In Eritrea, the Labor Proclamation of 2001 provides the legal framework for vacation leave entitlements. Employees are entitled to a minimum of 14 working days of annual paid vacation leave after completing one full year of continuous service with the same employer.

Accrual and Eligibility

Vacation leave accrues throughout the year of service but cannot be taken until the employee has completed their first full year of work. The employer usually determines when the employee can take their vacation leave, taking into account the needs of the workplace.

Compensation

During vacation periods, employees must receive their regular salary in full. This is a crucial aspect of the vacation leave policy in Eritrea.

Eritrea, located in the Horn of Africa, celebrates a diverse mix of national, religious, and historical holidays throughout the year. These holidays reflect the country's rich cultural heritage and history.

Fixed Date Holidays

Eritrea observes several fixed date holidays, including:

• New Year's Day (January 1st): This day marks the start of a new calendar year.
• International Women's Day (March 8th): A day dedicated to celebrating women and women's rights globally.
• Independence Day (May 24th): This day celebrates Eritrea's independence from Ethiopia, which was achieved in 1991.
• Martyr's Day (June 20th): A day to commemorate those who died fighting for Eritrean independence.
• Beginning of Armed Struggle (September 1st): This day marks the start of the Eritrean War of Independence against Ethiopia.

Religious Holidays (Variable Dates)

Eritrea's diverse population celebrates both Christian and Islamic religious holidays. The exact dates for these holidays change each year as they follow their respective religious calendars. These include:

• Orthodox Christmas (Genna) (January 7th): This holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ within the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
• Epiphany (Timket) (January 19th): An important Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church holiday that commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ.
• Mawlid an-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad): This holiday celebrates the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.
• Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan): This holiday marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
• Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice): This holiday commemorates the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son.

In Eritrea, the Labor Proclamation of 2001 provides employees with rights to various types of leave.

Vacation Leave

Employees are entitled to 14 working days of annual paid vacation leave after completing one year of continuous service. During vacation leave periods, employees receive full pay.

Sick Leave

Employees are entitled to sick leave for illnesses that prevent them from working. The exact duration may depend on the length of employment and the nature of the illness. Employers are obligated to provide full pay for the first 60 days of sick leave and half pay for the following 60 days, potentially extending longer in special circumstances. Employers may require medical certificates to confirm the need for sick leave.

Maternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to 60 days of paid maternity leave, typically split into 30 days before and after childbirth. Eligible employees receive full pay during the maternity leave period.

Other Types of Leave

Bereavement Leave

Employees may be entitled to short-term paid leave in the case of the death of a close family member.

Special Circumstance Leave

Employees may be entitled to short-term leave for circumstances such as marriage, medical appointments, or civic duties. The specific provisions may depend on employment agreements or workplace policies.

National Service

Eritreans are generally required to participate in national service, which includes military and civilian components. The duration can vary.