In Madagascar, the Labor Code (Law No. 2003-044 of July 28, 2004) mandates that employees are entitled to paid vacation leave. The basic entitlement is 2.5 calendar days per month of service, which equates to an annual entitlement of 30 working days for employees who have worked a full year.

Accrual and Usage

Vacation leave accrues throughout the employment period. The timing of when leave is taken is determined by employers and employees, following internal company regulations and with regard for operational needs.

Leave Fractioning

The Labor Code allows for the splitting of vacation leave into several periods throughout the year.

Mandatory Leave Period

At least 15 consecutive days of the annual vacation entitlement must be taken within a three-month period, as agreed upon by the employer and employee.

Unused Leave

The second half of annual leave may be carried over; however, it must be used either before the end of the current year or within a three-year period.

Probationary Periods

Employees may not take vacation leave during probationary periods.

Collective Agreements

Collective agreements may offer more favorable vacation leave terms than the legal minimums.

In Madagascar, there are several national holidays that are observed throughout the year. These include:

National Holidays

• New Year's Day (Taom-baovao): Celebrated on January 1st.
• Martyrs' Day (Andro fahatsiarovana ny 29 martsa 1947): Observed on March 29th.
• Labor Day (Fetin'ny Asa): Commemorated on May 1st.
• Independence Day (Fetim-pirenena): Celebrated on June 26th.
• Assumption of Mary (Asompsiona): Observed on August 15th.
• All Saints' Day (Fetin'ny Olomasina): Celebrated on November 1st.
• Christmas Day (Krismasy): Observed on December 25th.

Variable Date Holidays

There are also holidays with variable dates that change each year. These include:

• Easter Monday (Alatsinain'ny Pakà)
• Ascension Day (Andro niakaran'i Jesosy Kristy tany an-danitra)
• Whit Monday (Alatsinain'ny Pentekosta)
• Eid al-Fitr (Eid ul-Fitr) - This marks the end of Ramadan.
• Eid al-Adha (Eid ul-Adha) - This is the Feast of the Sacrifice.

It's important to note that regional or local festivals may also be observed in specific parts of Madagascar.

Employees in Madagascar are entitled to various types of leave, each governed by the Labor Code of Madagascar (Law No. 2003-044 of July 28, 2004).

Annual Paid Leave

Employees are entitled to 2.5 calendar days of paid leave for every month of service, resulting in 30 working days annually for full-time employees. Employers and employees mutually determine vacation timing, considering company regulations and operational needs. The Labor Code requires at least 15 consecutive days' leave to be taken within a three-month period. Unused leave may be carried over; however, it must be used either by the end of the current year or within a three-year period.

Sick Leave

Employees are entitled to paid sick leave when they cannot work due to illness or injury, with documented medical justification. The Labor Code does not specify a maximum duration for sick leave. However, extended absences may be regulated by collective agreements, internal policies, or social security provisions.

Maternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave (approximately 3 months), including periods before and after childbirth. Maternity leave is paid, with the specific salary compensation determined by social security regulations.

Other Types of Leave

The Labor Code provides for 10 working days of paid paternity leave following the birth of a child. Up to 10 days of paid leave may be granted for specific family events such as marriage, births, and deaths of close relatives, following internal company rules or collective agreements. The Labor Code also outlines provisions for possible unpaid leave, with terms subject to negotiation between the employer and employee.

Important Notes

Collective agreements or individual employment contracts may provide for more favorable leave terms than the legal minimums outlined above. Additional regulations may exist for specific industries or job categories.