In an interview with "Roya," Namrouqa explained that while the right to unpaid leave remains with the employee, it is not open-ended.

 

She pointed out that the current Civil Service System imposes various types of leave, and the proposed Human Resources System includes the same types of leave.

 

Namrouqa emphasized that there is no difference between the types of leave, whether they are medical, annual, emergency, pilgrimage, maternity, or unpaid leave.

 

She explained that under the current Civil Service System, some employees take unpaid leave for contracts within the Kingdom, others for contracts abroad, or to accompany their spouse, care for a parent, or look after a young child.

 

The proposed system, Namrouqa noted, maintains the employee's freedom to take unpaid leave for any reason without interfering with the reason for the leave. The main difference is that the current system does not impose a time limit, allowing employees to remain on unpaid leave for up to 25 years while their job remains reserved.

 

Namrouqa stated that the reorganization aims to include transitional and protective provisions. Once the new system is approved, employees returning from unpaid leave will be required to rejoin their positions, with transitional provisions in place.

 

For employees on unpaid leave within the Kingdom who cannot adjust their situation before their leave ends, the system allows for a one-year extension with the approval of the competent authority. For those on unpaid leave abroad unable to return to their positions, the system permits a two-year extension.

 

Namrouqa confirmed that the new system will come into effect upon its publication in the official gazette.