{"id":7266,"date":"2026-10-06T15:55:12","date_gmt":"2026-10-06T12:55:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ususlawfirm.com\/probation-period-saudi-labor-law\/"},"modified":"2026-10-11T15:12:20","modified_gmt":"2026-10-11T12:12:20","slug":"probation-period-saudi-labor-law","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ususlawfirm.com\/en\/probation-period-saudi-labor-law\/","title":{"rendered":"Probation Period in the Saudi Labour Law: Length, Extension, Ending"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.usus-tbl{border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;max-width:760px;margin:12px 0 20px;font-size:15px}.usus-tbl th{background:#f4eff9;color:#2A124A;font-weight:700;text-align:right;padding:9px 12px;border-bottom:2px solid #C9A227}.usus-tbl td{padding:9px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5ddec;vertical-align:top}<\/style>\n<div dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p>The <strong>probation period under the Saudi Labour Law<\/strong> (\u0641\u062a\u0631\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u062a\u062c\u0631\u0628\u0629) is the time in which the employer tests the worker&#8217;s competence and the worker tests the workplace, and during which either of them can end the contract more easily. But it is not without limits: it has a maximum length, it must be written into the contract, and it has particular effects on the end-of-service award and compensation. Here we explain the rules as set out in Articles 53 and 54 of the Labour Law.<\/p>\n<h2>The probation rules at a glance<\/h2>\n<table class=\"usus-tbl\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Issue<\/th>\n<th>Rule<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Putting it in writing<\/td>\n<td>It must be stated expressly in the employment contract with its length clearly set; if it is not written, there is no probation period<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Length<\/td>\n<td>No more than ninety days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Extension<\/td>\n<td>Allowed by written agreement between the parties, provided the total does not exceed one hundred and eighty days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>What does not count towards it<\/td>\n<td>The Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha holidays and sick leave<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Ending the contract during probation<\/td>\n<td>Either party may end the contract, unless the contract gives that right to only one of them<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Effect of ending it<\/td>\n<td>Neither party is entitled to compensation, and the worker is not entitled to an end-of-service award for this period<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<figure class=\"usus-ig usus-ig-7266-1\"><img class=\"wp-image-7969\" src=\"https:\/\/ususlawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/usus-7266-1.webp\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1193\" alt=\"The probation rules at a glance \u2014 Probation Period in the Saudi Labour Law (Usus Law Firm infographic)\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ususlawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/usus-7266-1.webp 1200w, https:\/\/ususlawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/usus-7266-1-768x764.webp 768w, https:\/\/ususlawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/usus-7266-1-640x636.webp 640w, https:\/\/ususlawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/usus-7266-1-400x398.webp 400w, https:\/\/ususlawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/usus-7266-1-367x365.webp 367w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<h2>Can a worker be put on probation twice?<\/h2>\n<p>The general rule is that a worker may not be placed on probation more than once with the same employer. As an exception, the parties may agree on a second probation period of no more than ninety days, provided it is for a different profession or job, or at least six months have passed since the worker&#8217;s relationship with that employer ended.<\/p>\n<h2>Practical tips<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>For workers:<\/strong> read the probation clause before signing, check its length, and do not agree to an extension that is not in writing. If you sign a bilingual contract, check that the English and Arabic versions say the same thing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>For employers:<\/strong> write the probation period expressly, document the evaluation during it, and end the contract in writing before it expires if you decide not to continue.<\/li>\n<li>After the probation period ends, termination is governed by the general rules. Read <a href=\"https:\/\/ususlawfirm.com\/en\/article-77-saudi-labor-law\/\">Article 77<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>A probation clause for an employment contract<\/h2>\n<div class=\"usus-tpl\" style=\"white-space:pre-line;background:#FAF8F4;border:1px solid #E6DDD0;border-radius:10px;padding:16px 18px\">The Second Party is subject to a probation period of [ ] days starting from the date of commencement, excluding Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha holidays and sick leave. It may be extended by written agreement of both parties, within the maximum set by law. Either party may terminate the contract during probation unless otherwise agreed, without compensation or award being due, subject to the rights the law provides.<\/div>\n<p>State the period expressly, and document any extension in a signed annex before the original period ends. <em>The maximum period and extension rules were amended in 2025; check the latest official text.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<h3>I was dismissed on the last day of probation. Am I owed compensation?<\/h3>\n<p>Ending the contract during probation does not, as a rule, give rise to compensation. But if the termination actually came after the period had ended, or the period was not written in the contract, the position is different.<\/p>\n<h3>Does the probation period count towards length of service?<\/h3>\n<p>If the contract continues after probation, the period is included in the service on which the award is calculated. Read <a href=\"https:\/\/ususlawfirm.com\/en\/article-84-saudi-labor-law\/\">Article 84 and the end-of-service award<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Need an employment contract reviewed, or facing termination during probation?