Introduction
Morocco is a captivating country renowned for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history. The country has a growing economy with a US$130.91 billion GDP record in 2022.
Due to several companies establishing and hiring in Morocco, the government has implemented various labor reforms to protect employee rights.
To ensure that workers receive adequate time off while safeguarding their rights the labor law outlines annual leave, sick leave, maternity leave, and other types of leave provisions.
Understanding these regulations helps you create a conducive and productive work environment. This guide explains everything about the leave policy in Morocco.
Adoption Leave in Morocco
- The labor laws currently do not mandate adoption leave in Morocco.
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Talk to an expertEarned Leave in Morocco
- Employees who have worked for six months with the same employer are eligible for earned leave.
- The duration of earned leave in Morocco is calculated based on the length of service. Employees accrue one and a half working days of leave for each month worked.
- Under the Labor Code, the statutory minimum for annual leave entitlement is 18 days per year.
- An additional two days of monthly leave is granted to employees under 18.
Maternity Leave in Morocco
- Maternity leave in Morocco is governed by the Labor Code 2003.
- Every female employee in Morocco receives 14 weeks of paid maternity leave.
- It is structured in two distinct periods: seven weeks before the expected date of childbirth and an additional seven weeks after delivery.
- Female employees must have worked with the same employer for at least 12 months before applying for maternity leave.
- Furthermore, employees must also provide a medical certificate issued by a doctor sanctioned by the National Social Security Fund (CNSS).
- During maternity leave, the CNSS disburses benefits at a rate equivalent to 100% of the employee’s average wage over the six months preceding the leave.
- Maternity benefits are usually provided in two installments:
- The initial installment is dispensed 15 days before the anticipated childbirth date.
- The subsequent installment is provided 15 days after the birth.
- If an employee experiences illness or complications during pregnancy, they may be eligible for an extension of maternity leave to accommodate the period of illness.
- However, the extended leave period cannot surpass eight weeks before childbirth or 14 weeks after delivery.
- Following the conclusion of the maternity leave, the employee is granted two paid 30-minute breaks (morning and afternoon) to facilitate breastfeeding their child.
Parental Leave in Morocco
- Either mother or father can take parental leave in the country. They can take parental leave once the maternity and paternity leave is exhausted.
- Parental leave in Morocco can be availed in any of the following manners.
- Extended maternity leave: An employee may extend her leave for an additional 14 weeks after the initial period of seven weeks following childbirth. To achieve this, employees must notify their employer at least 15 days before the end of the maternity leave.
- Unpaid leave: Alternatively, a female employee may opt for an unpaid leave for up to one year to care for her child.
Paternity Leave in Morocco
- Under the Labor Code, paternity leave in Morocco comprises three days of paid leave.
- The CNSS bears the paternity leave benefits at a rate equivalent to 100% of the employee’s average salary over the six months preceding the leave.
Public Holidays in Morocco
The labor laws mandate 12 days of public holidays in Morocco. They include,
Événements religieux (dates à titre indicatif)
Calendrier civil des jours fériés
Sick Leave Policy in Morocco
- Under the sick leave policy in Morocco, employees are entitled to a minimum of four days of paid sick leave per year.
- Employees must inform employers if they are absent for more than four days due to illness or injury. They must produce a medical certificate and an estimated duration of absence.
- During the sick leave, the CNSS provides sick leave benefits.
- To be eligible for sick leave benefits, employees must have contributed to the Social Security system for at least 54 days in the six months preceding the illness.
- However, this requirement is waived in cases of non-occupational diseases.
- Employees are granted compensation equivalent to their average daily wage during sick leave.
- Although the employer initially pays the amount, they are reimbursed by the CNSS.
- If inability to work exceeds 180 consecutive days within 365 days due to illness, the employee may be considered to have resigned.
Casual Leave in Morocco
- Currently, there are no provisions that mandate casual leave in Morocco.
Unpaid Leave in Morocco
In addition to the standard types of leave, such as annual and sick leave, Morocco mandates certain forms of unpaid leave for their employees. They include,
Circumcision leaves
- Employees get to avail of two days of unpaid leave for circumcision-related matters.
Surgery on the spouse or dependent child leave
- A minimum of two days of unpaid leave is granted to employees to attend surgical procedures involving their spouse or dependent child.
Other leaves
Bereavement leave
- Bereavement leave in Morocco is of two types: paid and unpaid.
- If an employee’s spouse, child, grandchild, or parent dies, they are entitled to three days of paid leave.
- If an employee’s brother, sister, their spouse’s brother or sister, or their spouse’s parents dies, they are entitled to two days of unpaid leave.
Marriage leave
- Under the Labor Code, employees must receive four days of paid leave for their wedding.
- Additionally, they get two days off without pay when their child gets married, whether it is their child or a child from a previous marriage.
Sabbatical leave
- Currently, there is no provision for sabbatical leave in Morocco.
Carry forward of leaves
- Employees can carry forward a maximum of 15 days of annual leave in Morocco.
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FAQs
Q1: What is the notice period for employees?
Ans: The notice period for employees in Morocco varies depending on their length of service. It usually ranges from one to three months.
Q2: How many paid holidays are in Morocco?
Ans: Employees in Morocco are entitled to a minimum of 18 days of paid leave per year.
Q3: What are the labor laws in Morocco?
Ans: The labor laws in Morocco, such as the Labor Code, are designed to regulate the employee-employer relationship. They govern various vital aspects of employment, such as the leave policy in Morocco, minimum wage, and working hours.
Q4: What is the probation period in Morocco?
Ans: The length of the probationary period in Morocco depends on the type of employee. For managers, it is three months, and for other employees, it is one and a half months. According to labor laws, the probation period can only be extended once for the same duration.