Maternity & Paternity Leave in Saudi Arabia
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Saudi royal decrees, regulations, and ministerial decisions. 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:
- Maternity leave: Female employees get 70 days of paid maternity leave (approximately 10 weeks). She 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.
Common Questions
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.