Managing employee leave and vacation entitlements in Comoros requires a clear understanding of the local labor laws and regulations. Employers operating in the country must ensure their policies align with the statutory requirements to remain compliant and support their workforce effectively. This includes navigating rules around annual leave, public holidays, sick time, and various forms of parental and special leave.
Understanding these entitlements is crucial for businesses employing individuals in Comoros, whether through a local entity or via an Employer of Record. Compliance ensures fair treatment of employees and avoids potential legal issues. The following outlines the key aspects of leave policies applicable in Comoros.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Comoros are entitled to paid annual leave. The minimum entitlement is generally calculated based on the length of service. After one year of service, employees are typically entitled to 24 working days of paid leave. This entitlement may increase with additional years of service, often by one or two days per year, up to a certain maximum.
Leave must generally be taken within a specific period after it is accrued, often within the following year. The timing of leave is usually determined by agreement between the employer and employee, taking into account business needs. Leave pay is typically calculated based on the employee's regular salary.
Public Holidays
Comoros observes several public holidays throughout the year, reflecting both religious and national significance. Employees are generally entitled to a paid day off on these public holidays. If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, they are typically entitled to premium pay, such as double pay.
While the exact dates for some religious holidays may vary slightly each year based on the lunar calendar, the standard list of public holidays includes:
| Holiday | Typical Date (2025) |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Cheikh Al Maarouf Day | February 18 |
| Labour Day | May 1 |
| Eid al-Fitr | Varies |
| Independence Day | July 6 |
| Eid al-Adha | Varies |
| Islamic New Year | Varies |
| The Prophet's Birthday | Varies |
| Anniversary of the Referendum | December 22 |
Note: Dates for Islamic holidays are approximate and depend on moon sighting.
Sick Leave
Employees in Comoros are entitled to paid sick leave when they are unable to work due to illness or injury. To qualify for sick leave, employees are typically required to provide a medical certificate from a recognized healthcare professional, especially for absences exceeding a certain duration (e.g., 48 or 72 hours).
The duration of paid sick leave entitlement can vary based on the employee's length of service and the specific terms of their employment contract or collective agreement. Generally, employees are entitled to a certain number of days of paid sick leave per year, often with full pay for an initial period, potentially followed by a reduced rate of pay for a longer duration, up to a statutory maximum period.
Parental Leave
Parental leave provisions in Comoros primarily focus on maternity leave, with some provisions for paternity leave.
Maternity Leave
Female employees are entitled to paid maternity leave. The standard duration is typically 14 weeks, which can be taken before and after childbirth. A portion of this leave is mandatory after the birth. During maternity leave, employees are generally entitled to receive benefits, often paid through social security or the employer, equivalent to their regular salary. Employees are also protected from dismissal during pregnancy and maternity leave.
Paternity Leave
Fathers are typically entitled to a short period of paid paternity leave following the birth of a child. The duration is usually limited to a few days, intended to allow the father to be present around the time of birth.
Adoption Leave
Specific statutory provisions for adoption leave may exist, though they are often less detailed than maternity leave. Entitlements for adoptive parents may be covered under general leave provisions or specific company policies.
Other Leave Types
Comorian labor law 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.
- Marriage Leave: Employees may be granted a few days of paid leave for their own marriage.
- Study Leave: While not always a statutory entitlement for all employees, some collective agreements or company policies may provide for paid or unpaid leave for educational purposes, particularly for professional development relevant to the employee's role.
- Sabbatical Leave: Sabbatical leave is not a statutory entitlement in Comoros but may be offered by some employers as part of their employee retention or development programs, typically for long-serving employees.
