Understanding leave entitlements is crucial for businesses operating in Madagascar. Malagasy labor law outlines specific requirements for vacation, holidays, sick leave, and parental leave, ensuring employee well-being and compliance. Employers need to be aware of these regulations to create fair and attractive employment packages. This guide provides a detailed overview of the various leave policies in Madagascar as of 2025.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Madagascar are entitled to annual paid vacation leave. The standard entitlement is typically 30 working days of paid leave per year. The specific amount of leave may vary based on collective bargaining agreements or individual employment contracts, but it cannot be less than the statutory minimum.
- Leave accrual usually begins from the first day of employment.
- Employers and employees should agree on the timing of vacation leave, considering both the needs of the business and the employee's preferences.
- It is common practice for employees to take their leave in one continuous period, but it can be split into shorter periods by mutual agreement.
- Employees are entitled to receive their regular salary during their vacation leave.
Public Holidays
Madagascar observes several public holidays each year. These holidays are generally paid days off for employees. Here is a list of public holidays typically observed in Madagascar:
| Holiday Name | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Martyrs' Day | March 29 |
| Easter Monday | Varies |
| Labour Day | May 1 |
| Ascension Day | Varies |
| Whit Monday | Varies |
| Independence Day | June 26 |
| All Saints' Day | November 1 |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
- If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, it is not typically moved to another day.
- Regional or local holidays may also be observed in certain areas of Madagascar.
Sick Leave
Malagasy labor law provides for sick leave entitlements for employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury.
- Employees are usually required to provide a medical certificate from a qualified healthcare professional to be eligible for sick leave.
- The duration of paid sick leave and the amount of compensation may vary depending on the collective bargaining agreement or company policy.
- Typically, employees are entitled to a certain number of days of paid sick leave per year, often with a percentage of their regular salary paid during this time.
- Unused sick leave days may not be carried over to the following year.
Parental Leave
Parental leave in Madagascar includes maternity leave for mothers and paternity leave for fathers, as well as provisions for adoption leave.
Maternity Leave
- Female employees are entitled to maternity leave, typically consisting of 14 weeks.
- This leave is usually divided into a period before and after the expected date of childbirth.
- During maternity leave, the employee typically receives a portion of her salary, often paid by the social security system or the employer.
Paternity Leave
- Fathers are entitled to a certain number of days of paternity leave following the birth of their child.
- The duration of paternity leave is usually shorter than maternity leave, often lasting for a few days.
- Fathers typically receive their regular salary during paternity leave.
Adoption Leave
- Employees who adopt a child may be entitled to adoption leave.
- The duration and conditions of adoption leave may vary and are often similar to maternity leave entitlements.
Other Types of Leave
In addition to annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave, employees in Madagascar may be entitled to other types of leave, depending on their employment contract, collective bargaining agreement, or company policy.
- Bereavement Leave: Employees may be granted leave in the event of the death of a close family member. The duration of bereavement leave can vary.
- Study Leave: Some employers may offer study leave to employees who wish to pursue further education or training related to their job.
- Sabbatical Leave: Sabbatical leave, a longer period of leave for personal or professional development, is less common but may be offered by some employers.
- Special Leave: Leave may be granted for special circumstances such as marriage or religious observances.
