Sick Leave

This page was last updated on: 2023-05-19

Income

There is no clear provision in the Labour Act about paid sick leave and its length. It only says that sick leave certified by the medical practitioner is independent  of annual leave.

Sources: § 22 & 24 of the Labour Act 2003 (Act 651); ISSA Country Profile 2017

Medical Care

There is no mention in the labour act about the medical care however medical benefits are provided under the National Health Insurance Program.  It provides range of healthcare services free of charge, including inpatient and outpatient services, emergency care, eye treatment, and dental and maternity care. The program does not cover costs for rehabilitation (other than physiotherapy), prostheses, certain surgeries (including organ transplants and cosmetic surgeries), antiretroviral treatment for HIV, dialysis, and cancer treatment (other than cervical or breast cancer).

Employers are required to pay the medical expenses in respect of the occupational injury.

Source: Schedule II under regulation 19 of the National Health Insurance Regulations 2004; ISSA Country Profile 2017

Job Security

There is no provision in the above act that a worker's job is secure during the first 6 months of his/her illness. According to the Labour Act, an employer can't dismiss a worker during his/her period of sickness (only if it is temporary and for short period), pregnancy or disability.

Sources: § 63(2G) of the Labour Act 2003 (Act 651)

Regulations on Sick Leave

  • Labour Act, 2003
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