Seasonal Work

What Is Seasonal Work?

Seasonal work is a type of temporary employment that recurs at a specific time each year. During these periods, companies hire temporary employees to perform seasonal tasks that experience an increase in demand for certain services or products, and wages during these seasons are often higher than regular wages.

This type of work is an ideal opportunity for individuals looking for part-time or supplemental work, those who wish to gain new experiences, or those seeking a good full-time income, even if only for a short period.

What are the types of seasonal jobs?

Seasonal jobs are divided into several types based on the nature of the work and the associated season, the most notable of which are:

• Agricultural jobs: Other agricultural activities tied to planting and harvesting seasons.
• Tourism jobs: Work in hotels, restaurants, and tourist resorts that experience peak activity during the holiday season or in specific seasons such as summer or winter.
• Jobs related to holidays and special occasions: These include work in retail stores, markets, delivery companies, and other businesses that experience high demand during holiday periods such as Christmas, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha, or religious seasons such as the Hajj.

What does “seasonal worker” mean?

An employee hired for seasonal work is called a seasonal worker—someone hired to perform specific tasks for a set period of time associated with a particular season. Seasonal workers enjoy many of the same rights and responsibilities as permanent employees, such as working hours, rest periods, and occupational health and safety protections.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Seasonal Work

Seasonal work offers significant opportunities for both workers and employers. It is important for companies to balance the benefits of seasonal jobs with their challenges to ensure they make the most of seasonal labor and minimize any potential risks.

Among the most notable advantages of seasonal work are:

• Increased job opportunities for the unemployed or those seeking to supplement their income during these seasons and events.
• Gaining new experiences or developing existing skills in various fields of work, which enhances workers’ professional qualifications and resumes.
• An opportunity for permanent employment, as outstanding performance by seasonal workers can lead to permanent job offers if they prove their competence; for companies, this serves as a trial period to assess the worker’s performance and competence.
• A flexible work schedule for both employees and companies, allowing work hours to be adjusted according to actual needs.
• Reduced hiring costs, as seasonal contracts often spare companies many of the costs associated with hiring permanent workers, such as benefits and compensation.
• Ease of terminating the contract without long-term legal obligations, giving companies greater flexibility to adapt to market changes.

Among the challenges or disadvantages of seasonal work are:

• Inefficient investment in training: Companies may need to invest time and money in training seasonal workers, which may not be cost-effective given the temporary nature of the work.
• Unstable performance: Temporary workers are often less committed than permanent employees, which can affect performance and productivity.
• Lack of financial stability, as contracts end with the season, forcing employees to constantly search for new work.
• Legal risks if companies do not comply with laws and regulations regarding the employment of seasonal workers, such as minimum wage requirements or worker classification.
• Lack of the benefits and perks enjoyed by permanent employees, such as health insurance and paid leave.
• Exposure to intense and stressful work pressures, as workers must meet increasing demands in a short period of time.

Terms of Seasonal Employment Contracts Under Saudi Law

Seasonal employment contracts are of great importance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly during the Hajj and Umrah seasons and the month of Ramadan, as the need for seasonal work visas requires careful regulation to manage the massive influx of foreign workers each year. Specific regulations have been established to govern the terms of these contracts, in addition to certain provisions outlined in the Saudi Labor Law.

Among the most important conditions of a seasonal employment contract, according to the draft regulations for temporary and seasonal work visas, are the following:

• Seasonal work must be limited to the Hajj and Umrah seasons during Ramadan.
• The validity period of a seasonal work visa shall not exceed four months for all types of work, with the exception of transportation jobs, for which it is five months.
• Non-Saudi workers are permitted to enter the country only during the work season and are not entitled to perform the Hajj rituals.
• Establishments hiring seasonal workers must be located in the regions of Makkah and Madinah.
• Seasonal workers must be between the ages of twenty-five and forty-eight, with the exception of doctors.