In a recent development, an amendment proposed by Minister Carmelo Abela within the Office of the Prime Minister concerning the annual leave entitlement for workers in Malta has been officially accepted by the Cabinet and subsequently ratified by Parliament at the commencement of 2021.
This amendment, integrated into the National Holidays and Other Public Holidays Act under Chapter 252 of the Laws of Malta, introduces a novel concept. According to this provision, every public holiday falling on a Saturday or Sunday is now added to workers’ annual leave entitlement, resulting in a variable entitlement each year based on the occurrence of such public holidays.
Malta Annual Leave Entitlement Breakdown
- In 2021, an employee with a 40-hour workweek is entitled to 216 hours of paid annual leave, comprising 192 hours of basic leave entitlement and an additional 24 hours in lieu of three public holidays falling on weekends.
- In 2022, the entitlement increases to 224 hours for a 40-hour workweek, with 192 hours of basic leave and an extra 32 hours in lieu of four public holidays on weekends.
- In 2023, the entitlement is 208 hours for a 40-hour workweek, including 192 hours of basic leave and an extra 16 hours in lieu of two public holidays on weekends.
Annual Leave Entitlement in Malta in 2024
- In 2024, employees with a 40-hour workweek are entitled to 240 hours, comprising 192 hours of basic leave and an additional 48 hours in lieu of six public holidays falling on weekends.
The fundamental annual leave entitlement for full-time employees in Malta remains fixed at 192 hours annually.
For full-time employees where a public holiday coincides with their weekly day of rest (other than Sunday), an additional vacation day is granted during the calendar year. The same principle applies to public holidays coinciding with sick leave on pay or special leave with pay.
Part-time employees and full-time workers with reduced hours will enjoy entitlements on a pro-rata basis. This calculation is based on the weekly hours worked, proportionate to the number of normal weekly hours of a full-time employee performing similar duties.
