In the Marshall Islands, the minimum vacation leave entitlement is set by the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006). It mandates that seafarers should receive at least 2.5 calendar days of paid annual leave for each month of completed service. This entitlement is further reinforced by the RMI Maritime Act (MI-107) §833 on Vacation Allowance and Holidays.

The accrual of vacation leave (annual leave) for employees in the Marshall Islands is generally based on their length of service. The accrual rates are as follows:

• For employees working a 40-hour workweek, they accrue 8 hours of vacation leave per pay period.
• For employees working a 60-hour workweek, they accrue 12 hours of vacation leave per pay period.

The maximum amount of vacation leave that an employee can accumulate is 208 hours, equivalent to 26 working days.

Key Points to Remember

The accrual of vacation leave begins from the employee's start date. Employees are usually allowed to carry over a limited amount of unused vacation leave into the next year, typically up to 80 hours. When an employee leaves a company, they are entitled to be paid for any unused, accrued vacation time.

Additional Considerations

Vacation leave policies may vary by employer. Therefore, it's crucial to consult your employment contract or company handbook for the most accurate details. Different industries might have their own standards for calculating and administering vacation leave.

The Marshall Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean, celebrate a variety of public holidays throughout the year.

New Year's Day (January 1st)

The Marshall Islands, like many countries around the world, welcomes the new year with celebrations on January 1st.

Nuclear Victims Remembrance Day (March 1st)

This solemn holiday commemorates the victims of US nuclear testing conducted on the Marshall Islands between 1946 and 1958.

Good Friday (March or April)

A Christian holiday observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The specific date varies each year.

Constitution Day (May 1st)

On this day, the Marshall Islands celebrate the adoption of their constitution in 1979.

Fishermen's Day (First Friday in July)

Recognizing the importance of the fishing industry for the islands communities, this holiday honors fishermen and the ocean's bounty.

Ri Jerbal Day (Labor Day) (First Friday in September)

The Marshall Islands version of 'Labor Day' – a day to celebrate the hard work and contributions of workers.

Manit Day (Culture Day) (Last Friday in September)

A vibrant day of celebration dedicated to Marshallese culture, featuring traditional dances, crafts, and food.

Presidents' Day (November 17th)

This holiday honors the past and present presidents of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Gospel Day (December 1st)

This holiday celebrates the arrival of Christianity to the Marshall Islands in the 1850s.

Christmas Day (December 25th)

Celebrated worldwide, it also holds important significance in the Marshall Islands as a predominantly Christian nation.

In the Marshall Islands, employees are entitled to various types of leave based on different circumstances and needs.

Annual Leave

Employees are entitled to annual leave based on their length of service. The accrual rates vary depending on workweek hours. For instance, employees working a 40-hour workweek accrue 8 hours of annual leave per pay period, while those working a 60-hour workweek accrue 12 hours of annual leave per pay period. The maximum annual leave employees can accrue is 26 working days.

Sick Leave

Employees are entitled to paid sick leave for illnesses or injuries. Sick leave accrues alongside regular work hours. However, sick leave balances do not carry over from year to year.

Maternity Leave

The Marshall Islands provides paid maternity leave for female employees. Typically, maternity leave provisions allow for 12 weeks of leave. Specific maternity leave regulations may be outlined in individual employment contracts or company policies.

Parental Leave

The College of the Marshall Islands provides up to twelve weeks of paid parental leave to employees who have given birth, or twenty working days of leave for those with parental responsibility of newborns or adopted children.

Family or Community Service Leave

Marshall Islands employees are often entitled to one day (8 hours) of paid Family or Community Service Leave per calendar year. This leave is intended for employees to participate in family or school-related activities.

Other Types of Leave

Other types of leave may include Bereavement Leave, which may be provided by employers in the event of the death of a close relative, and Religious Observance leave, where some employers may allow leave for religious holidays or observances.