How probation works in Saudi Arabia under the current (2025-amended) Labor Law — and why the notice period is set by your contract, not a fixed number in the law.
Figures in SAR.
| Service | Entitlement |
|---|---|
| Maximum probation length | Up to 180 days, set directly in the contract (since the Feb 2025 amendment — previously 90 days by default, extendable to 180 only via a separate agreement) |
| Termination rights | Mutual by default since the 2025 amendment (previously could be reserved to one party only) |
| Statutory notice period | None fixed by law — governed by your employment contract |
| Gratuity/compensation on probation termination | None owed by either party |
| Repeating probation | Not allowed with the same employer for the same role (exceptions: a different role, or 6+ months since prior employment ended) |
This reflects the CURRENT law after the February 2025 amendment. Before that, probation defaulted to 90 days (extendable to 180 by separate written agreement) and termination rights could be one-sided if the contract said so. Source: Saudi Labor Law, Article 53, as amended by Royal Decree M/44 of 1446H (effective ~Feb 2025).
Up to 180 days, which can now be set directly in the employment contract from the start (since the amendment effective around February 2025, under Royal Decree M/44). Before that amendment, the default was 90 days, extendable to 180 only through a separate written agreement.
Saudi Labor Law itself does not fix a mandatory notice period for ending employment during probation — this is left to your employment contract. Check what your contract says; if it's silent, no statutory minimum applies.
Since the 2025 amendment, termination rights during probation are mutual by default for both employer and employee — previously, a contract could reserve this right to just one side.
No — no end-of-service gratuity or other compensation is owed by either party for a termination that happens during the probation period.
Not for the same role — unless you're taking on a different position, or at least 6 months have passed since your previous employment with that employer ended.