Saudi Maternity Leave: FAQs & Mistakes
The maternity misconceptions still circulating in Saudi Arabia after the 2025 change — and the correct, current entitlements.
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Older guidance on Saudi maternity leave is now out of date. Here are the mistakes to avoid.
Mistake 1 — Believing pay depends on your tenure
The old system paid full salary only after three years, half between one and three, and nothing below one. Those tiers were removed in 2025. It is now full pay for everyone, no minimum service.
Mistake 2 — Thinking leave is still 10 weeks
It was increased to 12 weeks (84 days). Guidance quoting 10 weeks predates the amendment.
Mistake 3 — Missing the mandatory post-delivery weeks
At least six weeks must be taken after delivery. This portion is compulsory and cannot be waived or cashed.
Mistake 4 — Not knowing leave can start before birth
You can begin up to four weeks before the expected delivery date, on a medical certificate.
Mistake 5 — Overlooking the sick-newborn extension
A newborn who needs continuous care entitles you to a further month fully paid plus a month unpaid. Many mothers do not claim it.
Mistake 6 — Assuming leave pauses your service
It does not. Maternity leave counts as continuous service, so your end-of-service award keeps accruing throughout.
Don't rely on pre-2025 articles
Most of the confusion around Saudi maternity leave comes from guidance written before the 2025 amendment. If a source tells you the leave is 10 weeks, or that your pay depends on having three years of service, it is describing the old law. The current position is simpler: 12 weeks, full pay, no tenure test. Also remember the leave is an employer-paid Labor Law entitlement; GOSI's separate social-insurance maternity benefit is an additional layer for registered contributors, not a replacement for your salary during leave. When in doubt, verify against Qiwa's current female-worker-rights material.
Key takeaways
- Pay no longer depends on tenure — it is full pay for everyone.
- The leave is 12 weeks (84 days), not the old 10 weeks.
- At least 6 weeks must be taken after the birth.
- Leave can start up to 4 weeks before the due date.
- It counts as continuous service, so end-of-service keeps accruing.
Frequently asked questions
Is Saudi maternity leave still tied to length of service?
No. The tenure-based pay tiers were removed in the 2025 amendment; it is now full pay regardless of service length.
How long is Saudi maternity leave now?
12 weeks (84 days) at full pay, up from the previous 10 weeks.
Must I take part of the leave after delivery?
Yes. At least six weeks must be taken after the birth; that portion is mandatory.
Does maternity leave affect my end-of-service award?
No. It counts as continuous service, so your end-of-service award keeps accruing during the leave.
Is GOSI maternity benefit the same as my salary during leave?
No. Your employer pays your salary under the Labor Law. GOSI's separate maternity benefit is an additional layer for registered contributors, not a replacement.
Can maternity leave be extended?
Yes. Beyond the 12 weeks, one further unpaid month is available, and a sick newborn adds a paid month plus an unpaid month.
Do I keep my job during maternity leave?
Yes. Maternity leave is a protected entitlement and your service continues to run throughout the leave.
Related calculators & guides
More Saudi Arabia employment calculators
Calcnate keeps a full set of Saudi Labor Law tools — all updated for the 2025 amendments — so you can check every part of an exit or contract in one place:
- Saudi End-of-Service Calculator — the half-month/full-month award with resignation tiers.
- Saudi Notice Period Calculator — the 30/60-day rule and pay in lieu.
- Saudi Probation Period Calculator — the 180-day contract rules.
- Saudi Maternity Leave Calculator — 12 weeks at full pay.
- Saudi Leave Encashment Calculator — cash value of unused annual leave.
Browse everything on the Saudi Arabia hub.