Employees who have completed a year of continuous service are entitled to 10 days of paid annual leave for each subsequent year of service, as per the Leave and Holidays Act of 1951. This leave accrues over time and can be taken in portions or as a continuous block once it is earned. Employers may allow employees to accumulate annual leave up to a maximum of 3 years. Unused annual leave can sometimes be carried over to the next year, depending on the employer's policies. If an employee leaves their job, they are entitled to compensation for any unused accrued annual leave.

Casual Leave

Employees are entitled to 6 days of casual leave per year according to the Leave and Holidays Act of 1951. This leave is intended for short-term, unforeseen absences such as minor illnesses or personal emergencies. Casual leave days cannot be accumulated or carried over to the next year. A maximum of 3 consecutive casual leave days can be taken at once.

Other Considerations

Leave entitlements may be different or prorated during an employee's probationary period. Some employers may offer more generous leave allowances than the legal minimums. It's essential to check your employment contract or company handbook for specific details.

Holidays with Fixed Dates

• Independence Day (January 4th): This day commemorates Myanmar's independence from British rule in 1948.
• Karen New Year (Varies): This holiday is celebrated by the Karen ethnic group, and the date changes each year based on their lunar calendar.
• Union Day (February 12th): This day marks the signing of the Panglong Agreement in 1947, unifying Shan, Chin, Kachin, and Myanmar proper.
• Peasants' Day (March 2nd): This day recognizes the vital role of farmers and agriculture in Myanmar's economy.
• Armed Forces Day (March 27th): This day honors Myanmar's military forces.
• Labour Day (May 1st): This day celebrates the contributions of workers, also known as International Workers' Day.
• Martyrs' Day (July 19th): This day commemorates the assassination of General Aung San and other cabinet ministers in 1947.
• National Day (November 25th): This day marks the beginning of student protests in 1920 against British colonial rule.
• Christmas Day (December 25th): This day is celebrated by Myanmar's Christian population.

Holidays Based on the Lunar Calendar

Myanmar has many Buddhist holidays that change dates based on their lunar calendar. Some of the significant ones include:

• Full Moon Day of Tabaung (March): This is a Buddhist festival marked with pagoda festivals.
• Thingyan (Water Festival) (April): This is the Burmese New Year celebration, lasting several days and filled with joyful water throwing.
• Full Moon Day of Kason (May): This day celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha.
• Full Moon Day of Waso (July): This day marks the beginning of the Buddhist Rains Retreat (vassa).
• Thadingyut (Festival of Lights) (October): This festival celebrates the Buddha's descent from heaven and marks the end of the Rains Retreat.
• Full Moon Day of Tazaungdaing (November): This is a festival of lights known for robe-weaving competitions and hot air balloon celebrations.

Important Notes:

• Dates for lunar calendar-based holidays may vary slightly from year to year.
• Some holidays are observed by specific religious or ethnic groups.

In Myanmar, the Leave and Holidays Act of 1951 (amended in 2014) and the Factories Act of 1951 are the primary laws governing leave entitlements.

Casual Leave

Employees working at least 6 months are generally entitled to 10 days of casual leave per year. This leave is intended for short-term absences like minor illnesses, family matters, or unforeseen circumstances.

Medical Leave (Sick Leave)

Employees are entitled to 18 days of medical leave per year with half wages, provided a medical certificate is presented. Additional days may sometimes be provided depending on the employer's policies. This leave is used for recovery from illness or injury.

Earned Leave (Annual Leave)

After one year of continuous service, employees are entitled to 30 days of earned leave per year with full pay. Workers in factories with 10 or more workers are entitled to 1 day of earned leave for every 20 working days. This leave is intended for extended vacations and personal time off.

Maternity Leave

Female employees in factories with 5 or more workers are eligible for maternity leave. The entitlement is 6 weeks before childbirth and 8 weeks after childbirth (total 14 weeks), with full salary.

Paternity Leave

Employees are entitled to a maximum of 15 days of paid paternity leave with conditions.

Additional Points to Note

Some employers may offer additional types of leave (e.g., study leave, compassionate leave) beyond the legally mandated minimums. Specific eligibility criteria and application procedures for each type of leave may vary between organizations.