COUNTRY

Employment contracts in Madagascar are generally written. There are two types of contracts in Madagascar: fixed-term and indefinite-period contracts. Fixed-term contracts are for a definite period of time with a maximum duration of two years. Employment contracts that extend past two years are considered indefinite-period contracts.

The standard workweek in Madagascar is 40 hours with eight hours a day. Overtime is paid at 130% above the basic wage for the first eight hours and then 150% onwards. Evening work is paid at 130%, while weekend work is paid at 140% and then 150% if it is a public holiday. Collective and individual employment agreements generally govern overtime and overtime pay.

Employees receive five days of paid sick leave a year in Madagascar.

Female employees receive 14 weeks of fully paid maternity leave in Madagascar with eight weeks to be taken after the birth. This leave can be extended by three weeks due to a pregnancy illness or complications. Female employees are entitled to a percentage of their wages for the period of maternity leave covered by social insurance (CNAPS), with a percentage of wages being provided by the employer. Employees not covered by social insurance have their maternity leave funded entirely by their employer.

There is no paternity leave, but all workers receive 10 days leave a year for family events, which new fathers may use after the birth of their child. Employers are not required to pay their employees using this leave, but some employers do as part of a benefit package.

Madagascar has a minimum wage. Bonuses in Madagascar are not required, but are common.

Employees in Madagascar accrue 2.5 days of paid leave per month after 12 months of service.

In Madagascar, the public holidays are:

• New Year's Day

• International Women's Day

• Martyrs' Day

• Easter Monday

• Labor Day

• Eid al-Fitr

• Ascension Day

• Whit Monday

• Independence Day

• Assumption of Mary

• All Saints' Day

• Christmas Day

• Eid al-Adha

Madagascar provides universal healthcare but private healthcare is highly recommended.

An employment contract can be terminated in Madagascar at the end of the contract period (if for a fixed term), by the employee or by the employer. Terminations must be in writing and employers must generally have a reason for dismissing an employee. An employment contract can be terminated during the probation period without notice. An employee also can be dismissed without notice for misconduct including fraud, code of conduct, theft or moral misconduct. Outside the probation period and absent misconduct, notice is required before terminating an employment contract. The notice required generally depends on the type of employee and length of service.