Cambodia

In Cambodia, the Labor Law provides for paid vacation leave, also known as annual leave, for employees who meet certain eligibility requirements.

Entitlement

According to Article 166 of the Labor Law, employees are entitled to 18 working days of paid leave for each year of continuous service. This translates to 1.5 days of leave earned per month.

Eligibility

Employees qualify for vacation leave after completing one year of continuous service with their employer.

Accrual

Vacation leave accrues throughout the year and cannot be taken in advance.

Scheduling

The scheduling of vacations is typically determined by agreement between the employer and the employee. Article 170 of the Labor Law stipulates that employers should consider the needs of the operation and the employee's preference for rest when setting vacation schedules.

Unused Leave

Although the Labor Law encourages employees to use their annual leave, it does not explicitly address the accumulation or carryover of unused leave. Compensation for unused leave may be due upon termination of employment.

Additional Considerations

Collective bargaining agreements may offer more generous vacation leave entitlements than the minimum requirements set forth in the Labor Law. Employers are required to maintain accurate records of employees' vacation leave accrual and usage.

Cambodia celebrates a variety of secular, religious, and historical holidays throughout the year.

Secular Holidays

• International New Year's Day (January 1st): This day marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year.
• Victory Over Genocide Regime Day (January 7th): This day commemorates the end of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979.
• International Women's Day (March 8th): This day celebrates the social, economic, political, and cultural achievements of women.
• Khmer New Year (April 13th - 16th): This is a traditional Cambodian New Year celebration, usually a three-day festival.
• Labor Day (May 1st): This day honors the contributions of workers.
• Royal Ploughing Ceremony (May, date varies): This is an ancient royal rite marking the traditional start of the rice-growing season.
• King's Birthday (May 14th): This day celebrates the birthday of King Norodom Sihamoni.
• Constitution Day (September 24th): This day commemorates the adoption of Cambodia's constitution.
• Pchum Ben (September, date varies): This is an important Buddhist festival where people pay respect to deceased ancestors.
• Independence Day (November 9th): This day marks the anniversary of Cambodia's independence from France in 1953.
• Water Festival (November, dates vary): This is a three-day festival featuring boat races and celebrations held in Phnom Penh.

Religious Holidays

• Visak Bochea Day (May, date varies): This is a major Buddhist holiday commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha.

In Cambodia, the Labor Law provides for various types of leave for employees.

Annual Leave

Employees are entitled to 18 working days of paid annual leave for each year of continuous service. Employees become eligible after completing one year of continuous service. Leave accrues throughout the year and cannot be taken in advance.

Sick Leave

Employees are entitled to paid sick leave with varying compensation rates based on the duration of illness and length of service. For the first 3 months, employees can receive up to 100% of salary. For 4 to 6 months, they can receive up to 60% of salary. Beyond 6 months, the leave is unpaid. Generally, a medical certificate is required to substantiate sick leave.

Maternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to 90 days of paid maternity leave, which includes 30 days before the expected due date and 60 days after. Employees with at least one year of service receive 50% of their salary during maternity leave.

Other Types of Leave

There are also other types of leave available. Employees may be granted up to 15 days of paid special leave per year for events like marriage, the death of a family member, or other important personal matters. Employees are entitled to take time off for religious holidays recognized by their respective faiths. In some circumstances, employees may negotiate unpaid leave with their employers, subject to mutual agreement.