Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has approved an amendment to the law regulating public holidays and vacations for civil servants. “If the National Day falls on Saturday, which is a weekly official holiday, Sunday will be given off as compensation,” said the revised law.

“If it falls on Friday, Thursday will be given holiday, but if it coincides with any other official holiday, employees will not be compensated,” the law added.

Eid Al-Fitr holidays will start from Ramadan 25 and end on Shawal 5, while Eid Al-Adha begins on Dul Hijjah 5 and ends on Dul Hijjah 15. “If a working day falls between two official holidays it will be considered an official holiday,” the law said.

An employee shall be given three-day vacation with full salary if one of his parents, wife or children die and one-day vacation if his brother or sister dies. A female employee shall enjoy vacation with full salary during her idda (waiting period) after the death of spouse.

The law says an employee shall get a paid day off for birth of a child but should avail it within a week. “An employee can take off in other days for the days worked during official holidays, instead of compensation.”

Breaking annual vacation is allowed only after enjoying at least five days but should not involve any financial compensation, and should have enjoyed at least 36 days of vacation during the past three years.

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