Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is a country in southeast Asia, bordered by Bangladesh, India, China, Laos, and Thailand. The country is rich in natural resources, and endowed with renewable energy and high solar power potential. The country is home to many diverse ethnic groups, of which 135 are officially recognized.

The minimum wage is MNK 4,800 per day, and the standard workweek is 48 hours per week at 8 hours per day. Overtime is paid at 200% of the regular rate, and is not permitted mast midnight.

Parental Leave

Pregnant employees are entitled to 14 weeks of paid maternity leave, paid for by social security. The leave can begin 6 weeks before the due date, and last until 8 weeks after the birth. Employees can also take adoptive leave. Fathers can receive paid paternity leave for the first 15 days after their child is born. Employees can also take adoptive leave.

Sick Leave

Employees who have worked at their company for at least 6 months are entitled to 26 weeks of sick leave, of which the first 30 days are paid.

Paid Leave

Myanmar has 16 public holidays, and employees are entitled to 10 days of paid time off each year.

Process

Employers can terminate employment contracts with just cause, as long as they provide written notice and an explanation for the termination. If the reason for termination is misconduct, the employee must receive 1 written and 2 verbal warnings and be given a chance to explain their actions.

If a violation is made within 1 year of the third warning, the employer can dismiss the employee without notice or severance.

Notice Period

The average notice period is Myanmar is 1 month.

Severance Pay

Severance pay for terminations is based on the length of employment:

• 6 months-1 year = 0.5 months of wages
• 1-2 years = 1 month of wages
• 3-4 years = 2 months of wages
• 4-6 years = 4 months of wages
• 6-8 years = 5 months of wages
• 8-10 years = 6 months of wages
• 10-20 years = 8 months of wages
• 20-25 years = 10 months of wages
• 25+ years = 13 months of wages

While there is no legal provision in the law regarding a 13th month salary, many employers give out a bonus at the end of the year.