Holiday leave
In Turkmenistan, employees have the right to a minimum of 24 calendar days of paid vacation leave annually. This entitlement is contingent on uninterrupted employment with the same employer.
Additional Entitlement
For those working in hazardous or difficult conditions, there may be an entitlement to an extended vacation period.
Carry Over of Unused Leave
There is a provision for employees and employers to agree on carrying over unused leave. Alternatively, it can be compensated for financially.
Vacation Planning
The scheduling of vacation time is typically a mutual decision between employers and employees.
Public holidays
In Turkmenistan, public holidays are a blend of national and religious observances.
National Holidays
Turkmenistan celebrates several national holidays throughout the year. These include:
- New Year's Day on January 1st
- Defender of the Fatherland Day on January 27th
- International Women's Day on March 8th
- Nowruz (Spring Festival) on March 21st-22nd
- National Flag and Constitution Day on May 18th
- Revival, Unity, and Magtymguly Pyragy Poetry Day on May 18th-19th
- Melon Day on the second Sunday of August
- Independence Day on September 27th
- Neutrality Day on December 12th
- Remembrance Day on October 6th
Religious Holidays
As a predominantly Muslim country, Turkmenistan also observes several religious holidays based on the lunar Islamic calendar:
- Gurban Bayramy (Eid al-Adha), the "Feast of Sacrifice," is a significant Islamic holiday. The date varies each year.
- Oraza Bayramy (Eid al-Fitr) marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. The date for this holiday also varies each year.
Types of leave
In Turkmenistan, employees are entitled to various types of leave, each with its own set of rules and regulations.
Annual Leave (Vacation Leave)
Employees are entitled to a minimum of 24 calendar days of paid leave per year. Those working in hazardous or difficult conditions may be entitled to longer leave periods.
Sick Leave
Employees are entitled to paid sick leave with medical certification. The duration of sick leave may vary based on the severity of the illness.
Maternity Leave
Female employees are entitled to paid maternity leave. The duration of this leave is determined by factors like the number of children and whether there are complications with the birth.
Other Notable Leave Types
Study Leave
This type of leave may be granted for employees pursuing further education or training.
Social Leave
This type of leave may be provided for personal or family reasons. The duration is typically determined by company policies and agreements with the employee.
Important Considerations
Employers may offer more generous leave provisions beyond the legal minimums. Certain sectors may have additional leave provisions negotiated within collective agreements.