Saudi Arabia announces 11 days Eid Holidays for all employees (Saudi+Expats)

Government Employees: The Ministry of Civil Service has announced Eid-ul-Adha holidays for 11 days for all employees working in the public sector this year. When we say all employees, it includes expatriate employees as well who are working in the government sector and they are on the payroll of the government.

Holidays Calendar: The holidays will begin at the end of the working day on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 (4th of Dhul Hijjah) and will end on Saturday, August 25, 2018. Employees will have to report back to the office on August 26, 2018, i.e. Sunday.

Subcontracted Manpower: There are many expatriate employees who are working in the government sector but they are not directly hired by the Government. They are on the payroll of sub-contracted suppliers and hence not included in the above order.

Security Forces and Health Staff: Moreover, there are few sectors who are not included in this. For example, security forces are not granted Eid Holidays in this manner. Similarly, doctors and other operating staff of the Ministry of Health is also not granted Eid Holidays in this manner.

Their duty timings are set by the individual ministries and it is also included in the contracts of individual employees. However, they get proper compensation for working during the Eid Holidays.

Banking Sector: Employees working in the Banking and Insurance Sector will enjoy Eid Holidays according to the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency guidelines. This year, SAMA has announced their Eid Holidays starting from Aug 17, 2018, and they will resume work on Aug 26, 2018.

#مؤسسة_النقد: 16 أغسطس موعد إجازة عيد الأضحى للبنوك وشركات التأمينhttps://t.co/Ir8lyUwOy4

— SAMA (@SAMA_GOV) August 6, 2018

However, banks located in holy places like Makkah and Madina, airports, as well as those at border crossings, will remain open during the Hajj season, including Fridays and Saturdays, to serve pilgrims and visitors.

Eid ul Adha Holidays: According to Article 4 of the ministry’s bylaw for holidays, the Eid Al-Adha holidays usually start from Dhul Hijjah 5 and end on Dhul Hijjah 15. 

Private Sector Employees: People who are working in the private sector will be enjoying Eid holidays as per the policy of the company. However, the Saudi Labor Law stipulates minimum Eid Holidays.

According to Saudi Labor Law, you are allowed to have 4 fully paid vacations starting  30 Ramadan for Eid ul Fitr and from 9th Dhul Hijjah for the Eid ul Adha. (Article 112 of Saudi Labor Law).

In the year 2018, the 9th Dhul Hijjah is expected on Monday, August 20, 2018. So, every employee in Saudi Arabia is expected to have minimum 4 Eid-ul-Adha holidays starting from Monday, August 20, 2018.

Friday, August 24, 2018, is the week off day which will be joined with the Eid Vacation, so employees working in the private sector are expecting at least 5 days Eid Holidays.

If your company is giving you holidays for less than this period, you are entitled to overtime at the rate 50% above the wage rate.

Overtime during Eid Holidays: Employers may ask employees to work during those days. Business like manufacturing concerns, supermarkets never close on Eid Holidays. If an employee is willing to work during Eid holidays, the employer is responsible for paying them overtime for all the time they have worked during these days.

The overtime is paid at the rate of 150% of the basic wage as per Article 107 of the Saudi Labor Law. Read more in this link “Working Hours and Overtime Calculation in Saudi Arabia”

Hajj Holidays: If you are going to perform Hajj this year, you are entitled to a Hajj leave of 10 days irrespective of the fact you are working in the private or public sector. Recommended: Leaves Entitlement of the Employees under Saudi Labor Law

Eid ul Fitr Holidays: According to Article 4 of the ministry’s bylaw for holidays, the Eid Al-Fitr holidays usually start from Ramadan 27 and end on Shawal 07.