Public Holidays in Mozambique for 2019
Mozambique had a messy spot in post-colonial history, and their infrastructure was inadequate. However, it is worth it to check out this country because it has a lot to offer. One of the beautiful attractions of this nation is the coastline of the Indian Ocean that stretches up to 1,500 miles. You will find stunning beaches, tropical waters, abundant marine life, an excellent diving experience, and a lot more. You can also find many beautiful islands that you can enjoy.
Mozambique enjoys 16 holidays a year, and if you are planning to set up a business there, you must know all of these. Employees need to be given their time holiday leave, and you also deserve it to enjoy the rest of the country.
What Employers Must Know About Mozambique Public Holidays
All employees are entitled to receive a paid time off for each national holiday in Mozambique. Employees must also receive a paid yearly leave based on how long the company has employed them. For the first year, they are entitled to one day a month, on the second year they get two days a month, and they get 30 days if they work and hustle for three years.
The female employees generally get 60 days of maternity leave, which they take as early as 20 days before their delivery. Mothers may also take up to 30 days of absences each year which they can use for taking care of their child and emergencies. Fathers get one day paid paternity leave.
Employers may not give female employees work that can harm their reproductive health, and it is punishable by law if they violate it.
Dates of the Mozambique Public Holiday 2019
| Date | Day/s | Holiday | Type |
| 1 January | Tuesday | New Year | Public |
| 3 February | Sunday | Mozambican Heroes Day | Public |
| 4 February | Monday | Mozambican Heroes Day observed | Public |
| 20 March | Wednesday | March Equinox | Season |
| 7 April | Sunday | Mozambican Woman’s Day | Public |
| 8 April | Monday | Mozambican Woman’s Day observed | Public |
| 19 April | Friday | Good Friday | Observance |
| 1 May | Wednesday | May Day | Public |
| 21 June | Friday | June Solstice | Season |
| 25 June | Tuesday | Independence Day | Public |
| 7 September | Saturday | Victory Day | Public |
| 23 September | Monday | September Equinox | Season |
| 25 September | Wednesday | Armed Forces Day | Public |
| 4 October | Friday | Peace and Reconciliation Day | Public |
| 22 December | Sunday | December Solstice | Season |
| 25 December | Wednesday | Family Day | Public |
Benefits of Employees During Public Holidays
Foreign companies are restricted by the process of incorporation to give out compensation and benefits. They must first set up a subsidiary in Mozambique before they may hire employees, then add them to the payroll, and have a benefit and compensation plan.
Foreigners who are performing occupational activities must be given equal treatment and opportunities related to local workers. It is within the scope of principles and rules of international law that complies with the provisions of reciprocity that are agreed to with other countries.
Most of the employers specify the payment rate for working on a public holiday. For instance, the employee must be paid for double time work or double time and a half for the hours they have worked during a public holiday. In case the employee works during a public holiday, they must be paid for the hours they worked and what is specified in the agreement. It includes public holiday rates of penalty even if their payment is above the minimum rate.
Full time and part-time employees can be given a paid holiday. It will be as if they worked in the same number of hours as they usually would. The casual employees are not entitled to get a paid day off during public holidays.
Doing Business in Mozambique
When you do business in Mozambique, you will find yourself in a traditional setting because the upper management usually is responsible for finalizing decisions. They also listen to employees and give it importance.
The primary industries in Mozambique are mining, cleantech, education, oil & gas, professional services, infrastructure, building products, and others related to it.
The citizens of Mozambique usually are hardworking, and they are always motivated. They respect and welcome ex-pats making it a suitable environment for investing. Foreign investors do not have a hard time adjusting because many of them speak English and are very warm.
Now that you know why setting up a business in Mozambique is wise, you can start right away.
