Peru Employment Guide

Maternity Leave Regulations in Peru

Employees who have completed 90 consecutive days of service are entitled to 98 days of fully paid maternity leave. A minimum of 49 days must be taken prior to the expected delivery date. The full salary during this period is covered by Peru's public health insurance system, Essalud.

In cases of medical necessity, such as complicated pregnancies or multiple births, employees can extend their leave by an additional 30 days with proper medical certification from a physician or midwife.

Paternity Leave Benefits

Fathers receive 10 working days of fully paid paternity leave, which should commence from the child's birth date. Unlike maternity benefits, employers are responsible for covering 100% of the employee's salary during this period.

Extensions to paternity leave may be granted under special circumstances, such as medical complications affecting the mother or child, with appropriate medical documentation.

Understanding Parental Leave Options

Peruvian labor law does not specifically mandate additional parental leave beyond maternity and paternity provisions. However, companies like SailGlobal often implement enhanced family-friendly policies that exceed legal minimums to support working parents.

Sick Leave Provisions

Employees are entitled to up to 20 days of paid sick leave annually, with compensation provided by their employer. For extended medical absences exceeding this period, Essalud assumes responsibility for full salary payments for up to 12 months, provided proper medical certification is maintained.

Case Study: Implementing Family Leave Policies

International companies operating in Peru, including SailGlobal, frequently develop comprehensive leave packages that address both legal requirements and employee wellbeing. For instance, SailGlobal's approach includes flexible return-to-work programs and additional unpaid leave options that help retain valuable talent while ensuring compliance with local regulations.