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Wage and hour laws in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which also apply nationally, regulate the working hours, holidays, overtime, and minimum wage for workers. Governed by the Saudi Labor Law, these rights are designed to ensure fair pay and healthy working conditions. Saudi Arabia has adopted the principle of "equal wage for equal work," meaning all workers should receive equal pay for providing the same work, regardless of nationality or gender.
Legal advice is recommended where misunderstandings or disagreements about wages, overtime pay, and working hours arise between the employer and employee. If employers violate your wage and hours rights, a lawyer can guide you on the best course of action to protect those rights. Legal assistance is also helpful when you are not correctly compensated for overtime, or if you believe there is discrimination in your wages. Often navigating the legal provisions of wage and hour laws can be complex, and this is where the expertise of a lawyer becomes invaluable.
Wage and hour laws in Saudi Arabia stipulate a maximum working week of 48 hours. Any work performed beyond these hours should be compensated as overtime. Saudi Arabia introduced a minimum wage for Saudi workers in 2021, and this does not apply to expatriate workers. The primary law governing these regulations is the Saudi Labor Law.
In Riyadh, and throughout Saudi Arabia, the maximum working hours per week are 48, as dictated by Saudi Labor Law.
Any work performed beyond the standard maximum working hours is considered overtime and should be compensated at a higher rate determined by the employer in line with Saudi Labor Law.
In 2021, Saudi Arabia introduced a monthly minimum wage of SAR 4,000 for Saudi workers. This minimum wage does not apply to expatriate workers.
If you believe that you are not receiving the correct wages, it is advisable to start by discussing the issue with your employer. If this does not solve the problem, it may be necessary to engage a lawyer and potentially the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
If your rights under the wage and hour laws have been violated, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. Legal action may also be necessary, and a lawyer can guide you through this process.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development should be your first point of contact for wage and hour inquiries and disputes. Various law firms specializing in labor laws can also provide advice and assistance. There are many non-government organizations and legal aid services that can help you understand your rights and potential remedies.
If you believe that you need legal assistance in regard to wage & hours laws in Saudi Arabia, it is advisable to first document all pertinent information about your work environment, wage, and hours. The next step is to search for reputable law firm specializing in labor law in Riyadh. It is essential to ensure the legal help you seek has appropriate expertise, experience, and is fluent in your preferred language.
