AhlulBayt News Agency: Private sector employees in Saudi Arabia undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage for the first time are entitled to paid leave ranging from 10 to 15 days, including the Eid Al-Adha holiday.
In a statement issued ahead of the annual pilgrimage season, the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development clarified that this leave can be granted once during an employee’s tenure with a company. To qualify, individuals must have completed at least two consecutive years with their current employer and must not have performed Hajj previously.
The ministry emphasized that Saudi labor regulations guarantee employees the right to take paid leave for Hajj once during their employment. However, employers retain discretion over how many employees can be granted this leave each year, depending on operational requirements.
The policy aims to balance employee rights with business needs, ensuring that companies can manage staffing effectively while allowing eligible workers to fulfill their religious obligations.
Hajj is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially capable of performing it at least once in their lifetime.
This year, the pilgrimage is expected to take place between June 4 and June 9, 2025, pending the official sighting of the crescent moon. Pilgrims from across Saudi Arabia and around the world have already begun traveling to Mecca to participate in the sacred journey.
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