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Lesotho
Governed by the Labour Code Order 1992. Annual leave: 12 consecutive working days/year. Maternity: 12 weeks (6+6). Paternity: not statutory.
Reference authority: Ministry of Labour and Employment
LCO 1992
Code
LSL (Loti)
Currency
45 h
Workweek
12 d
Annual leave
12 wks
Maternity
1-3 mo
Notice
Disclaimer: This country guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we update it regularly, it may not reflect ongoing regulatory changes. Illizeo SA accepts no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this content.
Annual paid leave
LCO 1992
12 consecutive working days/year (Sec. 118)
| Type | Duration | Benefit | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statutory | 12 working days/year | 100 % | After 1 year service |
| Partial pro-rata | 1 d/month | 100 % | Pro-rated |
| Cash in lieu | Owed on termination | 100 % | Pro-rata accrual |
Accrual
12 months service
Carry-over
By agreement
Official sources
Ministry of Labour LesothoPublic holidays
12 days
Lesotho law — 12 holidays
| Type | Duration | Benefit | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year | 1 January | 100 % | National holiday |
| Moshoeshoe Day | 11 March | 100 % | Memorial |
| Africa Day | 25 May | 100 % | Continental |
| Independence | 4 October | 100 % | National Day |
| Christmas | 25 December | 100 % | Catholic |
Total
~12 days/year
Weekly rest
Sunday
Official sources
Ministry of Labour LesothoSick leave
LCO 1992
Sick leave 12 d/year full pay (Sec. 122)
| Type | Duration | Benefit | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| First 12 days | 12 days | 100 % | Medical certificate |
| Days 13-24 | 12 days | 50 % | Medical certificate |
| Beyond | Unpaid | 0 | Possible medical dismissal |
Waiting period
None
Proof
Medical certificate beyond 2 d
Official sources
Labour Code Order 1992 — Sec. 122Maternity / paternity / parental
LCO 1992
Maternity 12 wks (6+6) unpaid statutory (Sec. 133)
| Type | Duration | Benefit | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternity | 12 weeks | By CBA / employer | No payment obligation |
| Paternity | Not statutory | — | CBA only |
| Nursing | 1 h/day | 100 % | First 6 months |
Prenatal
6 wks
Postnatal
6 wks
Official sources
Labour Code Order 1992 — Sec. 133Special leave
By CBA
Marriage, bereavement — per CBA
| Type | Duration | Benefit | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage | Per CBA | 100 % | By CBA |
| Death close relative | Per CBA | 100 % | By CBA |
| Civic duty | As summoned | 100 % | Court |
| Study leave | Per CBA | 100 % | Pro exam |
Source
Collective bargaining
Stacking
Excludes annual leave
Official sources
Labour Code Order 1992