Probation in the Saudi private sector is set by Articles 53 and 54 of the Labour Law, as amended with effect from February 2025.
How long
- Probation must be stated in the contract, with its length. Without that, there is no probation.
- The total cannot be more than 180 days. Before 2025 the limit was 90 days, extendable to 180 by written agreement.
- Eid holidays and sick leave are not counted in the probation period.
Ending the job during probation
Either side can end the contract during probation, unless the contract gives only one side this right. No compensation is owed, and no end of service award is due for the probation period if the contract ends during it.
A second probation
A worker cannot normally be put on probation twice with the same employer. A new probation is possible only for a different job, or if more than six months have passed since the contract ended.
After probation
Once probation ends, the normal rules apply: notice of 30 days if you resign and 60 days if your employer ends an open-ended contract. Your service for the end of service award counts from your first day, including probation.
Leave during probation
You earn annual leave from the start of your service. Sick leave rules apply from day one, and sick days extend your probation because they are not counted in it.
Read the Saudi notice and resignation rules and the Saudi sick leave guide. To estimate your award later, use the Saudi end of service calculator.
Sources
- Saudi Labour Law (Royal Decree M/51), as amended with effect from February 2025
- Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD)
- Qiwa
Related on Sumtrail
See also the Saudi final settlement calculator and all Saudi calculators.
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