Navigating employee leave entitlements in Haiti requires a clear understanding of the country's labor code. Employers operating in Haiti, whether through a local entity or by employing remote workers, must comply with specific regulations regarding vacation time, public holidays, sick leave, and various forms of parental leave. Adhering to these requirements ensures compliance and supports positive employee relations.
Understanding the nuances of Haitian labor law is crucial for managing a compliant and effective workforce. The provisions cover minimum leave durations, conditions for taking leave, and compensation during absence, providing a framework for employee rights and employer obligations.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Haiti are entitled to paid annual vacation leave after completing a certain period of service. The minimum entitlement increases with the length of employment.
- After one year of continuous service, employees are entitled to 15 working days of paid vacation.
- After five years of continuous service, employees are entitled to 21 working days of paid vacation.
- After ten years of continuous service, employees are entitled to 30 working days of paid vacation.
Vacation leave must generally be taken within the year it is earned. The timing of leave is typically determined by agreement between the employer and employee, taking into account the needs of the business.
Public Holidays and Observances
Haiti 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 double their regular wage. The specific list and dates of public holidays can vary slightly year to year, but the core holidays remain consistent.
Here are some of the key public holidays typically observed in Haiti in 2025:
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| January 1 | Independence Day |
| January 2 | Ancestors' Day |
| February 25 | Carnival (Mardi Gras) |
| February 26 | Ash Wednesday |
| April 18 | Good Friday |
| May 1 | Agriculture and Labor Day |
| May 18 | Flag and University Day |
| August 15 | Assumption Day |
| October 17 | Dessalines Day |
| November 1 | All Saints' Day |
| November 2 | All Souls' Day |
| November 18 | Battle of Vertières Day |
| December 5 | Discovery Day |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
Note: Some holidays may be observed on a different day if they fall on a weekend, or additional days may be declared public holidays.
Sick Leave Policies
Haitian labor law provides for paid sick leave. Employees are generally entitled to sick leave when they are unable to work due to illness or injury.
- Employees are typically entitled to 15 days of paid sick leave per year.
- To qualify for paid sick leave, employees are usually required to provide a medical certificate from a qualified healthcare professional.
- Sick leave beyond the statutory entitlement may be unpaid or subject to specific company policy or collective agreements.
Parental Leave
Haiti's labor code includes provisions for maternity leave, and while specific statutory paternity or adoption leave entitlements are less defined in the core labor code compared to maternity leave, company policies or collective agreements may offer additional provisions.
Maternity Leave
Female employees are entitled to paid maternity leave.
- The standard duration for maternity leave is 12 weeks.
- This leave is typically divided into 6 weeks before the expected date of childbirth and 6 weeks after childbirth.
- Maternity leave is generally paid at the employee's regular wage.
- A medical certificate confirming pregnancy and the expected delivery date is required.
- It is prohibited to dismiss a female employee during pregnancy or maternity leave.
Paternity and Adoption Leave
Specific statutory entitlements for paternity or adoption leave are not as explicitly detailed in the primary labor code as maternity leave. Any provisions for paternity or adoption leave are often determined by individual company policies, employment contracts, or collective bargaining agreements. Employers may choose to offer paid or unpaid leave for these purposes.
Other Types of Leave
Beyond the main categories, other forms of leave may exist based on specific circumstances, company policies, or collective agreements.
- Bereavement Leave: While not universally mandated by statute, many employers provide a few days of paid or unpaid leave for employees dealing with the death of a close family member.
- Study Leave: Leave for educational purposes is not a standard statutory entitlement but may be granted at the employer's discretion or as part of a training agreement.
- Sabbatical Leave: Long-term leave for personal or professional development is not a statutory right and is typically only offered by specific employers as a benefit for long-serving employees.
Employers should consult the latest labor code provisions and seek local legal counsel to ensure full compliance with all leave requirements in Haiti.
