Employee Benefits in Mauritania

Bonuses and additional payments

In Mauritania, the Labor Ordinance (Article 144) mandates a minimum annual bonus of 12% of a worker's annual wage. The maximum bonus allowed by law is 25%, and the percentage the employer applies must be the same for all eligible employees.

Annual leave

Employees in Mauritania are entitled to paid vacation leave after completing one year of service. The statutory entitlement is eighteen days per year for employees with less than five years of service, increasing to twenty-four days after five years. This leave is fully paid and can be taken throughout the leave year, as agreed between employer and employee. 

Additional leave may be offered as part of an employment contract, though it is not required by law. Many employers offer enhanced leave policies to stay competitive and improve retention. 

Unused statutory leave must be taken within eighteen months after it is earned. Payment in lieu of unused leave is only permitted upon termination of employment.

Sick leave

Personal and sick leave are governed by the Mauritanian Labor Ordinance. Employees are entitled to up to twelve days of paid sick leave per year for workers with less than five years of service, increasing to eighteen days after five years. Employers may offer more generous sick leave policies through employment contracts or collective agreements.

Parental leave

Employers must provide 14 weeks of paid leave for an employee's first pregnancy and 18 weeks of paid leave for any additional child. 

Pregnant employees who have worked for an employer for at least seven months prior to the date of expected delivery are eligible for benefits, with written notice ten weeks before the due date. 

Additional benefits

In addition, employers are legally required to contribute 8% of basic salary to the Social Security Fund for employee retirement savings. 

Free public healthcare coverage is provided to all Mauritanian residents, but a majority of the population relies on private healthcare. Employer social costs cover a large portion of employee benefits in Mauritania, but we can consult with you about supplemental coverage options, such as additional pension contributions or life insurance, if needed. As your employer of record in Mauritania, we also may be able to provide optional supplementary medical insurance coverage for professionals and their dependents at a more cost-effective rate.