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.
