Navigating leave entitlements in New Caledonia requires understanding the local regulations and customs. As an employer of record, we help businesses ensure compliance with New Caledonia's labor laws, providing support in managing employee leave and ensuring fair and equitable practices. This guide outlines the key aspects of vacation, public holiday, sick leave, parental leave, and other types of leave available to employees in New Caledonia in 2025.
Understanding these policies is crucial for maintaining a positive work environment and adhering to legal requirements. New Caledonia offers a range of leave options designed to support employees' well-being and work-life balance.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in New Caledonia are entitled to annual paid vacation leave. The standard entitlement is 2.5 working days of paid leave for each month of actual service with the same employer. This equates to 30 working days, or five weeks, of paid vacation per year for full-time employees.
- Accrual: Leave accrues from the first day of employment.
- Timing: The timing of vacation leave is generally determined by agreement between the employer and employee, although employers have the final say, taking into account business needs.
- Carryover: There are specific rules regarding the carryover of unused leave, which should be clearly communicated to employees.
- Payment: Employees must receive their regular salary during vacation leave.
Public Holidays
New Caledonia observes a number of public holidays each year. Employees are generally entitled to paid time off on these days. Here is a list of public holidays typically observed in New Caledonia:
| Date | Holiday Name |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year's Day |
| Easter Monday | Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Labour Day |
| May 8 | Victory Day |
| Ascension Day | Ascension Day |
| Whit Monday | Whit Monday |
| July 14 | Bastille Day |
| August 15 | Assumption of Mary |
| September 24 | New Caledonia Day |
| November 1 | All Saints' Day |
| November 11 | Armistice Day |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
If a public holiday falls on a weekend, it is generally not moved to another day. Employees required to work on a public holiday are usually entitled to additional compensation or time off in lieu, as per the collective bargaining agreement or employment contract.
Sick Leave
Employees in New Caledonia are entitled to sick leave if they are unable to work due to illness or injury. To qualify for sick leave, employees typically need to provide a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner.
- Entitlement: The duration and compensation for sick leave can vary, but generally, employees are entitled to a certain number of days of paid sick leave per year. The exact number of days and the level of pay may depend on the employee's length of service and the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
- Pay: During sick leave, employees usually receive a percentage of their regular salary, often around 50% to 100%, depending on the applicable regulations and agreements.
- Notification: Employees are required to notify their employer as soon as possible when they are unable to work due to illness.
Parental Leave
New Caledonia provides for maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support parents.
Maternity Leave
Female employees are entitled to maternity leave.
- Duration: The duration of maternity leave is typically 16 weeks, usually divided into a period before and after the birth of the child.
- Pay: During maternity leave, employees generally receive benefits from the social security system, which usually covers a significant portion of their regular salary.
- Eligibility: To be eligible for maternity leave, employees must meet certain criteria related to their length of service and contributions to the social security system.
Paternity Leave
Fathers are entitled to paternity leave following the birth of their child.
- Duration: Paternity leave is typically a few days to a couple of weeks.
- Pay: During paternity leave, employees usually receive their regular salary or benefits from the social security system.
Adoption Leave
Adoption leave is available to employees who adopt a child.
- Entitlement: The duration and conditions of adoption leave are similar to those of maternity leave, ensuring that adoptive parents have time to bond with their new child.
Other Types of Leave
In addition to annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave, employees in New Caledonia may be entitled to other types of leave, depending on their employment contract, collective bargaining agreement, and the specific circumstances.
- Bereavement Leave: Employees are typically entitled to bereavement leave in the event of the death of a close family member. The duration of bereavement leave varies but is usually a few days.
- Study Leave: Some employers may offer study leave to employees who are pursuing further education or training related to their job. The conditions and duration of study leave vary.
- Sabbatical Leave: Sabbatical leave, or long-service leave, may be available to employees after a certain number of years of service with the same employer. The purpose of sabbatical leave is to allow employees to take an extended break from work for personal or professional development.
- Special Leave: Employees may also be entitled to special leave for specific events or circumstances, such as marriage or moving house. The conditions and duration of special leave vary.
