Rivermate | Kambodscha landscape
Rivermate | Kambodscha

Urlaub in Kambodscha

449 EURpro Mitarbeiter/Monat

Understand employee leave entitlements and policies in Kambodscha

Updated on April 25, 2025

Understanding employee leave entitlements is crucial for businesses operating in Cambodia to ensure compliance with local labor laws and maintain positive employee relations. The Cambodian Labor Law outlines various types of leave that employees are entitled to, including annual vacation, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave. Adhering to these regulations is mandatory for employers.

These leave policies are designed to provide employees with necessary rest, time for personal matters, and support during significant life events, contributing to overall workforce well-being and productivity within the Cambodian legal framework.

Annual Vacation Leave

Employees in Cambodia are entitled to paid annual leave. The minimum entitlement increases with seniority.

  • Minimum Entitlement: Employees are entitled to a minimum of 18 working days of paid annual leave per year after one year of service.
  • Accrual: Leave accrues at a rate of 1.5 days per month of service.
  • Increased Entitlement: For every three years of service, the annual leave entitlement increases by one additional day.
  • Timing: The timing of annual leave is typically determined by the employer, taking into account the needs of the business and the employee's preferences.
  • Carry Over: While the law generally encourages taking leave within the year it is accrued, specific agreements or company policies may allow for limited carry-over of unused leave days to the following year.
  • Payment in Lieu: Payment in lieu of annual leave is generally not permitted, except upon termination of employment, where accrued but untaken leave must be paid out.
Service Duration Minimum Annual Leave Entitlement
Less than 1 year Accrues at 1.5 days/month
1 year to under 3 years 18 working days
3 years to under 6 years 19 working days
6 years to under 9 years 20 working days
And so on... +1 day every 3 years

Public Holidays and Observances

Cambodia observes numerous public holidays throughout the year, reflecting its cultural and religious calendar. Employees are generally entitled to paid leave on these days.

  • Number of Holidays: The specific number and dates of public holidays are announced annually by the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training. There are typically around 20-22 public holidays per year.
  • Weekend Rule: If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is usually observed as a compensatory holiday.
  • Work on Holidays: If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, they are entitled to receive premium pay, typically double their normal wage for that day.

While the official list for 2025 is announced closer to the year, the following are commonly observed public holidays in Cambodia:

Holiday Typical Month(s)
International New Year's Day January
Victory Over Genocide Day January
Meak Bochea Day February
International Women's Day March
Khmer New Year April
International Labor Day May
Visak Bochea Day May
Royal Ploughing Ceremony May
King Norodom Sihamoni's Birthday May
Children's Day June
Queen Mother Norodom Monineath's Birthday June
Constitution Day September
Pchum Ben (Ancestors' Day) September/October
Commemoration Day of King Father October
Paris Peace Agreements Day October
King Norodom Sihamoni's Coronation Day October
Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) November
National Independence Day November

Sick Leave Policies and Pay

Employees are entitled to paid sick leave under Cambodian labor law, provided certain conditions are met.

  • Entitlement: Employees are entitled to sick leave for non-work-related illness or injury.
  • Duration and Pay:
    • For the first month of sick leave, the employee is entitled to 100% of their wages.
    • For the second month, they are entitled to 60% of their wages.
    • For the third month, they are entitled to 40% of their wages.
    • Beyond three months, the employer is not legally obligated to pay wages, though the employee may be entitled to benefits from the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) if applicable.
  • Medical Certificate: For sick leave exceeding one day, employees are typically required to provide a medical certificate from a recognized doctor.
  • Work-Related Injury/Illness: Leave for work-related injuries or illnesses is covered under separate provisions related to occupational health and safety and social security benefits, often involving full wage replacement and medical expense coverage.
Duration of Sick Leave Wage Entitlement
First month 100% of wages
Second month 60% of wages
Third month 40% of wages
Beyond three months 0% from employer

Parental Leave

Cambodian law provides for parental leave, primarily focusing on maternity leave, but also including provisions for paternity and adoption leave.

  • Maternity Leave: Female employees are entitled to 90 days of paid maternity leave.
    • Pay: During maternity leave, the employee is entitled to 50% of their wages paid by the employer. Additionally, they may be eligible for benefits from the NSSF, potentially covering the remaining portion of their wages, subject to NSSF regulations and contributions.
    • Timing: Maternity leave can be taken before and after childbirth.
    • Protection: Female employees on maternity leave are protected against dismissal.
  • Paternity Leave: While not as extensive as maternity leave, the law provides for a short period of paid leave for fathers.
    • Entitlement: Fathers are entitled to one day of paid leave upon the birth of their child.
  • Adoption Leave: Employees who adopt a child are also entitled to leave.
    • Entitlement: Female employees who adopt a child are entitled to 90 days of paid leave, similar to maternity leave. Male employees who adopt may also be entitled to a short period of leave.
Type of Parental Leave Duration Employer Paid Wage Potential NSSF Benefit
Maternity Leave 90 days 50% Yes
Paternity Leave 1 day 100% No
Adoption Leave (Female) 90 days 50% Yes
Adoption Leave (Male) Short period Varies No

Other Types of Leave

Beyond the main categories, Cambodian labor law and common practice may recognize other forms of leave, though specific entitlements can vary or be subject to employer policy or collective agreements.

  • Special Leave (Leave for Personal Reasons): Employees may be granted up to 7 days of paid special leave per year for significant family events such as marriage, the marriage of a child, or the death of a spouse, child, or parent. This leave is separate from annual leave.
  • Bereavement Leave: Typically covered under Special Leave for the death of close family members.
  • Study Leave: The Labor Law mentions the possibility of study leave, particularly for professional development, but specific entitlements are often subject to agreement between the employer and employee or collective bargaining. It is not a universally mandated paid leave entitlement for all employees.
  • Sabbatical Leave: Sabbatical leave is not a statutory entitlement under Cambodian labor law. Any provision for sabbatical leave would be based on company policy or individual employment contracts.
Martijn
Daan
Harvey

Bereit, Ihr globales Team zu erweitern?

Sprechen Sie mit einem Experten