Understanding Tajikistan's leave policies is crucial for businesses operating in the country to ensure compliance and maintain positive employee relations. Tajikistan's labor laws outline various types of leave, including annual vacation, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave, each with specific regulations regarding eligibility, duration, and compensation. Navigating these regulations can be complex, so a clear understanding of the entitlements and requirements is essential for employers.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the key leave policies in Tajikistan as of 2025, offering detailed information on annual vacation, public holidays, sick leave, parental leave, and other types of leave.
Annual Vacation Leave
In Tajikistan, employees are entitled to annual vacation leave, which is guaranteed by the country's labor laws. The minimum duration of annual leave is 28 calendar days.
- Employees accrue vacation time throughout the year, and it must be granted according to a schedule agreed upon by the employer and employee.
- It is illegal for employers to deny employees their legally mandated annual leave.
- Employees can agree to split their annual leave into segments, provided that at least one segment is no shorter than 14 calendar days.
- Additional vacation days may be granted based on collective bargaining agreements, internal company policies, or specific job roles.
Public Holidays
Tajikistan observes several public holidays each year, during which most businesses and government offices are closed. Here is a list of public holidays in Tajikistan:
| Holiday Name | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1-2 |
| Army Day | February 23 |
| International Women's Day | March 8 |
| Navruz | March 21-24 |
| Day of National Unity | June 27 |
| National Reconciliation Day | June 27 |
| Independence Day | September 9 |
| Day of the Leader of the Nation | November 16 |
| Constitution Day | November 6 |
| Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) | Varies |
| Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) | Varies |
- If a public holiday falls on a weekend, the following working day is usually declared a day off.
- The exact dates for Islamic holidays (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha) are determined by the lunar calendar and announced each year.
Sick Leave
Employees in Tajikistan are entitled to sick leave if they are unable to work due to illness or injury.
- Sick leave is typically granted based on a medical certificate issued by a healthcare provider.
- The amount of sick leave pay is determined by the employee's length of service and the reason for the sick leave.
- The Social Insurance Fund usually covers sick leave payments, but the employer may be responsible for the initial days of sick leave.
- The duration of paid sick leave can vary, but it is generally provided for the period of illness as certified by a medical professional.
Parental Leave
Tajikistan provides several types of parental leave to support new parents, including maternity leave, paternity leave, and adoption leave.
Maternity Leave
- Pregnant employees are entitled to maternity leave, which includes prenatal and postnatal leave.
- The duration of maternity leave is typically 140 calendar days (70 days before birth and 70 days after birth). In the case of a complicated birth or the birth of two or more children, the postnatal leave is extended to 84 days.
- During maternity leave, employees receive social insurance benefits, which are usually a percentage of their average salary.
Paternity Leave
- Fathers are entitled to unpaid leave to care for their newborn child.
- The duration of paternity leave is typically short, often a few days, and is intended to allow fathers to assist with initial childcare responsibilities.
Adoption Leave
- Employees who adopt a child are entitled to leave similar to maternity leave.
- The duration and benefits are generally the same as those provided for maternity leave, ensuring that adoptive parents have time to bond with and care for their new child.
Other Types of Leave
In addition to annual vacation, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave, employees in Tajikistan may be eligible for other types of leave, depending on their circumstances and employer policies.
- Bereavement Leave: Employees may be granted leave in the event of the death of a close family member. The duration of bereavement leave is usually a few days and may be paid or unpaid, depending on the employer's policies.
- Study Leave: Employees who are pursuing further education or professional development may be eligible for study leave. The terms of study leave, including duration and pay, are typically agreed upon between the employer and employee.
- Sabbatical Leave: Some employers may offer sabbatical leave for employees to pursue personal or professional development opportunities. Sabbatical leave is usually unpaid and granted at the employer's discretion.
