Understanding employee leave entitlements is crucial for compliant and effective workforce management in Mongolia. The Labor Law of Mongolia outlines various types of leave that employees are entitled to, ensuring they have time off for rest, personal matters, illness, and family responsibilities. These provisions aim to balance employee well-being with business operations, providing a clear framework for both employers and employees.
Navigating the specifics of annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave requires careful attention to local regulations. Employers operating in Mongolia, or those employing individuals there, must adhere to these legal requirements to ensure fair treatment of employees and maintain compliance with national labor standards.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Mongolia are entitled to paid annual leave. The minimum duration of annual leave depends on the employee's length of service and working conditions.
- Standard Annual Leave: Employees are generally entitled to 15 working days of paid annual leave per year.
- Additional Leave: Employees working in hazardous or harmful conditions, or those in specific roles (e.g., teachers, researchers), may be entitled to additional leave days. The specific duration of additional leave varies based on the nature of work and relevant regulations.
- Accrual: Leave is typically accrued throughout the year.
- Usage: Employees can usually take their annual leave in one or more periods during the year, subject to agreement with the employer. Unused leave may be carried over to the next year under certain conditions or compensated upon termination of employment.
| Leave Type | Minimum Entitlement | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Annual Leave | 15 working days | Per year, for most employees |
| Additional Leave | Varies | Hazardous work, specific professions, etc. |
Public Holidays
Mongolia observes several public holidays throughout the year. Employees are generally entitled to a paid day off on these public holidays. If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, they are typically entitled to receive premium pay, often at a rate of double their normal wage.
Here are the expected public holidays for 2025:
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year's Day |
| February 26 | Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year) - Day 1 |
| February 27 | Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year) - Day 2 |
| February 28 | Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year) - Day 3 |
| March 8 | International Women's Day |
| June 1 | Children's Day |
| July 11 | Naadam Festival - Day 1 |
| July 12 | Naadam Festival - Day 2 |
| July 13 | Naadam Festival - Day 3 |
| November 26 | Republic Day |
| December 29 | National Freedom and Independence Day |
Note: Tsagaan Sar dates are based on the lunar calendar and are subject to confirmation.
Sick Leave
Employees in Mongolia are entitled to paid sick leave when they are unable to work due to illness or injury.
- Entitlement: Employees are entitled to sick leave based on medical necessity. The duration of paid sick leave is typically limited per year.
- Pay: During sick leave, employees are usually paid a percentage of their average wage, often covered by social insurance funds. The specific percentage and duration of paid sick leave can depend on the employee's contribution period to social insurance.
- Requirements: Employees are generally required to provide a medical certificate from a licensed healthcare provider to justify their absence due to illness or injury.
| Leave Type | Entitlement | Pay | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sick Leave | Based on medical need | Percentage of average wage (social insurance) | Medical certificate required |
Parental Leave
Mongolian law provides for various types of parental leave, including maternity, paternity, and adoption leave, to support employees with family responsibilities.
- Maternity Leave: Female employees are entitled to paid maternity leave. The standard duration is typically 120 days (approximately 4 months), which can be taken before and after childbirth. Maternity leave pay is usually covered by social insurance.
- Paternity Leave: Male employees are entitled to a short period of paid paternity leave upon the birth of a child, typically 10 working days.
- Childcare Leave: Following maternity leave, a parent (usually the mother, but can be the father) is entitled to unpaid childcare leave until the child reaches a certain age (e.g., 3 years old). During this period, the employee's job is protected.
- Adoption Leave: Employees who adopt a child are also entitled to leave, similar to parental leave provisions, to care for the newly adopted child.
| Leave Type | Duration | Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Maternity Leave | 120 days | Paid (Social Insurance) |
| Paternity Leave | 10 working days | Paid |
| Childcare Leave | Until child reaches a certain age (e.g., 3) | Unpaid |
| Adoption Leave | Similar to parental leave | Paid (Social Insurance, depending on type) |
Other Types of Leave
Beyond the main categories, Mongolian labor law also recognizes other circumstances under which employees may be entitled to leave:
- Bereavement Leave: Employees may be granted short-term paid or unpaid leave in the event of the death of a close family member.
- Study Leave: Employees pursuing education may be entitled to study leave, which can be paid or unpaid, depending on the nature of the study and the agreement with the employer.
- Leave for Public Duties: Employees required to perform public or state duties (e.g., jury duty, military training) are typically granted leave for this purpose, often with their average wage maintained.
- Leave for Marriage: Employees may be granted a short period of paid leave for their own marriage.
The specifics of these types of leave, including duration and whether they are paid, can vary based on the Labor Law and internal company policies.
