MHRSD Approves 30 Days Paid Leave Every year and Weekly Rest for Agricultural, Herding and Similar Workers
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Eng. Ahmed Al-Rajhi, has approved new regulations for agricultural workers, herding workers, and similar jobs. These rules apply to workers employed by individual employers, such as those working in homes, private farms, or livestock herding, and do not apply to establishments or companies.
Annual Leave, Weekly Rest, and Official Holidays
The new rules guarantee employees 30 days of paid vacation for every year they work. The employee is entitled to financial compensation for any days that go unused if their employment contract terminates before they have the opportunity to use this leave. Most Viewed: Jawazat explains how to update iqama details through Absher
Paid official holidays include:
➤ Four days for Eid al-Fitr, starting from the 29th of Ramadan
➤ Saudi National Day
➤ Founding Day
Workers are also entitled to a weekly paid rest day of at least 24 continuous hours. If a worker is required to work on this rest day, they must be given an alternative rest day.
Working Hours and Overtime Rules
Workers may not work more than 8 hours per day. They are also not allowed to work more than five consecutive hours without a break.
A break of at least 30 minutes for rest and meals must be provided, and this break is counted as part of the working hours.
The law requires employers to pay their employees half of their regular compensation in overtime if they put in more hours than expected. Overtime does not apply to work done on paid leave days or official holidays.
Age Limits and Job Restrictions
Employers are not allowed to hire workers under the age of 21. They are also prohibited from:
🔹 Assigning work not mentioned in the employment contract.
🔹 The employer cannot force the worker to work for others or for personal gain.
🔹 Assigning tasks outside the profession listed in the contract and residency permit. Trending: Fines for employers for not providing health insurance to workers in Saudi Arabia
Probation Period Rules
The employer and worker may agree on a paid probation period of up to 90 days from the start of employment. During this period:
🔘 Either party may end the contract.
🔘 No compensation is required upon termination.
🔘 A worker cannot be placed on probation more than once with the same employer.
Employer Responsibilities
The regulations require employers to:
■ Provide suitable housing inside or outside the workplace.
■ Provide food or a food allowance.
■ Provide transportation or a transportation allowance if housing is far from work.
■ Pay all costs related to entry visas, residency permits, and exit and re-entry visas.
■ Employers must not keep the worker’s passport or personal documents.
In the event of the worker’s death, the employer must cover the costs of burial or repatriation of the body. Employers must also allow workers to contact their families freely.
Workers are not required to pay any recruitment fees or related expenses.
Worker Duties and Obligations
Workers must:
👉 Follow the agreed-upon work schedule.
👉 Perform duties with care and responsibility.
👉 Follow supervision and work instructions.
👉 Maintain punctuality.
👉 Keep employer information confidential.
👉 Avoid working for themselves or others during or after the contract, as required by regulations.
Conclusion
These new regulations aim to improve worker rights, ensure fair treatment, and clearly define the responsibilities of employers and workers in agricultural and herding jobs across Saudi Arabia. See Also: Saudi Arabia is getting ready to launch Air Taxis in major cities
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| MHRSD Approves 30 Days Paid Leave Ever year and Weekly Rest for Agricultural, Herding and Similar Workers |