Saudi Maternity Leave: 70 Days Entitlement
Saudi Arabia provides 70 days of paid maternity leave with strong protections against termination during pregnancy and after childbirth. Your employer cannot fire you, reduce your pay, or change your role because of pregnancy. Here is the complete guide to your maternity rights.
Maternity Leave Entitlement
Article 151 of the Saudi Labour Law grants every female worker 70 days of maternity leave at full pay. The leave can be taken as follows: up to 4 weeks (28 days) before the expected delivery date and the remaining days after delivery. If you choose to take less than 28 days before delivery, the unused pre-delivery days are added to your post-delivery leave.
If the delivery occurs earlier or later than expected, the total maternity leave entitlement remains 70 days. The leave begins from the actual date you stop working, not the delivery date.
Extension Options
30-day unpaid extension: Available to all workers who need additional recovery time. Must notify employer before the 70-day period ends.
Medical complications: If you or your child has a documented medical condition, additional leave may be granted with a medical certificate. This period is covered under the sick leave provision (120 days separate from maternity).
Child with disability: If your newborn has a disability, you are entitled to an additional 30 days of paid leave, extendable by another 30 days unpaid.
Termination Protection
Article 155 provides strong protections. Your employer cannot terminate your contract during maternity leave. They also cannot issue a termination notice during pregnancy. If your employer fires you during pregnancy or maternity leave, you are entitled to:
Compensation for unfair dismissal (remaining contract value or minimum 2 months salary)
Full maternity leave pay for the remaining 70-day period
Complete end-of-service gratuity and all contractual benefits
Nursing Hour After Return
After returning to work, Article 154 entitles nursing mothers to one paid hour per day for breastfeeding. This can be taken as two 30-minute breaks or one continuous hour. The nursing hour is separate from regular breaks and is paid at your full salary rate.
This right continues for 24 months from the date of birth. Your employer cannot refuse the nursing hour, reduce your salary because of it, or count it as annual leave.
Know this: Some contracts include a clause requiring resignation upon marriage or pregnancy. These clauses are illegal and unenforceable under Saudi Labour Law. If your contract contains such a clause, it is void. Do not resign — file a complaint with HRSD.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is maternity leave?
70 days at full pay. Up to 28 days before delivery and the rest after. Plus 30-day unpaid extension available.
Can I be fired during maternity leave?
No. Termination during pregnancy or maternity leave is illegal. It constitutes unfair dismissal with compensation rights.
Do I get a nursing hour?
Yes. One paid hour per day for breastfeeding, continuing for 24 months from birth date.
Is maternity leave at full pay?
Yes. All 70 days are at 100% salary. The optional 30-day extension is unpaid unless your contract says otherwise.
Check Your Maternity Rights
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