Managing employee leave and vacation entitlements in Guinea-Bissau requires a clear understanding of the local labor code and standard practices. Employers must ensure compliance with statutory requirements regarding annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, and various forms of parental and special leave to maintain fair and legal employment relationships.
Navigating these regulations is essential for both local and international companies operating in the country. Adhering to the mandated leave policies helps foster positive employee relations and ensures operational continuity while respecting national labor laws.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Guinea-Bissau are entitled to paid annual leave. The minimum entitlement is generally based on the length of service with the employer.
- Minimum Entitlement: Employees are typically entitled to a minimum of 22 working days of paid annual leave after one year of service.
- Accrual: Leave is usually accrued based on the period of service.
- Timing: The timing of annual leave is typically determined by agreement between the employer and employee, taking into account the needs of the business.
- Carry-over: Specific rules may apply regarding the carry-over of unused leave days to the following year.
| Leave Type | Entitlement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Paid Leave | 22 working days/year | After 1 year of service |
| Pro-rata | For service less than 1 year |
Public Holidays
Guinea-Bissau observes several public holidays throughout the year. Employees are generally entitled to a paid day off on these national holidays. If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, they are typically entitled to increased compensation, often at a premium rate.
Here are the anticipated public holidays for 2025:
| Date | Holiday Name |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year's Day |
| January 20 | National Heroes' Day |
| March 8 | International Women's Day |
| May 1 | Labour Day |
| August 3 | Martyrs of Colonialism Day |
| September 24 | National Day |
| November 14 | Readjustment Movement Day |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
| Variable | Eid al-Fitr |
| Variable | Eid al-Adha |
Note: Islamic holidays (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha) are based on the lunar calendar and their exact dates vary each year.
Sick Leave Policies and Pay
Employees in Guinea-Bissau are entitled to paid sick leave in case of illness or injury that prevents them from working.
- Entitlement: The duration of paid sick leave can vary depending on the length of service and the specific circumstances, often regulated by the labor code and potentially collective agreements.
- Medical Certificate: Employees are typically required to provide a medical certificate from a recognized healthcare professional to justify their absence due to illness, especially for absences exceeding a certain number of days.
- Pay: During sick leave, employees are generally entitled to receive their regular salary, at least for a specified initial period. The duration and percentage of salary paid may depend on the length of service and the duration of the illness. Social security contributions may also play a role in longer periods of absence.
| Leave Type | Entitlement | Requirements | Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sick Leave | Variable | Medical certificate often required | Full or partial pay for a period |
Parental Leave
Parental leave provisions in Guinea-Bissau primarily cover maternity leave. Paternity and adoption leave may have different or less extensive provisions under the standard labor law, though specific company policies or collective agreements might offer additional benefits.
- Maternity Leave: Female employees are entitled to paid maternity leave.
- Duration: Typically, maternity leave is granted for a period of 60 days. This period is usually divided into time before and after childbirth.
- Pay: During maternity leave, employees are generally entitled to receive their full salary. Social security may cover a portion or all of this pay.
- Paternity Leave: Provisions for paternity leave may exist but are often shorter than maternity leave.
- Adoption Leave: Specific legal provisions for adoption leave may be less defined than maternity leave under the general labor code, potentially subject to interpretation or company policy.
| Leave Type | Entitlement | Notes | Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternity Leave | 60 days | Can be split before and after birth | Full pay (potentially via social security) |
| Paternity Leave | Limited | Specific duration may vary | Varies |
| Adoption Leave | Varies | Less defined under general labor law | Varies |
Other Types of Leave
Beyond the standard categories, the labor code or common practice in Guinea-Bissau may recognize other types of leave for 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 a few days.
- Study Leave: Provisions for study leave may exist, particularly for employees pursuing education or training relevant to their work, though this might be subject to employer discretion or specific agreements.
- Sabbatical Leave: Sabbatical leave is not typically a statutory entitlement under the general labor code but may be offered by some employers as a benefit for long-serving employees.
- Marriage Leave: Employees may be entitled to a short period of paid leave for their own marriage.
