Paid Hajj Leave for Private Sector Employees in Saudi Arabia
Private sector employees in Saudi Arabia who are performing Hajj for the first time are eligible for paid leave of 10 to 15 days, including the Eid Al Adha holiday. This has been confirmed by the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) ahead of this year’s pilgrimage season.
To qualify for this leave, employees must meet two key conditions:
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They must have worked for their employer for at least two consecutive years.
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They must not have previously taken Hajj leave during their employment.
The ministry highlighted that Saudi labor laws guarantee this right, allowing employees to take paid Hajj leave once during their career. However, employers can decide how many employees may go on Hajj leave each year, depending on business needs. This ensures that companies can manage workloads while still respecting employees’ religious obligations.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it is expected to perform the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. This year, Hajj is expected to take place from June 4 to June 9, 2025, subject to the official moon sighting. Pilgrims from Saudi Arabia and around the world have already started traveling to Mecca to take part in this sacred journey.
The MHRSD’s policy aims to balance workplace productivity with employees’ religious rights. By allowing paid leave, the government supports workers in fulfilling their spiritual duties without financial hardship. Employers are encouraged to plan ahead to accommodate staff requests while maintaining smooth business operations.
This initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to upholding both labor rights and Islamic traditions, ensuring that employees can perform Hajj without losing income or job security. Workers are advised to check with their employers early to confirm leave approval and make necessary arrangements for their pilgrimage.
As Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for many Muslims, this policy provides significant support to private sector employees, helping them fulfill their religious duties with peace of mind.
