Saudi Arabia Grants First-Time Hajj Pilgrims Up to 15 Days Paid Leave

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia has announced that employees performing the Hajj pilgrimage for the first time are entitled to a minimum of 10 days and up to 15 days of paid leave, including the Eid al-Adha holiday.

According to a report by Saudi Gazette, the announcement was made at the start of the Hajj season, offering clarity on the entitlements of private sector employees under the Kingdom’s Labour Law.

The Ministry specified that the Hajj leave applies only once during an employee’s tenure with a company. To qualify, employees must have completed at least two consecutive years of service and must not have previously performed the pilgrimage.

“The Labour Law provides that workers are entitled to paid leave to perform Hajj once during their employment, subject to specific conditions,” the Ministry stated. The new directive ensures that employees have the time and financial security to fulfill one of Islam’s five pillars without risking their job or income.

However, the Ministry also emphasized that the number of employees granted Hajj leave at any one time remains at the discretion of the employer. Companies can determine the number of workers eligible for the leave each year based on operational needs.

The Ministry said the regulation seeks to balance the religious rights of workers with the business needs of employers, promoting harmony in the workplace. “These rules are in place to protect the rights of both employees and employers, and to ensure that work continuity is maintained while allowing individuals to fulfill their religious obligations,” the Ministry added.

This announcement comes as preparations for the 2025 Hajj season ramp up. Authorities have also warned against violations during the pilgrimage, with penalties including fines of up to SR100,000 and bans on future Hajj participation for rule-breakers.

The Kingdom has implemented a range of reforms in recent years aimed at improving labor conditions and aligning employment policies with national development goals under Vision 2030.

With millions of Muslims traveling to Saudi Arabia each year to perform Hajj, the new policy underscores the government’s commitment to facilitating the pilgrimage while ensuring fair treatment for workers across all sectors.