Paternity Leave Request in Zambia: 5 Working Days Under the Employment Code Act

Introduction

The Employment Code Act No. 3 of 2019 gives eligible male employees in Zambia a statutory paternity-leave entitlement. A clear written request helps the employer verify the service requirement, birth record and timing.

Who qualifies for paternity leave?

Section 46 applies to a male employee who is the father of the child and has completed at least one year of service before the leave begins. The employee must submit the child’s birth record to the employer. The statutory period is at least five continuous working days.

When must the leave be taken?

The leave must be taken within seven days of the child’s birth. Because this is a short statutory window, notify the employer as soon as possible and state the date of birth and intended first day of leave.

What documents should accompany the request?

Provide the child’s birth record or the available official birth documentation. If the final birth record is not immediately available, contact HR promptly and ask what interim evidence it will accept; do not assume an alternative document automatically satisfies the Act.

How to write the request

Address the letter to the employer or HR manager. State your relationship to the child, date of birth, the five continuous working days requested, your service start date and that the birth record is attached. Keep a copy of the request and the employer’s response.

Editable letter template