Saudi Arabia Introduces Stricter Labor Laws with Heavy Fines for Maternity Leave Denial

  • 18/11/2025

Saudi Arabia has implemented substantial revisions to its labor laws, introducing stringent penalties for employers who violate worker protections, particularly regarding women's rights. Under the new regulations, denying maternity leave to female employees constitutes a serious violation carrying a 1,000-riyal fine that doubles based on the number of affected employees.

Establishments employing fifty or more women with at least ten children under six years old must now provide childcare facilities, with non-compliance resulting in 3,000-riyal fines. The updated laws also address other workplace violations, including:

  • Uniform dress code infractions: fines up to 300,000 riyals
  • Failure to properly handle workplace misconduct: 1,000-3,000 riyal fines
  • Unlicensed recruitment activities: 200,000-250,000 riyal fines
  • Hiring Saudis without proper authorization: 200,000-riyal fines

These reforms, which previously underwent public consultation, represent Saudi Arabia's commitment to enhancing working conditions and ensuring greater women's participation in the labor force while strengthening overall worker protections.

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