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Senegal

Vacation and Leave Policies

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

Holiday leave

In Senegal, the vacation leave rights for employees are regulated by the Labor Code (Code du Travail). Employees are entitled to a minimum of 24 working days (approximately one month) of paid annual leave for each full year of service. This entitlement is earned at the rate of 2 days per month of work.

Annual Leave Entitlement

  • Entitlement: Employees are entitled to a minimum of 24 working days (approximately one month) of paid annual leave for each full year of service.
  • Pro Rata Accrual: Entitlement is earned at the rate of 2 days per month of work.

Important Considerations

  • Scheduling: While employers determine the timing of vacation leave, employee preferences must be considered.
  • Unused Leave: In principle, unused vacation leave cannot be carried over, except in certain exceptional cases.

These provisions are legally referenced in the Labor Code of Senegal, Article L.138.

Public holidays

Senegal, a country rich in culture and tradition, observes a variety of national, historical, and religious holidays throughout the year. These holidays are a blend of secular celebrations and religious observances from both the Islamic and Christian faiths.

National and Secular Holidays

Senegal celebrates several national and secular holidays. These include:

  • New Year's Day: Celebrated on January 1st, it marks the beginning of the new year.
  • Independence Day: This is observed on April 4th to commemorate Senegal's independence from French colonial rule.
  • Labor Day: Celebrated on May 1st, it honors the contributions of workers.
  • Assumption of Mary: This Christian holiday is observed on August 15th.
  • Armed Forces Day: Celebrated on November 11th, it honors the military forces.
  • Christmas Day: Celebrated on December 25th, it marks the birth of Jesus Christ.

Islamic Religious Holidays

The dates for Islamic holidays vary each year as they are based on the lunar calendar. Some of the key Islamic holidays celebrated in Senegal include:

  • Tamkharit: This marks the Islamic New Year.
  • Mawlid an Nabi: This holiday celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.
  • Korité: Also known as Eid al-Fitr, this marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.
  • Tabaski: Also known as Eid al-Adha, this is the Feast of the Sacrifice.

Christian Religious Holidays

Christian religious holidays also form a part of Senegal's public holidays. The dates for these holidays can vary each year. They include:

  • Easter Monday: This is the day after Easter Sunday.
  • Ascension Day: This day marks the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven.
  • Whit Monday: Also known as Pentecost Monday, this day comes after Pentecost Sunday, which commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles.

Types of leave

In Senegal, the Labor Code (Code du Travail) outlines various types of leave entitlements for employees.

Annual Leave

Employees are entitled to a minimum of 24 working days of paid vacation leave per year of service. This is stipulated in the Labor Code of Senegal, Article L.138.

Sick Leave

Employees are also entitled to paid sick leave. The specific durations and compensation may be further outlined in collective agreements or individual contracts. Extended absences require a medical certification. This is also covered under the Labor Code of Senegal.

Maternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to 14 weeks of paid maternity leave, with 6 weeks before and 8 weeks after childbirth. The compensation for this leave is paid by the Social Security system, as per the Labor Code of Senegal.

Paternity Leave

Fathers are entitled to 10 days of paternity leave for the birth of a child. The duration may be extended through collective bargaining agreements.

Other Types of Leave

There are also provisions for bereavement leave, which may be granted for the death of a family member. Leave for family events like marriage, baptism, etc. is often outlined in collective agreements. Special leave may be available for civic duties such as jury service, training, etc.

Important Considerations

Specific eligibility requirements may apply depending on the type of leave and length of service. Some workplaces may offer more generous leave provisions under collective bargaining agreements.

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