Managing employee leave and vacation entitlements in Guinea-Bissau requires a clear understanding of the country's labor code and regulations. Employers must ensure compliance with statutory requirements regarding annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, and various forms of parental and other special leaves to maintain fair and legal employment practices. Adhering to these regulations is crucial for businesses operating or employing individuals within Guinea-Bissau.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Guinea-Bissau are entitled to paid annual leave after a qualifying period of service. The minimum duration of annual leave is stipulated by law and typically increases with the length of service.
- Minimum Entitlement: Employees are generally entitled to a minimum of 22 working days of paid annual leave per year after completing one year of service.
- Accrual: Leave is typically accrued based on the length of service.
- Timing: The timing of annual leave is usually determined by agreement between the employer and employee, taking into account the operational needs of the business.
- Carry-over: Specific rules may govern the carry-over of unused leave days to the following year.
| Service Length | Minimum Annual Leave Entitlement |
|---|---|
| After 1 year | 22 working days |
| After 5 years | May increase (check specific law) |
Public Holidays
Guinea-Bissau observes several public holidays throughout the year. Employees are generally entitled to a paid day off on these national holidays. If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, they are typically entitled to premium pay, often at a rate of double their normal wage.
Here is a list of typical public holidays observed in Guinea-Bissau, with estimated dates for 2025. Note that dates for some holidays, particularly those based on the lunar calendar, may vary slightly.
| Date (Approx. 2025) | Holiday Name |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year's Day |
| January 20 | National Heroes' Day |
| March 8 | International Women's Day |
| April (varies) | Good Friday |
| April (varies) | Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Labour Day |
| May (varies) | Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) |
| June 5 | World Environment Day |
| June (varies) | Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) |
| September 24 | National Day |
| November 14 | Movement of Readjustment Day |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
Sick Leave
Employees in Guinea-Bissau are entitled to paid sick leave in case of illness or injury, provided they present a medical certificate. The duration and payment of sick leave are regulated by law.
- Entitlement: Employees are entitled to sick leave upon presentation of a valid medical certificate.
- Duration: The duration of paid sick leave can vary depending on the length of service and the specific illness, but is typically limited per year or per illness episode.
- Pay: Sick leave is generally paid, often at a percentage of the employee's regular salary, potentially covered by social security after a certain period.
| Condition | Entitlement | Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Illness/Injury | Upon medical certificate | Paid (percentage of salary, potentially via social security) |
| Duration Limit | Subject to legal limits (e.g., per year) | Varies based on duration and social security rules |
Parental Leave
Guinea-Bissau labor law provides for parental leave, including maternity, paternity, and potentially adoption leave, to support employees welcoming a new child.
- Maternity Leave: Female employees are entitled to paid maternity leave. The standard duration is typically 60 days, which can be taken before and after childbirth. Pay during maternity leave is often covered by social security benefits.
- Paternity Leave: Male employees are typically entitled to a shorter period of paid paternity leave following the birth of a child.
- Adoption Leave: Provisions for adoption leave may also exist, offering similar entitlements to biological parents.
| Type of Leave | Entitlement Duration | Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Maternity Leave | 60 days (approx.) | Paid (often via social security) |
| Paternity Leave | Short duration | Paid |
| Adoption Leave | May be available | May be paid (check specific regulations) |
Other Types of Leave
Beyond the standard categories, Guinea-Bissau labor law may also recognize other types of leave for specific circumstances.
- Bereavement Leave: Employees may be entitled to a short period of paid leave in the event of the death of a close family member.
- Study Leave: Provisions for study leave may exist for employees pursuing further education relevant to their work, subject to employer agreement and specific conditions.
- Marriage Leave: Some regulations may grant a short period of paid leave for an employee's marriage.
- Civic Duty Leave: Leave may be granted for fulfilling civic obligations, such as jury duty (if applicable) or voting.
The specific entitlements and conditions for these other leave types are typically outlined in the labor code or collective bargaining agreements.
