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Haiti

Vacation and Leave Policies

Understand the regulations on vacation and other types of leave in Haiti

Holiday leave

In Haiti, employees are entitled to a minimum of 15 consecutive days of paid vacation leave after each year of continuous service. This vacation leave accrues proportionally throughout the year, and it's possible for employees to take some leave before completing a full year with their employer's agreement. During vacation periods, employees must receive their regular salary in full. It's worth noting that some industries or sectors may have collective agreements that provide more generous vacation leave entitlements than the legal minimum.

Vacation Leave Entitlements

  • Minimum Entitlement: Employees are entitled to 15 consecutive days of paid vacation leave after each year of continuous service.
  • Accrual and Eligibility: Vacation leave accrues proportionally throughout the year. Employees may take some leave before a full year with their employer's agreement.
  • Compensation: During vacation periods, employees receive their regular salary in full.
  • Collective Agreements: Some industries or sectors may have collective agreements that provide more generous vacation leave entitlements.

The Haitian Labor Code (Code du Travail) outlines labor rights, including vacation entitlements in Haiti. However, finding specific, up-to-date information on Haitian labor laws in English can be challenging. The information provided here is a starting point, but further verification is recommended for precise information for your workplace.

Public holidays

Haiti celebrates a number of public holidays throughout the year.

  • New Year's Day and Independence Day (January 1st): This day marks both the beginning of the calendar year and Haiti's independence from France in 1804.
  • Ancestors' Day (January 2nd): This day honors the ancestors and heroes of Haitian independence.
  • Pan American Day (April 14th): This day celebrates cooperation and unity within the Americas.
  • Labor and Agriculture Day (May 1st): This day celebrates workers' contributions and the importance of agriculture.
  • Flag and University Day (May 18th): This day celebrates the Haitian flag and the role of education.
  • Ascension Day (May/June): This is a Christian holiday observed on the 40th day after Easter. The date varies yearly.
  • Corpus Christi (May/June): This is a primarily Catholic religious observance. The exact date varies yearly.
  • Assumption of Mary (August 15th): This is a major religious holiday within Catholicism, commemorating the assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven.
  • Death of Dessalines (October 17th): This day commemorates Jean-Jacques Dessalines, a key figure in the Haitian Revolution.
  • All Saints' Day (November 1st): This is a religious holiday primarily observed by Roman Catholics.
  • Vertières Battle Day and Armed Forces Day (November 18th): This day celebrates a decisive battle in the Haitian Revolution and honors the Haitian Armed Forces.
  • Christmas Day (December 25th): This is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

Important Notes

The dates for holidays that depend on religious calendars change each year. Businesses and services may have adjusted hours or closures during public holidays. Some local or regional holidays might be observed in specific parts of Haiti.

Types of leave

In Haiti, employees are entitled to various types of leave, each with its own specific entitlements and compensation.

Vacation Leave

Employees are entitled to 15 consecutive days of paid vacation leave (annual leave) for each full year of service. During these vacation leave periods, employees receive full pay.

Sick Leave

Employees likely become eligible for paid sick leave after completing a probationary period with their employer. The specific duration of paid sick leave might depend on the length of employment and stipulations within employment contracts or workplace policies. Paid sick leave compensation amounts and duration can likely vary based on employment duration, workplace policies, and the nature of the illness. Social security might play a role in extended illness coverage. Employers may require a medical certificate to validate the need for sick leave after a specific period.

Maternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to 6 weeks of fully paid maternity leave. Maternity leave benefits are generally covered by the employer.

Other Types of Leave

Bereavement Leave

Employees may be entitled to a short period of paid leave in the case of the death of a close family member. The specific provisions often depend on employment agreements or workplace policies.

Special Circumstance Leave

Employees may be entitled to short-term leave for circumstances such as marriage, religious observances, or civic duties. The specific provisions may depend on employment agreements or workplace policies.

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