Saudi Arabia sets 10–15 day Hajj leave for first-time pilgrims

Dubai: Private sector employees performing Hajj for the first time are entitled to paid leave ranging from 10 to 15 days, including the Eid Al Adha holiday, the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has confirmed.

In a statement issued ahead of the pilgrimage season, the ministry clarified that the leave is available once during an employee’s service period, provided they have completed at least two consecutive years with their employer and have not previously undertaken the pilgrimage.

The ministry emphasised that Saudi Labour Law grants employees the right to take paid leave to perform Hajj once during their period of employment. It noted that employers retain the right to determine the number of employees granted Hajj leave each year based on operational needs.

The policy, it added, is designed to balance workplace demands while ensuring employee rights under the labor contract are preserved.

This year, Hajj is expected to take place between June 4 and June 9, 2025, pending the official moon sighting. Pilgrims have already begun departing from various parts of the Kingdom and abroad to join the annual religious gathering in Mecca.