Sick Leave
Income
In accordance with the Labour Code, there are two types of sick leave in Rwanda (short-term sick leave and long-term sick leave), and a worker can avail either of these depending on his or her condition.
On presenting a medical certificate by a recognised medical doctor justifying the worker’s incapacity to work, the employer may grant a worker a maximum leave of 15 days. If sick leave exceeds 15 days, the worker’s incapacity must be ascertained by a medical committee composed of three recognized medical doctors. In this case, long term sick leave starts for a maximum period of six months. A worker is entitled to fully paid sick leave during the first 3 months of long-term sick leave, while the next three months are unpaid. The employment contract is suspended during these three months of unpaid leave.
Source: §54-55 of the Law regulating Labour in Rwanda, 2018 (No. 66/2018)
Medical Care
In the case of community-based health insurance (social insurance), Government health centres, district hospitals, and referral hospitals provide medical services. Benefits include vaccinations, general care, surgery, dental care, X-rays and imaging, laboratory services, rehabilitation services, hospitalization, medicine, maternity care, ambulance fees, and prostheses. Cost sharing is required for 10% of billable costs for services at the district level.
In case of public health insurance (social insurance), 85% of the costs for covered medical treatments and prescribed drugs are paid. These treatments include surgical interventions, hospitalization, chemotherapy, medical imaging, laboratory tests, physiotherapy, dental care, eye treatment, limb prosthesis and orthosis, dialysis, and full medical check-ups (for women aged 35 or older and men aged 40 or older).
If a worker is registered with the Rwanda Social Security Board and necessary contributions have been paid by the employer, the worker gets access to free medical care.
Source: ISSA Country profile for Rwanda
Job Security
Employment of a worker is secure during the period of long-term sick leave, i.e., six months. While the first three months are fully paid, the employment contract is suspended during the next three months.
If a worker remains sick after this three-month contract suspension period, the employer can terminate the employment contract in accordance with the provisions of this Law.
Source: §55 of the Law regulating Labour in Rwanda, 2018 (No. 66/2018)
Regulations on Sick Leave
- Law regulating Labour in Rwanda, 2009 (Labour Code) / Itegeko rigenga umurimo mu Rwanda, 2009
- Ministerial Order N° 009/19.20 of 17/03/2020 determining Funeral Expenses and Death Allowances for an Employee