Sick leave in Saudi Arabia: days and pay
Saudi Arabia allows up to 120 days of sick leave a year, paid on a sliding scale (Saudi Labour Law, Art. 117).
In full: 30 days full pay, then 60 days at 75%, then 30 days unpaid — up to 120 days per year.
The pay bands
| Days | Pay |
|---|---|
| Days 1–30 (30 days) | Full pay |
| Days 31–90 (60 days) | 75% of the wage |
| Days 91–120 (30 days) | Unpaid |
90 days of the 120 days are paid; the rest are unpaid but still count as sick leave.
These are the statutory baselines, stated for general information — not legal advice. Entitlements can vary with tenure, sector, and contract; verify your specific case.
Frequently asked questions
How many sick days a year does the law allow in Saudi Arabia?
Up to 120 days a year: 30 days full pay, then 60 days at 75%, then 30 days unpaid — up to 120 days per year (Saudi Labour Law, Art. 117).
Is sick leave paid in full in Saudi Arabia?
Only the first 30 days at full pay. After that: 30 days full pay, then 60 days at 75%, then 30 days unpaid — up to 120 days per year.
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