thirds, 10 years or more = full benefit.

Read also: Avoid Penality: Understand Labour Iqama Fees in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Labour Salary Per Month

The Saudi Arabia labour salary per month is around 11,000 SAR. Salaries are relatively high compared to other Middle Eastern countries, thanks to the thriving oil, gas, technology, and healthcare sectors, which offer well-paying job opportunities. The Kingdom also hosts several large international companies that provide lucrative salaries to their employees.

The minimum wage is set at 4,000 SAR for Saudi workers in the private sector and 3,000 SAR for those in the public sector.

Minimum salary in Saudi Arabia for foreigners

The minimum salary in Saudi Arabia for foreigners is set at 4,000 SAR per month according to Saudi Arabia labour salary law.

Legal Rights of Employees in Case of Delayed Salaries in Saudi Arabia

• If an employee’s salary is delayed, it is recommended to first communicate with the employer to understand the reason for the delay and try to resolve it amicably. If the issue is not resolved, the employee can file an official complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development through its online platform.
• According to Article 94 of Saudi Arabia labour salary law, the employee has the right to claim compensation for the delayed salary. Compensation includes pay for the days the salary was delayed and, in some cases, may reach up to double the owed amount based on a court ruling.
• The employee has the right to financial compensation for the delay, and the court may decide to increase the compensation up to double the delayed salary.
• If salaries are delayed for three consecutive months, the employee has the right to leave work immediately without prior notice while retaining all legal rights.
• The employee can file a complaint against the employer with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development before the legal deadline for submitting complaints expires.
• Authorities have the right to impose fines and financial penalties on employers who delay salary payments, and services may be suspended if the delay continues.

Check out: Saudi Labor Law Resignation Guide 2025 – Etqan Law Firm

What to Do If You Are Not Paid the Minimum Wage in Saudi Arabia

Before taking any legal action, it is important to first review your employment contract. If the contract stipulates payment of the minimum wage in Saudi Arabia, your employer is legally obligated to pay the specified amount. If you are not receiving this payment, you have the right to file an official complaint.

Complaints should be submitted to the Labor Office under the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. After filing, the case may be resolved through an agreement between the employee and employer, or it may be referred to the labor court for a formal decision. You can consult Etqan Law Firm is considered one of the leading law firms in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, offering specialized legal consultations to help you recover your rights quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion

The Saudi Arabia labour salary law plays a vital role in protecting the rights of both employees and employers. If you have any questions or need legal assistance, you can consult Etqan Law Firm, one of the leading legal firms in the Kingdom, which offers specialized consultations to help you recover your rights and succeed in the growing job market.

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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