Private sector employees in Saudi performing Hajj for the first time are entitled to paid leave

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has verified that private sector workers who are making the Hajj for the first time are eligible for paid leave that lasts 10 to 15 days, including the Eid Al Adha holiday.

The ministry explained in a statement released prior to the pilgrimage season that the leave can be taken once during an employee's employment term as long as they have worked for their employer for at least two years in a row and have never gone on a pilgrimage before.

The Saudi Labour Law gives workers the ability to take paid leave to perform the Hajj once throughout their employment, the ministry emphasized. According to operational needs, employers are still free to choose how many workers receive Hajj vacation year.

It further stated that the policy is intended to maintain employee rights under the labor contract while striking a balance between workplace demands.