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Zambia
Governed by the Employment Code Act 2019. Annual leave: 24 working days/year (2 d/month). Maternity: 14 weeks (4+10). Paternity: 5 days.
Reference authority: Ministry of Labour and Social Security
Act 3/2019
Code
ZMW (Kwacha)
Currency
48 h
Workweek
24 d
Annual leave
14 wks
Maternity
24 h-2 mo
Notice
Annual paid leave
Act 3/2019
2 d/month (24 d/year) — usable after 6 months (Sec. 36)
| Type | Duration | Benefit | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statutory | 24 d/year (2 d/month) | 100 % | Earned from start |
| Usage | After 6 months service | 100 % | Unless employer agrees |
| Cash in lieu | Owed on termination | 100 % | Pro-rata of accrual |
Accrual
Monthly
Carry-over
24 d max over 24 months
Official sources
Employment Code Act 2019Public holidays
13 days
Zambian law — 13 holidays
| Type | Duration | Benefit | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year | 1 January | 100 % | National holiday |
| Youth Day | 12 March | 100 % | Memorial |
| Africa Day | 25 May | 100 % | Continental |
| Heroes Day | 1st Monday July | 100 % | Memorial |
| Unity Day | Tuesday after Heroes | 100 % | Memorial |
| Independence | 24 October | 100 % | National Day |
Total
~13 days/year
Weekly rest
Sunday
Official sources
Ministry of Labour ZambiaSick leave
Act 3/2019
Sick leave 26 wks/36 months — decreasing (Sec. 54)
| Type | Duration | Benefit | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| First 3 months | 12 weeks | 100 % | Medical certificate |
| Months 4-6 | 14 weeks | 50 % | Medical certificate |
| Beyond | Unpaid | 0 | Possible medical dismissal |
Waiting period
None
Proof
Medical certificate
Official sources
Employment Code Act 2019 — Sec. 54Maternity / paternity / parental
Act 3/2019
Maternity 14 wks (4+10) — paternity 5 d (Sec. 41)
| Type | Duration | Benefit | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternity | 14 weeks | 100 % employer | After 2 years service |
| Paternity | 5 days | 100 % | Employee father |
| Nursing | 1 h/day | 100 % | First 6 months |
Prenatal
4 wks
Postnatal
10 wks
Official sources
Employment Code Act 2019 — Sec. 41Special leave
Act 3/2019
Compassionate 12 d/year (Sec. 56) — marriage, bereavement
| Type | Duration | Benefit | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compassionate leave | 12 d/year | 100 % | Marriage, death, family illness |
| Death spouse/child | Within 12 d | 100 % | First degree |
| Civic duty | As summoned | 100 % | Court |
| Study leave | Per CBA | 100 % | Pro exam |
Source
Act 3/2019 Sec. 56
Stacking
Excludes annual leave
Official sources
Employment Code Act 2019Manage absences in Zambia
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