Marshall Islands (MH)

Rules: RMI employment law does not specify a statutory minimum paid sick leave entitlement for private sector workers. Sick leave terms are governed by the employment contract and company policy. Most formal-sector employers (NGOs, international development organisations, US-affiliated employers) provide 10–15 days of paid sick leave per year by contract. Government employees have defined sick leave entitlements under the Public Service Regulations. A medical certificate from a licensed doctor is required for extended absences.

Doctor note: Employer policy governs the requirement for a medical certificate. For safety-sensitive roles and most professional employers, a doctor's note is required for any absence of 2 or more consecutive days. Obtain a certificate from the Majuro Hospital (Outpatient Department), a private clinic, or a doctor available on your atoll. Medical evacuation to the Philippines or Hawaii may be required for serious conditions.

Employer pay: Paid sick leave terms are entirely contract-dependent. Formal employer contracts (NGO, international, US-affiliated) typically provide 10–15 days full-pay sick leave per year. Local private sector contracts may provide limited or no paid sick leave. MISSA does not provide a separate sickness benefit — it is a pension/retirement fund only.

Long-term: MISSA (Marshall Islands Social Security Administration) primarily provides retirement pensions and survivor benefits. There is no statutory long-term disability/sickness benefit equivalent. Private disability and income protection insurance is essential for expatriate workers. Medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended given the limited medical capacity in RMI.

Max hours: 40 hours per week is the standard full-time schedule. Overtime (beyond 40 hours/week) is governed by the employment contract. Shipping, medical, teaching, and project-based roles may have different arrangements. The USD $4.50/hour (rising to $5.00 from October 1 2026) minimum wage applies to all eligible employees. Kwajalein Atoll (US Army Garrison Kwajalein Atoll — USAG-KA) workers operate under a separate employment regime with US contractor terms.

Min rest: Minimum 1 rest day per week. Meal breaks as per employer policy (typically 30 minutes). Heat safety, hydration protocols, and rest between shifts are important practical considerations in the tropical Pacific climate, particularly for outdoor and maritime workers.

Overtime: Overtime rates are contract-dependent. Most formal contracts specify 1.5× the regular rate for hours beyond 40/week. Grant-funded and salaried professional roles often include an "all-inclusive" salary. Clarify overtime terms explicitly before accepting any role — particularly for project-based and marine/logistics positions.