Saudi Arabia Notice Period 2026: The New Employee-Employer Split
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Saudi Arabia's notice-period rule changed materially in February 2025, and many older articles online still describe the previous version.
The current rule
If you resign, you owe 30 days notice, regardless of how you are paid. If your employer ends your indefinite contract, they owe you 60 days if you are paid monthly, or 30 days if you are paid another way (daily, piece-rate, etc.).
Why the asymmetry
Before the amendment, both sides owed the same 60/30-day split by pay frequency. The 2025 change specifically shortened the employee's obligation to a flat 30 days, making it easier for workers to move on, while keeping the employer's obligation unchanged.
Payment in lieu
Either side can skip actually working the notice period by paying the other's wage for that period instead — using your last wage, which under Saudi law includes basic pay plus regular allowances.
Worked example
SAR 8,000/month wage, employer ends a monthly-paid contract without notice: 60 days ÷ 30 × 8,000 = SAR 16,000 compensation. Had the employee resigned instead: 30 days ÷ 30 × 8,000 = SAR 8,000.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the notice period in Saudi Arabia?
Since the amendment effective 18 February 2025: 30 days if you resign, or if your employer ends a non-monthly-paid contract; 60 days if your employer ends a monthly-paid contract.
Did the Saudi notice period change recently?
Yes. Before the amendment, both sides owed 60 days (monthly-paid) or 30 days (other). The employee side was reduced to a flat 30 days regardless of pay frequency.
What happens if the notice period is not honoured?
The party who fails to give proper notice must compensate the other with wages equal to the notice period.
What if my resignation gets no employer response?
If your employer does not respond within 30 days, your resignation is automatically accepted — though they may postpone acceptance up to 60 days with written justification.