Holiday leave
In Angola, the General Labor Law (Lei Geral do Trabalho) governs the entitlement of employees to vacation leave.
Minimum Entitlement
Once an employee has completed a year of employment, they are entitled to 22 working days of annual leave. This does not include weekly rest days or supplementary rest days.
Accrual in the First Year
In the first year of employment, vacation leave accrues at a rate of 2 working days for each complete month of work. A minimum of 6 working days of annual vacation is to be taken within the first year of employment.
Scheduling and Usage
Ideally, vacation leave should be taken in the calendar year it accrues. However, if the employee requests and it doesn't cause major operational inconveniences for the employer, the vacation period can be scheduled to take place wholly or partially within the first quarter of the following calendar year.
Additional Leave for Parents
An additional day of leave per year is granted to female employees with children under the age of 14, for each child.
Vacation Pay
During their vacation leave period, employees are entitled to receive their regular salary.
It's important to note that these are the minimum standards set by Angolan labor laws. Companies may offer more generous vacation leave benefits. For specific details about your vacation leave entitlement, always consult your employment contract and your company's policies.
Public holidays
Angola observes a mix of national, religious, and historical holidays throughout the year. Here's a list of the official public holidays:
New Year's Day
Celebrated on January 1.
Martyrs of Colonial Repression Day
This holiday is observed on January 4.
Beginning of the Armed Struggle for Liberation
This day is commemorated on February 4.
Carnival
The date for Carnival varies, usually falling in February or March.
International Women's Day
Celebrated on March 8.
Peace and Reconciliation Day
This day is observed on April 4.
Good Friday
The date for Good Friday varies, usually falling in March or April.
Labor Day
Celebrated on May 1.
Africa Day
This day is observed on May 25.
National Hero's Day
Celebrated on September 17, this day marks the birthday of Agostinho Neto, the first president of Angola.
All Souls Day
This day is observed on November 2.
Independence Day
Celebrated on November 11.
Christmas Day
Celebrated on December 25.
Important Notes
The dates for Carnival and Good Friday change each year as they are based on the lunar calendar. Additional regional or local holidays may also be observed.
Types of leave
In Angola, the General Labor Law (Lei Geral do Trabalho) provides the framework for various leave entitlements available to employees.
Annual Leave
Employees are entitled to 22 working days of paid annual leave after completing one year of service. During the first year, leave is accrued at 2 working days per month. Employees with children under 14 receive one additional day of leave per child.
Sick Leave
After three months of employment, employees are entitled to paid sick leave. The specific duration depends on the length of service. Medical certification is usually required to justify sick leave.
Maternity Leave
Female employees are entitled to 90 days of paid maternity leave. It generally starts a few weeks before the expected due date.
Paternity Leave
Fathers are entitled to 5 consecutive working days of paternity leave around the time of their child's birth.
Other Types of Leave
Bereavement Leave
Employees may be entitled to a short period of paid leave in the event of the death of a close family member.
Marriage Leave
Employees may be entitled to a few days of leave when getting married.
Study Leave
Some employers might offer leave for employees pursuing further education or training.
The General Labor Law provides the minimum standards. Specifics on eligibility, duration, and pay for different types of leave might be further outlined in employment contracts or collective bargaining agreements. It's essential to consult your employer's policies for the most accurate and detailed information about your leave entitlements.