The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has different provisions for administering working hours, overtime, and rest days.
The Labor Law sets the maximum number of hours a worker should work. The amount to be paid for overtime, and the days one should rest.
An expert trying to acquire a job in KSA has an added advantage when familiar with the laws in Labour Law.
In the case that you have no idea of the provisions of labor. It is necessary to have this list to ensure:
1. You’re working on the right days.
2. You get the required compensation.
Maximum Working Hours in Saudi Arabia
An employee should not work more than 8 hours in a given day.
The standard working hours in a day may vary a little sometimes provided that for one week one must work for a total of 48 hours
Some establishments in certain sectors may allocate up to 9 hours of working hours for the employee who does not work continuously.
Muslims have to work for 6 hours a day or a total of 36 hours a week during Ramadan.
Workers who do hazardous work have to work at least 7 hours a day with the approval of the Minister of Labor.
According to the Ministry of Labor, an employee who’s worked for a consecutive period of 5 hours is subject to a break or rest period.
How To Calculate Overtime and Working Hours in KSA
The workers do not have to work during the rest periods, which are not part of the working hours, and they should go out for snacks and lunch.
Rest days and off days in KSA
After 5 consecutive working days, the rest days in KSA are scheduled.
The normal weekend commences from Friday to Saturday or Thursday.
Overtime Work and Hourly Rate
A worker works overtime when he/she works for more than the normal 48 working hours.
An employee works overtime when he/she works on official holidays.
Newly Updated Employment Contracts for KSA 2023
In the case that an employee is working overtime he/she should be subject to a 50 percent hourly rate for the extra hours worked.
During the pay for overtime, however, there are some exceptions such as:
- High position
- Per project-based employee
- Janitors
- Guards
This entire knowledge informs you in case of abusive employers and for your safety and prosperity.
FAQs
Conclusion
Labor law regulates working hours in KSA, which sets the maximum hours, overtime pay, rest days, and holidays for workers and employers.
The normal working hours are 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week, but they may vary depending on the type of work and the month of Ramadan. Workers receive 150% of the hourly wage for overtime work, but some workers may be exempt from it.
Workers have the right to a weekly rest day, usually Friday, and public holidays with full pay. Working hours in KSA balance the needs of productivity and welfare for both workers and employers.
I am Saif. I am the founder and chief writer for his own website called KSA Expat Guide and a freelance writer and web developer for many other websites. I live in Saudi Arabia as an ex-pat. Love to research all about KSA. I use my spare time to learn new things, travel, and write about them, especially when it comes to technology and things from the past.