Can an employee's start date fall on a weekend or public holiday in Saudi Arabia?

In Saudi Arabia, a supported employee's start date cannot be scheduled on a weekend or public holiday.

Is there a statutory probationary period in Saudi Arabia, and can it be extended or removed? Can the probationary period differ for various job titles or employment agreement types?

In Saudi Arabia, statutory probationary periods are permitted up to 90 days. This can be extended for an additional 90 days with the supported employee's written consent. The probationary period must be explicitly outlined in the employment agreement.

Employees may not be placed on a probationary period more than once by the same employer unless the employee is moved to a new position or has not been employed by the same employer in the past 6 months. The duration of the probationary period does not vary based on job titles or types of employment agreements.

Are employment agreements mandated to be registered with a regulatory authority in Saudi Arabia? If yes, what is the process for registration?

In Saudi Arabia, it is mandatory to register employment agreements with a regulatory authority. This requirement is fulfilled through the QIWA platform, which is an online governmental system designed for this purpose.

What is Pebl's onboarding timeline in Saudi Arabia?

The onboarding timeline for Pebl in Saudi Arabia varies based on the nationality and location of the supported employee:

• Saudi Nationals: The onboarding process typically takes approximately 14 days. This timeframe depends on the responsiveness of both the customer and the supported employee.

• Expatriates (EXPATS):

- For expatriates who are already working in Saudi Arabia and are transferring their IQAMA, the onboarding process takes approximately 14 days.

- For expatriates moving from overseas to Saudi Arabia who require a new work visa and residence permit, the onboarding process can take anywhere from 2 to 4 months. This duration depends on the country in which the application is submitted.