OPTION
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Taxation of Employee - OPTION

Income tax does not apply.

No taxation at grant, vesting, exercise or sale.

Sub Deduction - OPTION

Allowed, provided the awards granted in accordance with (i) the employee’s contracts of employment with the local entity and (ii) the local entity’s internal employment policies are approved by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

Withholding and Reporting - OPTION

Income Tax:
N/A

Social Insurance Contribution:
Pursuant to unofficial guidance, option income is not wages for social insurance purposes.

Securities Restrictions - OPTION

For grants on or after 1 April 2018, companies are required to make quarterly filings with the Capital Markets Authority ("CMA") for the quarters in which any activity related to awards occurs (e.g., grants are made).

Please contact Baker McKenzie for more information.

Exchange Controls - OPTION

None.

Plan Entitlement - OPTION

Generally, no, provided awards are not mentioned in the employment contract but employee should be required to acknowledge discretionary nature of plan.

Data Privacy - OPTION

A new data privacy law was adopted on 23 March 2022 and entered into force on 14 September 2023 (with a one-year grace period to comply).