<\/h2>\n<p>The team at <strong>Usus Law Firm<\/strong> handles <a href=\"https:\/\/ususlawfirm.com\/en\/service\/labor-cases\/\">labour cases<\/a> for workers and employers, in <a href=\"https:\/\/ususlawfirm.com\/en\/lawyer-in-riyadh\/\">Riyadh<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/ususlawfirm.com\/en\/lawyer-in-tabuk\/\">Tabuk<\/a>, and advises in English. See also our <a href=\"https:\/\/ususlawfirm.com\/en\/employment-contract-template-saudi-arabia\/\">employment contract template<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:12.5px;color:#6a6178;border-top:1px solid #e6ddd0;padding-top:10px;margin-top:16px\"><em>This article is general legal information and is not a substitute for advice on your specific case. Court proceedings in Saudi Arabia are in Arabic; the official Arabic text of each law prevails.<\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"usus-qbox\">\n<h2>Request a quick consultation<\/h2>\n<p>Leave your name and mobile number, and a lawyer from our Riyadh or Tabuk office will call you during working hours. We advise in English.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wpcf7 no-js\" id=\"wpcf7-f6963-o1\" lang=\"en-US\" dir=\"ltr\" data-wpcf7-id=\"6963\">\n<div class=\"screen-reader-response\"><p role=\"status\" aria-live=\"polite\" aria-atomic=\"true\"><\/p> <ul><\/ul><\/div>\n<form action=\"\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7266#wpcf7-f6963-o1\" method=\"post\" class=\"wpcf7-form init\" aria-label=\"Contact form\" novalidate=\"novalidate\" data-status=\"init\">\n<fieldset class=\"hidden-fields-container\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7\" value=\"6963\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_version\" value=\"6.2.2\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_locale\" value=\"en_US\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_unit_tag\" value=\"wpcf7-f6963-o1\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_container_post\" value=\"0\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_posted_data_hash\" value=\"\" \/>\n<\/fieldset>\n<span id=\"wpcf7-6acd138930403-wrapper\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap cf7apps-honeypot-wrap honeypot-qf-wrap\" style=\"position:absolute;width:1px;height:1px;padding:0;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);white-space:nowrap;border:0;\"><label for=\"wpcf7-6acd138930403-field\" class=\"hp-message\">Please leave this field empty.<\/label><input id=\"wpcf7-6acd138930403-field\"  class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-text\" type=\"text\" name=\"honeypot-qf\" value=\"\" autocomplete=\"new-password\" tabindex=\"1000\" data-cf7apps-tabindex=\"1000\" \/><\/span>\n<div class=\"usus-qf\">\n<div class=\"f\"><label for=\"q-name\">Name<\/label><span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"q-name\"><input size=\"40\" maxlength=\"400\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-text wpcf7-validates-as-required\" id=\"q-name\" autocomplete=\"name\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" placeholder=\"Your name\" value=\"\" type=\"text\" name=\"q-name\" \/><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"f\"><label for=\"q-phone\">Mobile<\/label><span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"q-phone\"><input size=\"40\" maxlength=\"400\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-tel wpcf7-validates-as-required wpcf7-text wpcf7-validates-as-tel\" id=\"q-phone\" autocomplete=\"tel\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" placeholder=\"05xxxxxxxx\" value=\"\" type=\"tel\" name=\"q-phone\" \/><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"f\"><label for=\"q-city\">City<\/label><span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"q-city\"><select class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-select wpcf7-validates-as-required\" id=\"q-city\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" name=\"q-city\"><option value=\"Riyadh\">Riyadh<\/option><option value=\"Tabuk\">Tabuk<\/option><option value=\"Other city\">Other city<\/option><\/select><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"f w\"><label for=\"q-msg\">Your case in brief (optional)<\/label><span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"q-msg\"><textarea cols=\"40\" rows=\"2\" maxlength=\"600\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-textarea\" id=\"q-msg\" aria-invalid=\"false\" placeholder=\"One or two lines are enough\" name=\"q-msg\"><\/textarea><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"s\"><input class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-submit has-spinner\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Request a call from a lawyer\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"wpcf7-response-output\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The probation period under the Saudi Labour Law (\u0641\u062a\u0631\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u062a\u062c\u0631\u0628\u0629) is the time in which the employer tests the worker&#8217;s competence and the worker tests the workplace, and during which either of them can end the contract more easily. But it is not without limits: it has a maximum length, it must be written into [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8317,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[85],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7266","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-labor-law"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":{"landsacpe":["https:\/\/ususlawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/usus-cover-7266-1140x445.jpg?wsr",1140,445,true],"list":["https:\/\/ususlawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/usus-cover-7266-463x348.jpg?wsr",463,348,true],"medium":["https:\/\/ususlawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/usus-cover-7266-300x169.jpg?wsr",300,169,true],"full":["https:\/\/ususlawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/usus-cover-7266.jpg?wsr",1200,675,false]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ususlawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7266","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ususlawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ususlawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ususlawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ususlawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7266"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/ususlawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7266\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7970,"href":"https:\/\/ususlawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7266\/revisions\/7970"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ususlawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8317"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ususlawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7266"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ususlawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7266"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ususlawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7266"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}