Leave
Annual leave, sick leave, and maternity leave
Rwandan law gives every worker the right to paid time off — for rest, illness, and family. These rights apply even if your employer has not mentioned them.
What the law says
- Annual leave: at least 18 working days per year, taken by agreement with your employer.
- Sick leave: up to 6 months with a medical certificate. Your employer must continue to pay you during this time.
- Maternity leave: 12 weeks, fully paid — 6 weeks before the birth and 6 weeks after.
- Paternity leave: 4 working days.
- You cannot be dismissed for taking leave you are legally entitled to.
What you can do
- Request your leave in writing and keep written confirmation from your employer.
- Provide a medical certificate for sick leave when one is required.
- Report to the Labour Inspector if your employer refuses to grant leave you are owed.