Saudi Labour Law & Worker Rights for Pakistanis 2026
Understanding Saudi labour law is essential for Pakistani workers. This guide covers your rights, working hours, leave, benefits, and how to file complaints.
1. Employment Contract
- Written contract mandatory (Arabic + English)
- Contract duration: 1–2 years (renewable)
- Must specify: job title, salary, working hours, benefits
- Probation period: max 90 days
- Contract must be registered on Qiwa platform (Saudi MOHR)
2. Working Hours
- Maximum 8 hours/day or 48 hours/week
- During Ramadan: reduced to 6 hours/day
- Overtime: 1.5x normal rate
- Friday: rest day (or alternative day with employer)
- Break: 1 hour after 5 consecutive hours
3. Leave Entitlements
| Leave Type | Duration | Pay |
|---|
| Annual leave | 21 days/year (first 5 years) | Full pay |
| Annual leave | 30 days/year (after 5 years) | Full pay |
| Sick leave | 30 days | Full pay (first 30 days) |
| Maternity leave | 10 weeks | Full pay |
| Hajj leave | Once during employment | 10–15 days |
| Bereavement | 3–5 days | Full pay |
4. End-of-Service Benefits (EOSB)
When your contract ends or is terminated:
- Less than 5 years: half month salary per year
- 5+ years: one month salary per year
- Calculated on last drawn salary
- Paid within 1–2 weeks of contract end
- Cannot be waived by contract
5. Wage Protection System (WPS)
Saudi Arabia uses WPS to ensure timely salary payments:
- Salary must be paid through bank transfer
- Delayed payment = employer fined by MOHR
- You can check salary status on Qiwa app
6. How to File a Complaint
If your employer violates your rights:
Step 1: Contact MOHR
- Hotline: 19991
- App: Qiwa (available in Urdu/English)
- Website: mohr.gov.sa
Step 2: Visit Labour Office
- File a written complaint at the nearest Labour office
- Bring: contract, passport, salary slips
Step 3: Pakistan Embassy
- If MOHR doesn't resolve: contact Pakistan Embassy Riyadh
- Helpline: +966-11-48871000
7. What Employers Cannot Do
- ❌ Hold your passport (illegal since 2021)
- ❌ Delay salary beyond WPS deadline
- ❌ Change your job without consent
- ❌ Deport you without paying EOSB
- ❌ Confiscate your documents
- ❌ Charge recruitment fees (employer pays)
Related Guides
Read the Saudi work visa guide and remittance guide.