Quick Summary
- Maternity leave entitlement: 10 weeks paid leave (Article 151)
- Leave can start up to 4 weeks before the expected delivery date
- Full salary is paid throughout the entire maternity leave period
- Additional unpaid leave up to 1 month can be requested after maternity leave
- You cannot be terminated during pregnancy or maternity leave
- Breastfeeding breaks of 1 hour per day for up to 2 years after birth
Maternity Leave Entitlement Under Article 151
Article 151 of Saudi Labour Law grants every female employee 10 weeks of paid maternity leave. This applies to all women working in the Saudi private sector — both Saudi nationals and expatriate women.
| Leave Period | Duration | Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Before birth (maximum) | 4 weeks | Full salary |
| After birth (minimum) | 6 weeks | Full salary |
| Total maternity leave | 10 weeks | Full salary |
| Additional leave (optional) | Up to 1 month extra | Unpaid |
Maternity Leave Salary Calculation
Maternity leave is paid at your full salary throughout the entire 10-week period. Full salary means your total monthly salary including all fixed allowances — the same basis as annual leave salary calculation.
Job Protection During Pregnancy and Maternity Leave
Saudi Labour Law provides strong job protection for pregnant employees and new mothers:
- Cannot be terminated during pregnancy — once your employer knows you are pregnant, terminating your employment is illegal. Any termination during pregnancy is presumed to be related to the pregnancy and is treated as arbitrary dismissal.
- Cannot be terminated during maternity leave — your job is fully protected for the entire 10-week maternity leave period and any additional approved leave you take.
- Right to return to your job — after maternity leave ends you have the right to return to the same position with the same salary and benefits. Your employer cannot demote you or reduce your pay as a result of your pregnancy or maternity leave.
- EOSB continues accumulating — maternity leave counts as service for EOSB calculation purposes.
Breastfeeding Rights at Work
Saudi Labour Law also protects breastfeeding mothers returning to work after maternity leave:
- You are entitled to one hour per day for breastfeeding or expressing milk for up to 24 months after delivery
- The breastfeeding hour can be split into two 30-minute breaks if preferred — by agreement with your employer
- The breastfeeding break is paid — it counts as working time and your salary is not reduced for it
- Employers of larger workplaces may be required to provide a dedicated nursing room — check with HR about your specific workplace
Sick Leave Linked to Pregnancy
If you experience pregnancy-related illness or complications that prevent you from working before your maternity leave starts, this may be covered by sick leave rather than maternity leave — preserving your full maternity leave entitlement. Key points:
- Pregnancy-related illness with medical documentation can be treated as sick leave
- This does not reduce your 10-week maternity leave entitlement
- Normal sick leave rules apply — medical certificate required
- Discuss with HR early to ensure the leave is classified correctly
Maternity Leave and Annual Leave Interaction
Maternity leave and annual leave are completely separate entitlements. Your employer cannot:
- Deduct maternity leave days from your annual leave balance
- Require you to use accrued annual leave to "top up" maternity leave
- Refuse to pay your unused annual leave balance if you resign after maternity leave
What If Your Employer Refuses Maternity Leave?
An employer refusing to grant maternity leave or refusing to pay salary during maternity leave is in serious violation of Saudi Labour Law. If this happens:
- Document the refusal in writing — email HR formally stating you are requesting your legal maternity leave entitlement under Article 151
- File an HRSD complaint at hrsd.gov.sa immediately — do not delay
- Contact your country's embassy if the situation involves any element of coercion or threat
- Any termination during pregnancy or maternity leave entitles you to Article 77 compensation in addition to all other rights
Frequently Asked Questions
I have only worked for 6 months. Am I still entitled to maternity leave?
Yes — maternity leave entitlement applies from the first day of employment. There is no minimum service requirement for maternity leave in Saudi Arabia. Even if you have only been working for a few months, you are entitled to the full 10 weeks of paid maternity leave.
Can I take my annual leave immediately after maternity leave ends?
Yes — you can request to take your accrued annual leave immediately after maternity leave ends. Your employer cannot refuse a reasonable annual leave request made in conjunction with maternity leave. This is a common practice for extending time at home with a newborn.
My baby was stillborn or I had a miscarriage. Am I still entitled to maternity leave?
Yes — in the case of a stillbirth at or after a certain gestational age, full maternity leave entitlement applies. In cases of miscarriage at earlier stages, sick leave provisions cover the recovery period. Consult with HR about classification — and if there is any dispute file an HRSD complaint. You deserve time to recover regardless.
Does my husband get any paternity leave?
Saudi Labour Law provides 3 days of paid paternity leave for the birth of a child. This is separate from the mother's maternity leave and applies to male employees. The 3 days should be taken around the time of birth.
Can I work from home during maternity leave?
There is no legal requirement for you to work during maternity leave — it is a protected rest period. Whether you choose to do some light remote work is entirely your personal decision. Your employer cannot require you to work during maternity leave or reduce your leave entitlement because you did some remote work voluntarily.
Maternity Rights Issue With Your Employer?
Whether your employer is refusing maternity leave, cutting salary during leave or threatening your position — book a consultation for clear guidance on your full rights and how to protect them.