Saudi Arabia's labor laws establish a framework for regulating working hours, overtime, and rest periods to protect employees' rights and ensure fair working conditions. Understanding these regulations is crucial for both employers and employees to maintain compliance and foster a productive work environment. The Saudi Labor Law outlines specific provisions regarding standard working hours, overtime compensation, rest periods, and other aspects of working time.
Adhering to these regulations is not only a legal obligation but also contributes to employee well-being and overall workplace harmony. Employers must be aware of their responsibilities in accurately recording working hours, providing adequate rest periods, and compensating employees fairly for any overtime work.
Standard Working Hours and Workweek Structure
The standard workweek in Saudi Arabia is 48 hours per week, typically spread over six days. The daily working hours should not exceed eight hours per day. During the month of Ramadan, the daily working hours for Muslim employees are reduced to a maximum of six hours per day, or 36 hours per week.
- Standard Workweek: 48 hours
- Daily Working Hours: 8 hours (6 hours during Ramadan for Muslim employees)
- Workweek Structure: Typically six days a week
Overtime Regulations and Compensation Requirements
If an employee is required to work beyond the standard working hours, it is considered overtime. Saudi labor law stipulates that employees are entitled to overtime pay for any hours worked beyond the standard 48 hours per week.
The overtime rate is calculated as 150% of the employee's regular hourly wage. This applies to each hour of overtime worked. There are limits to how much overtime an employee can work. The maximum overtime allowed is typically specified in the employment contract or company policy, but it must comply with the labor law's provisions for employee health and safety.
| Overtime Rate | Compensation |
|---|---|
| Weekdays | 150% of regular hourly wage |
Rest Periods and Break Entitlements
Employees are entitled to rest periods during their working day. According to Saudi labor law, an employee is entitled to a break of at least 30 minutes for rest and prayer after working for five consecutive hours. This break is not included in the total working hours.
In addition to daily breaks, employees are entitled to a weekly rest day, which is typically Friday.
- Daily Rest Period: Minimum 30 minutes after 5 hours of work
- Weekly Rest Day: Typically Friday
Night Shift and Weekend Work Regulations
When employees work night shifts, which are defined as work performed between 11 PM and 6 AM, they are entitled to additional compensation or benefits as specified in their employment contract or company policy. There are no specific regulations in the labor law regarding additional compensation for night shifts.
Working on weekends or official holidays also requires additional compensation. If an employee is required to work on their weekly rest day or a public holiday, they are entitled to overtime pay at the rate of 150% of their regular hourly wage, or they may be granted a compensatory day off.
Working Time Recording Obligations for Employers
Employers in Saudi Arabia have a legal obligation to accurately record the working hours of all employees. This includes tracking regular working hours, overtime hours, and any absences or leaves taken. Maintaining accurate records is essential for ensuring compliance with labor laws and for calculating wages and overtime pay correctly.
Employers should maintain detailed records of each employee's working hours, including:
- Daily start and end times
- Break periods
- Overtime hours worked
- Attendance records
These records should be kept for a minimum period as specified by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) and be made available for inspection by labor inspectors if requested. Failure to comply with these record-keeping requirements can result in penalties and fines.
