Belarus Employment Guide

Maternity Leave Regulations in Belarus

Employees who have worked for the same employer for at least six months are entitled to 126 calendar days of fully paid maternity leave. In cases of complicated childbirth or multiple births, this period extends to 140 calendar days. During this time, employees receive 100% of their average salary.

Payment responsibility depends on company size: employers with 15 or more staff members cover the cost directly, while smaller businesses with fewer than 15 employees have these benefits covered by social security.

Employees may further extend their leave using parental leave provisions.

Paternity Leave Provisions

Belarusian legislation currently does not mandate statutory paternity leave.

Parental Leave Framework

Employees are entitled to three years of parental leave until their child reaches three years of age. Either parent can take this leave, and couples can decide how to allocate the time between them. Parents receive state-mandated benefits: 539.56 Belarusian rubles for the first child and 693.72 rubles for subsequent children.

The payment structure mirrors maternity leave: employers with 15+ staff cover costs directly, while smaller businesses are supported by social security.

Mothers may return to full-time work before the three-year period concludes, though this results in reduced benefit payments.

Sick Leave Entitlements

Employees can take up to 120 calendar days of paid sick leave annually. Employers initially cover these payments but are reimbursed through deductions from their monthly contributions to the State Social Protection Fund. Payment rates vary by duration:

International Comparison: How Belarus Stands Out

Compared to neighboring countries, Belarus offers relatively generous parental benefits. For example, while Russia provides similar maternity leave duration, its parental benefits are typically lower. This makes Belarus an attractive location for multinational companies like SailGlobal when establishing regional hubs.

Practical Implications for HR Professionals

When managing international teams in Belarus, HR departments should note that the combination of maternity and parental leave can result in extended absences. Proactive planning, including cross-training and temporary staffing strategies, ensures business continuity. SailGlobal's experience shows that clear communication about benefit eligibility during onboarding significantly reduces administrative challenges later.