Managing employee leave entitlements is a critical aspect of compliance and employee satisfaction when operating in Timor-Leste. Understanding the local labor laws regarding vacation, public holidays, sick leave, and other types of absence is essential for employers to ensure fair treatment of their workforce and adhere to legal requirements. Timor-Leste's labor code outlines specific provisions for various types of leave, providing a framework for employee rights and employer obligations.
Navigating these regulations requires careful attention to detail, from calculating annual leave accruals to understanding the requirements for paid sick days and parental leave. Employers must be aware of the minimum entitlements and procedures for requesting and approving leave to maintain a compliant and productive work environment.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Timor-Leste are entitled to paid annual vacation leave. The minimum entitlement is based on the length of service. After one year of effective service, employees are entitled to a minimum of 20 working days of paid annual leave. This leave must be taken within the calendar year following the year in which it was accrued, or within the first three months of the subsequent year by agreement.
Leave can generally be taken in one continuous period or split into shorter periods by agreement between the employer and employee. The timing of leave should consider the needs of both the employee and the operational requirements of the business.
Public Holidays
Timor-Leste observes a number of national public holidays throughout the year. Employees are generally entitled to a paid day off on these holidays. If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, they are typically entitled to premium pay, often double their normal wage for the hours worked. The specific dates for some holidays may vary slightly year to year, but the list of recognized public holidays is established by law.
Here is a list of common public holidays observed in Timor-Leste, relevant for 2025:
| Date | Holiday Name |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year's Day |
| March/April | Good Friday (Date varies) |
| March/April | Easter Sunday (Date varies) |
| May 1 | International Workers' Day |
| May 20 | Restoration of Independence Day |
| May/June | Corpus Christi (Date varies) |
| August 30 | Popular Consultation Day |
| November 1 | All Saints' Day |
| November 12 | National Youth Day |
| November 28 | Proclamation of Independence Day |
| December 8 | Immaculate Conception |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
Note: Some religious holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are also observed, with dates varying based on the lunar calendar.
Sick Leave
Employees in Timor-Leste are entitled to paid sick leave in cases of illness or injury that prevent them from working. The entitlement to paid sick leave is typically linked to the employee's length of service.
| Length of Service | Paid Sick Leave Entitlement |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 year | 15 days per year |
| 1 to 5 years | 30 days per year |
| Over 5 years | 45 days per year |
To be eligible for paid sick leave, employees are generally required to provide a medical certificate from a registered doctor, especially for absences exceeding a certain number of consecutive days (often 2 or 3 days). The employer may have the right to verify the illness through their own medical professional.
Parental Leave
Timor-Leste's labor law provides for parental leave, including maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
- Maternity Leave: Female employees are entitled to paid maternity leave. The standard entitlement is 12 weeks (84 days), which can typically be taken before and after childbirth. A medical certificate confirming pregnancy and the expected date of delivery is required. During maternity leave, the employee is entitled to receive their full salary.
- Paternity Leave: Male employees are entitled to a short period of paid paternity leave upon the birth of their child. The typical entitlement is 2 working days.
- Adoption Leave: Employees who adopt a child may also be entitled to leave, though specific provisions and durations may vary.
Other Leave Types
Beyond the main categories, the labor code may also provide for other types of leave under specific circumstances:
- Bereavement Leave: Employees may be entitled to a short period of paid leave in the event of the death of a close family member. The duration is typically limited to a few days.
- Study Leave: Provisions for study leave may exist, particularly for employees pursuing education or training relevant to their work, though this is often subject to employer policy or collective agreements rather than a statutory minimum entitlement for all.
- Sabbatical Leave: Sabbatical leave is not a statutory entitlement in Timor-Leste but may be offered by employers as part of their benefits package or negotiated in employment contracts for long-serving employees.
