Maternity & Paternity Leave in Saudi Arabia (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
Sourced from Omani royal decrees, ministerial decisions, and the Basic Statute of the State. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
The Labour Law provides paid parental leave with specific protections tied to length of service. The 2025 amendments under Royal Decree M/44 of 1446H expanded several entitlements (effective 19 February 2025):
- Maternity leave: Female employees are entitled to 12 weeks of paid maternity leave under the M/44 amendments (up from 10 weeks / 70 days under the pre-amendment text), with 6 weeks mandatory post-birth. Leave can start up to 4 weeks before the expected delivery date.
- Maternity pay: Full pay if she has worked for one year or more; half pay if less than one year.
- Extended leave: After maternity leave, a mother can take up to 1 month unpaid additional leave (extendable to 2 months with a medical report).
- Nursing breaks: After returning to work, a nursing mother gets one hour per day for breastfeeding, counted as paid working time, for up to 24 months after delivery.
- Paternity leave: Male employees get 3 days of paid leave upon the birth of a child.
- Job protection: Terminating a female employee during maternity leave or for pregnancy-related reasons is illegal. If terminated, she can claim both unfair dismissal compensation and her remaining maternity pay.
- GOSI maternity benefits: Saudi women registered with GOSI may be eligible for maternity benefits through the social insurance system in addition to employer-paid leave.
When does it apply?
- You are a female employee expecting a child or who has recently given birth.
- You are a male employee whose wife has given birth.
- Both Saudi and expatriate employees are entitled to these benefits.
What to Do If Your Employer Refuses Maternity Leave or Threatens Termination During Pregnancy in Saudi Arabia
- Notify your employer in advance and provide a medical certificate with the expected delivery date.
- Submit your leave request in writing per your company's HR policy — confirm it is recorded on the Qiwa platform.
- If your employer refuses maternity leave or threatens termination, file a complaint with MHRSD (19911) immediately.
- Saudi women should check their GOSI benefits at gosi.gov.sa to see if additional maternity payments apply.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not skip the medical certificate — your employer needs documentation to process the leave.
- Do not accept termination during maternity leave — this is illegal under the Labour Law, and you can claim compensation through the Labour Courts via Najiz.
- Do not waive your nursing break rights — these are protected by law for up to 24 months after delivery.
About Workers' Rights in Oman
Your job in the Saudi private sector is governed by the Labour Law (Royal Decree No. M/51 of 2005). Most of the system runs on the Qiwa platform — contracts, transfers, and disputes. Salaries flow through the Wage Protection System via Mudad. Saudi nationals have a SAR 4,000 minimum wage; there is no statutory floor for expats. Since the Labour Reform Initiative in 2021, you can change employers and request exit/re-entry through Absher without sponsor approval. GOSI handles social insurance, including workplace-injury cover for expats.
Common Questions
What is the maternity & paternity leave right in Oman?
The Labour Law provides paid parental leave with specific protections tied to length of service. The 2025 amendments under Royal Decree M/44 of 1446H expanded several entitlements (effective 19 February 2025):Maternity leave: Female employees are entitled to 12 weeks of paid maternity leave under the M/44 amendments (up from 10 weeks / 70 days under the pre-amendment text), with 6 weeks mandatory post-birth. Leave can start up to 4 weeks before the expected delivery date.Maternity pay: Full pay if she has worked for one year or more; half pay if less than one year.Extended leave: After materni...
When does it apply — maternity & paternity leave?
You are a female employee expecting a child or who has recently given birth.You are a male employee whose wife has given birth.Both Saudi and expatriate employees are entitled to these benefits.
What should I do if my employer is denying my maternity leave rights or threatened to fire me while pregnant in Saudi Arabia?
Notify your employer in advance and provide a medical certificate with the expected delivery date.Submit your leave request in writing per your company's HR policy — confirm it is recorded on the Qiwa platform.If your employer refuses maternity leave or threatens termination, file a complaint with MHRSD (19911) immediately.Saudi women should check their GOSI benefits at gosi.gov.sa to see if additional maternity payments apply.
What should you NOT do — maternity & paternity leave?
Do not skip the medical certificate — your employer needs documentation to process the leave.Do not accept termination during maternity leave — this is illegal under the Labour Law, and you can claim compensation through the Labour Courts via Najiz.Do not waive your nursing break rights — these are protected by law for up to 24 months after delivery.