Saudi Maternity Leave 2026: The New 12-Week Full-Pay Rule (Article 151)
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Saudi Arabia significantly improved maternity leave in a 2025 amendment to the Labor Law — both extending the duration and removing a tenure-based penalty that used to exist.
12 weeks, all at full pay
Under Article 151 as amended (effective around February 2025), working mothers get 12 weeks (84 days) of maternity leave, all at full (100%) pay — up from 10 weeks previously.
The old tenure tiers are gone
Before the amendment, your pay level during maternity leave depended on how long you'd worked for your employer: full pay only kicked in at 3+ years of service, with half pay for 1–3 years, and unpaid leave for under 1 year. The 2025 amendment removed these tiers entirely — every eligible employee now gets the full 12 weeks at full pay, regardless of tenure.
Timing: mostly after delivery
At least 6 weeks must be taken immediately after delivery. The remaining time can start up to 4 weeks before your expected delivery date, on a medical certificate. If delivery is delayed and less than 6 weeks remains before it, the shortfall converts to unpaid leave.
Extra time if your baby needs it
If your newborn is sick or has special needs requiring continuous care, you can take a further month fully paid, plus another month unpaid.
Worked example
SAR 9,000/month wage: daily wage = 9,000 ÷ 30 = SAR 300. Over the full 84-day leave: 84 × 300 = SAR 25,200 total, at full pay.
Frequently asked questions
How many weeks of maternity leave do I get in Saudi Arabia?
12 weeks (84 days), all at full (100%) pay — increased from 10 weeks under an amendment to Article 151 effective around February 2025.
Do I need a minimum length of service to get full pay in Saudi Arabia?
No, not anymore. The 2025 amendment removed the previous tenure-based tiers (which used to give full pay only at 3+ years of service, half pay for 1–3 years, and unpaid under 1 year). Now it's 12 weeks full pay regardless of tenure.
How much of Saudi maternity leave must be taken after delivery?
At least 6 weeks must be taken immediately after the birth. The rest of your 12 weeks can be started up to 4 weeks before your expected delivery date, on a medical certificate.
What if my baby needs special care in Saudi Arabia?
You can get a further month fully paid, plus an additional month unpaid, if your newborn is sick or has special needs requiring your continuous care.
Is Saudi maternity leave paid by the employer or GOSI?
Your employer pays your salary during the leave. Saudi's General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) has separately introduced a maternity-related benefit under its newer social-insurance regime for registered contributors — but the employer-paid salary under the Labor Law is the core entitlement covered here.