In Papua New Guinea, the Employment Act outlines the minimum vacation leave entitlements for employees.

Basic Entitlement

Every year of continuous service entitles employees to 14 consecutive days of paid leave, also known as recreational leave. This includes non-working days that fall within the leave period.

Considerations

Employees have the option to accumulate their leave entitlement for up to four years in agreement with their employers. However, it's important to note that employers cannot force employees to forfeit unused leave. Employers are required to provide vacation pay in a single sum before the employee begins their leave.

Additional Notes

The 14-day leave entitlement does not extend to workers engaged on a casual basis. It's also worth noting that certain industries or awards within Papua New Guinea might offer more generous leave provisions.

Papua New Guinea observes a variety of public holidays, which include national commemorations, religious holidays, and provincial days.

National Public Holidays

The official national public holidays in Papua New Guinea are:

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• Good Friday
• Easter Monday
• Queen's Birthday (second Monday in June)
• National Remembrance Day (July 23)
• Independence Day (September 16)
• Christmas Day (December 25)
• Boxing Day (December 26)

Provincial Public Holidays

Each province in Papua New Guinea may have additional public holidays that are specific to their individual cultures and commemorations.

Key Notes

• Variable Dates: The dates for Good Friday and Easter Monday change each year based on the religious calendar.
• Regional Variations: Provincial public holidays may differ between provinces, so it's important to check the specific holidays for a particular location.
• Employer Discretion: Some private organizations might observe additional holidays beyond the official public holidays.

In Papua New Guinea, the Employment Act and other regulations provide employees with various types of leave entitlements.

Mandatory Leave

Mandatory leave types in Papua New Guinea include:

• Annual Leave: All employees are entitled to 14 consecutive days of paid annual leave for each completed year of service. Leave can be accumulated for up to four years if an agreement exists between the employee and employer.

• Sick Leave: Employees with six months of continuous service are entitled to six days of paid sick leave per year, upon presentation of a medical certificate. Up to 18 days of unused sick leave can be accumulated, excluding the current year's entitlement.

• Maternity Leave: Employees are entitled to six weeks of paid maternity leave, although it is unclear whether this is divided before and after childbirth.

• Compassionate Leave: Employees are entitled to three days of paid compassionate leave upon the death of a spouse, parent, sibling, child, grandparent, or in-laws.

Other Leave Types

Other types of leave include:

• Study Leave: Employers can grant educational leave to employees for further studies, though the terms may vary by employer.

• Long Service Leave: Employees may be entitled to extended paid leave after a considerable period of service, depending on individual agreements.