In Belarus, the Belarusian Labor Code governs vacation leave entitlements. The standard entitlement for employees is 24 working days of paid annual leave. All employees, irrespective of their length of service, are entitled to this annual leave.

Annual Leave (Labor Leave)

Leave accrues throughout the working year, and employees can start using it after six months of employment. The timing of annual leave is determined through an agreement between the employer and employee.

Additional Leave Entitlements

Certain employees may be entitled to extended leave based on their job nature, working conditions, or length of service. For instance, those working in hazardous conditions or those with extended service records may receive additional days of leave. Unused leave days can be carried over to the following year with the employer's agreement.

Important Considerations

Collective bargaining agreements or specific employment contracts may provide for more generous leave entitlements than the minimum stipulated by law. Employees receive vacation pay at their average daily earnings rate.

Belarus celebrates a mix of national, historical, and religious holidays.

National Holidays

Belarusians ring in the New Year on January 1 & 2, marking the start of the calendar year. Defender of the Fatherland Day is observed on February 23, originally to commemorate the Red Army, but now it honors all men in the country. Women's Day is celebrated on March 8, recognizing women and their achievements.

Labor Day, on May 1, is a day dedicated to workers and the labor movement. Victory Day, celebrated on May 9, commemorates the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, with parades and celebrations. Independence Day, observed on July 3, marks Belarus' liberation from German occupation in 1944 during the Minsk Offensive. October Revolution Day, on November 7, commemorates the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917.

Religious Holidays

Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on January 7 by Orthodox Christians, marking the birth of Jesus Christ. Catholic Christmas, celebrated by Catholic Christians, also marks the birth of Jesus Christ, but on December 25. Radunitsa is a movable feast that occurs nine days after Orthodox Easter, a day to honor ancestors and the deceased.

In Belarus, the Labor Code of the Republic of Belarus is the primary legislation governing leave entitlements.

Annual Leave (Labor Leave)

The standard entitlement is 24 working days of paid annual leave, as per Articles 153-179 of the Labor Code of the Republic of Belarus. All employees are entitled to this leave after six months of continuous service. Employees in certain professions, those working in hazardous conditions, or those with long service records may be entitled to additional days of leave.

Sick Leave

Employees are entitled to paid sick leave with compensation based on a percentage of their earnings, depending on their length of service, as per Articles 183-188 of the Labor Code of the Republic of Belarus. A medical certificate is usually required to claim sick leave.

Maternity Leave

Women are entitled to 126 days of paid maternity leave (140 days in the case of complications or multiple births), as per Article 185 of the Labor Code of the Republic of Belarus. Women can also take up to three years of partially paid parental leave.

Social Leave

Employees may be granted paid or unpaid leave for specific circumstances like marriage, birth of a child, death of a close relative, moving, or further education, as per Article 189 of the Labor Code of the Republic of Belarus. The duration depends on the situation.

Other Types of Leave

Employees who pursue further education may be entitled to paid or unpaid study leave, depending on the nature of their studies and agreements with their employer. Employees may also be able to negotiate additional unpaid leave with their employer for personal reasons.

Important Considerations

Employers may have individual leave policies that exceed the minimum requirements set by the Labor Code. Refer to your employment contract or company handbook for specifics. Collective bargaining agreements may also offer more favorable leave provisions.