Saudi Sick Leave: Duration and Pay
Saudi Labour Law provides significant sick leave protection — 120 days per year with a tiered pay structure. Your employer cannot terminate you during this period, and the entitlement is a legal minimum that cannot be reduced by contract. Here is how the system works.
Sick Leave Structure
Article 117 of the Saudi Labour Law (Royal Decree No. M/51) sets out a clear tiered structure.
First 30 days: Full pay (100% of salary)
Next 60 days: Three-quarters pay (75% of salary)
Final 30 days: Unpaid leave (0% salary, but employment is protected)
How Sick Days Are Counted
Sick leave days are counted as calendar days, including weekends and public holidays. The 120-day count begins from the first day of sick leave in the current employment year. Non-continuous sick leave days are aggregated — if you take 5 days in January and 10 days in March, that counts as 15 days toward your 120-day total.
The count resets on your employment anniversary date, not the calendar year. If you joined on March 15, your sick leave year runs from March 15 to March 14 of the following year.
Medical Certificate Requirements
Your employer can require a medical certificate (sick note) for any absence. The certificate must come from a licensed medical practitioner — government hospital, private hospital, or registered clinic. Some employers designate specific approved medical providers.
Be careful: If you are absent for more than 20 non-consecutive days or 10 consecutive days without a valid medical certificate, your employer may consider this unjustified absence and can terminate your contract after issuing a written warning. Always get proper documentation.
Termination Protection During Sick Leave
Your employer cannot terminate your contract during the 120-day sick leave period. This is absolute — even if there is a legitimate business reason, termination during sick leave is considered unfair dismissal under Article 78.
If your employer fires you while on sick leave, you are entitled to: compensation equal to the remaining salary for the contract period (or at least 2 months' salary), full end-of-service gratuity, and any other contractual benefits. File a complaint with HRSD immediately.
Workplace Injuries vs Regular Sick Leave
If your illness or injury is work-related, it falls under GOSI Occupational Hazards coverage, not the sick leave provision. Work-related injuries provide: full medical treatment at GOSI expense, daily compensation at 100% of salary for the entire recovery period (no 75% or unpaid tiers), and disability payments if applicable. Report workplace injuries to GOSI within 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sick leave days do I get?
120 days per year: 30 days full pay, 60 days at 75%, 30 days unpaid.
Can I be fired on sick leave?
No. You are protected for 120 days. Termination during sick leave is unfair dismissal with compensation rights.
Do I need a medical certificate?
Yes, employers can require one for any absence. Must be from a licensed medical practitioner.
Do weekends count as sick leave days?
Yes. Sick leave is counted in calendar days, not working days. Weekends and holidays within continuous sick leave are counted.
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