Work rights · 2 min read
Annual leave in Ethiopia: plan and record it clearly
Check your employer’s leave process and keep written approval for each absence.
Leave arrangements are easier to manage when both employee and manager use a clear written record. The Labour Proclamation is the official source for private-sector rules, but a contract or workplace policy may explain how requests are submitted.
Check the workplace process
Ask where leave requests are made, how far ahead to submit them and who approves them. Keep a copy of the request and approval, including the dates. Check whether your manager expects a handover note before you leave.
Read the current official law and your written employment terms rather than relying on a colleague’s calculation. A public employer or a collective arrangement may have its own process.
Keep a simple leave record
Record leave taken, public holidays and any approved changes in one place. This makes it easier to spot an error on a roster or payslip. If a request is refused, ask for the reason and any alternative dates in writing.
Do not let an agency charge you to obtain work or leave approval. Use the employer’s official HR contact when a message or link looks suspicious.
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Frequently asked questions
How many annual leave days are there in Ethiopia?
At least 16 working days for the first year of service, plus one working day for every two further years.
Can my employer pay me instead of giving me leave?
No. Article 76 prohibits paying wages in place of annual leave, unless the proclamation allows it. You're paid for untaken leave when your contract ends.
Do I get leave if I worked less than a year?
Yes, in proportion to your service. On our sum, 6 months comes to 8 working days.
Is the pay the same during leave?
Yes. Article 77 says it's what you'd have received if you'd kept working.