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North-Korea

Vacation and Leave Policies

Understand the regulations on vacation and other types of leave in North-Korea

Holiday leave

In the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), obtaining and verifying information regarding labor laws and practices can be challenging due to the country's closed nature. However, based on limited available sources, some insights can be gleaned.

Annual Leave

North Korean workers are reportedly entitled to paid annual leave. The specific number of days allocated is often unclear and might potentially vary depending on the industry or an individual's work performance. While difficult to access directly, references to labor rights might exist within North Korea's constitution, Labor Law, or internal regulations.

Important Considerations

Reliable and detailed information on vacation leave practices within North Korea is scarce. The North Korean government maintains significant control over work assignments and conditions, potentially impacting how vacation leave is allocated and utilized. The emphasis is likely on meeting production targets, potentially influencing how readily vacation leave is granted.

Public holidays

North Korea celebrates a variety of public holidays, which include political commemorations, historical anniversaries, and leader-focused holidays.

Political and Commemorative Holidays

  • Day of the Shining Star: Celebrated on February 16th.
  • Day of the Sun: Celebrated on April 15th.
  • Foundation Day of the Korean People's Army: Celebrated on April 25th.
  • Liberation Day: Celebrated on August 15th.
  • Foundation Day of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea: Celebrated on September 9th.
  • Party Foundation Day: Celebrated on October 10th.

Other Potential Holidays

  • New Year's Day: Celebrated on January 1st.
  • International Women's Day: Celebrated on March 8th.
  • May Day: Celebrated on May 1st, also known as International Workers' Day.

Important Considerations

  • Leader-Centric: Many public holidays in North Korea focus on celebrating past or current North Korean leaders.
  • Changes Possible: The government may occasionally adjust holiday observances or introduce new ones.

Types of leave

In North Korea (DPRK), obtaining reliable and detailed information on the various types of leave available to employees is challenging due to the limited information flow from the country and a lack of independent verification. However, based on potentially outdated sources and inferences, a tentative overview can be provided.

Annual Leave

North Korean workers might be entitled to a certain amount of paid annual leave, though specifics are often unclear.

Sick Leave

Some form of sick leave potentially exists, but the extent of coverage and compensation is uncertain.

Maternity Leave

Maternity leave provisions might be in place, but the duration and specific benefits are difficult to confirm.

Special Leave

It's unclear if or to what extent leaves for purposes like family events, religious observations, or civic duties are formally recognized.

Challenges in Obtaining References

Directly accessing and verifying North Korea's labor laws and regulations poses significant challenges for external researchers or organizations. The North Korean government likely plays a dominant role in determining leave allocations and practices.

Tentative Sources

Older reports from organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO) might contain outdated references to North Korean leave practices. Some limited academic research on North Korean labor practices may exist, potentially providing some insights.

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