Bahamas (BS)

Rules: After completing 6 months of continuous employment, employees are entitled to 1 week (7 calendar days) of paid sick leave per year under the Employment Act. From day 2 of absence a medical certificate from a licensed doctor is required. Sick leave cannot be carried over or paid out at end of year if unused. After exhausting the 1-week statutory entitlement, further sick absence is unpaid unless the employment contract provides greater entitlement. NIB sickness benefit may apply for extended illness if the worker has paid sufficient NIB contributions — contact NIB (nib-bahamas.com) for claim procedures.

Doctor note: First day of absence: self-certification is accepted. From day 2 of any sick absence onwards, a medical certificate from a licensed Bahamian physician is required. Most professional employer contracts require a certificate from day 1 for repeated absences. Princess Margaret Hospital and private clinics (Doctors Hospital, Rand Memorial Hospital in Freeport) issue same-day certificates.

Employer pay: 7 calendar days paid sick leave per year (after 6 months service) at the full regular daily rate. After 7 days, further sick absence is unpaid unless the contract or NIB benefit applies. NIB sickness benefit: qualifying contributors receive approximately 60% of average insurable earnings for up to 26 weeks; apply within 28 days of incapacity at NIB.

Long-term: NIB long-term disability benefit available to qualifying contributors who become permanently incapacitated. The benefit amount depends on contribution history. Apply at the National Insurance Board. No state benefit for foreign workers who have not contributed to NIB. Private income protection insurance is strongly recommended for expat workers.

Max hours: 40 hours per week (8 hours/day, 5 days) is the standard maximum. Overtime is any hours beyond 40/week. Hospitality, security, and healthcare employers commonly use shift patterns with averaging arrangements. Public holidays: The Bahamas has 13 public holidays in 2026 — all are paid days off. Work on a public holiday entitles the employee to either double pay or a substitute day off.

Min rest: Employees are entitled to at least 1 rest day per week. Minimum 30-minute meal break per shift is standard. The Employment Act does not specify a mandated minimum rest period between shifts, but most contracts follow international standards of 11 hours.

Overtime: Overtime (beyond 40 hours/week) must be paid at 1.5× the regular hourly rate. Work on Sundays and public holidays: typically 2× the regular rate. Overtime arrangements should be documented in the employment contract. Habitual unpaid overtime is grounds for a Department of Labour complaint.