In Yemen, the labor law, specifically Law No. 5 of 1995, outlines the vacation leave entitlements for employees.

Basic Entitlement

Every employee is entitled to a minimum of 30 days of paid annual leave for each year of service. This leave is calculated at a rate of at least 2.5 days per month worked.

Eligibility

For an employee to be eligible for the full annual leave entitlement, they must have completed one year of continuous service with the employer.

Leave Accrual and Usage

Vacation leave accrues throughout the year of service. Employees are required to utilize their accrued leave within the current year. However, employers may agree to carry over up to half of the annual leave entitlement (at least 15 days) to the following year. The timing of when employees use their leave is determined by employers, taking into account the needs of the business.

Collective Agreements and Contracts

Collective bargaining agreements or individual employment contracts may offer more generous leave entitlements than the minimum required by law.

Many holidays in Yemen follow the Islamic (Hijri) lunar calendar, so their dates on the Gregorian calendar shift slightly from year to year.

Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. The holiday lasts for 3-4 days and is typically celebrated with prayers, family gatherings, feasts, and charitable giving.

Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God. This holiday lasts for 4 days and is typically marked by prayers, animal sacrifice, shared feasts, and visiting relatives.

Islamic New Year (Muharram)

The Islamic New Year, or Muharram, marks the beginning of the new year in the Islamic Calendar. This holiday lasts for 1 day and is typically a quieter holiday, marked by prayers and reflection.

Mawlid an-Nabi

Mawlid an-Nabi celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. This holiday lasts for 1 day and its celebrations vary across Islamic communities. Activities may include prayers, parades, storytelling events, and special foods.

National Holidays

Yemen also observes several national holidays. Unity Day, celebrated on May 22, marks the anniversary of the unification of North Yemen and South Yemen in 1990. Revolution Day, celebrated on September 26, commemorates the 1962 revolution against the monarchy in North Yemen. Liberation Day, celebrated on October 14, marks the conclusion of the South Yemen revolution and British withdrawal in 1967. Independence Day, celebrated on November 30, celebrates the end of British rule in South Yemen in 1967.

Businesses and government offices are usually closed during these public holidays. Dates for Islamic holidays can be verified closer to the year.

In Yemen, employees are entitled to various types of leave.

Annual Leave

Employees are entitled to at least 30 days of paid annual leave per year. Leave accrues at a rate of at least 2.5 days per month. All employees who have completed a qualifying period are eligible for this leave.

Sick Leave

Employees are entitled to paid sick leave with declining percentages of pay over time:

• First and second months: Full Pay
• Third and fourth months: 85% of wages
• Fifth and sixth months: 75% of wages
• Seventh and eighth months: 50% of wages

All employees are eligible for sick leave.

Maternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to 70 days of paid maternity leave. This can be extended in cases of difficult birth or twins.

Pilgrimage Leave (Hajj)

Employees are entitled to a one-time, unpaid leave for the purpose of undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. This is applicable to Muslim employees.

Other Types of Leave

Yemen's Labour Code also provides for:

• Bereavement Leave: Typically, 3 days of paid leave upon the death of a close relative.
• Marriage Leave: Employees may be entitled to a short period of paid leave upon marriage.

Specific leave entitlements and policies may vary based on employment contracts or collective bargaining agreements.