Q. How many days of annual leave are bank employees entitled to in Lebanon?
Bank employees in Lebanon are entitled to 15 days of paid annual leave after completing one year of service with the same employer. This entitlement is in accordance with Lebanon's Labour Law, which mandates annual leave for employees following their first year of employment.
Q. Does annual leave entitlement increase with years of service?
Yes, annual leave entitlement in Lebanon increases with years of service. The standard entitlement is 15 days for the first seven years. After this period, employees accrue additional leave days:
- 8 to 14 years of service: 17 days of annual leave.
- 15 to 21 years of service: 19 days of annual leave.
- Over 21 years of service: 21 days of annual leave.
These increments are designed to reward long-term service and are detailed in Lebanon's Labour Law.
Q. Are employees entitled to paid sick leave, and how many days are allowed?
Yes, employees in Lebanon are entitled to paid sick leave after successfully completing their probation period. The duration and pay during sick leave depend on the length of service:
- 3 months to 2 years: 15 days at full pay and 15 days at half pay.LAU+1American University of Beirut+1
- 2 to 4 years: 1 month at full pay and 1 month at half pay.American University of Beirut
- 4 to 6 years: 1.5 months at full pay and 1.5 months at half pay.
- 6 to 10 years: 2 months at full pay and 2 months at half pay.
- Over 10 years: 2.5 months at full pay and 2.5 months at half pay.
These provisions are outlined in Lebanon's Labour Law and aim to support employees during periods of illness.
Q. What are the maternity leave entitlements for female employees?
Female employees in Lebanon are entitled to 10 weeks (approximately 70 days) of paid maternity leave. This leave is typically divided into a pre-natal period and a post-natal period, with specifics determined by the employer's policies and the employee's medical needs. Employers are prohibited from terminating or issuing notice of termination to an employee during maternity leave unless the employee is employed elsewhere during this period.
Q. Is paternity leave provided under the current labor agreement?
Yes, male employees in Lebanon are entitled to 3 days of paid paternity leave. This leave allows fathers to be present during the birth of their child and support their families during the initial days.
Q. How many days of leave are granted for marriage?
Employees in Lebanon are granted 3 days of paid leave for their marriage. This benefit allows employees to celebrate their marriage without the concern of lost income.
Q. Do employees get leave in case of the death of a close family member?
Yes, employees are entitled to compassionate leave in the event of the death of a close family member. The duration of this leave varies depending on the relationship:
- First-degree relatives (e.g., parents, spouse, children): Up to 3 days of paid leave.
- Second-degree relatives (e.g., siblings, grandparents): Up to 2 days of paid leave.
- Third-degree relatives (e.g., cousins): Up to 1 day of paid leave.
This leave is intended to allow employees to grieve and manage related affairs without the added stress of work commitments.
Q. Can unused leave be carried over to the next year?
The carryover of unused annual leave in Lebanon depends on the employer's policies. Some employers allow employees to carry over a certain number of unused leave days to the following year, while others may have a "use-it-or-lose-it" policy. It's essential to consult the specific employment contract or company policy regarding leave carryover provisions.
Q. Is leave paid or unpaid during the probation period?
During the probationary period in Lebanon, employees are generally not entitled to paid leave, including sick leave. If an employee wishes to take leave during this period, it is typically considered unpaid leave. This policy allows employers to assess the suitability of a new employee before granting full leave benefits.
Q. What is the procedure for applying for annual or special leave?
The procedure for applying for annual or special leave in Lebanon usually involves the following steps:
- Advance Notice: Employees should inform their employer of their intended leave dates well in advance, typically at least two weeks prior to the desired leave period.
