Managing Maternity and Paternity Leave in Cameroon: What Employers Must Know

Parenthood in the workplace can be a delicate matter to handle…

To ease the transition, our Cameroon experts have compiled this practical guide covering maternity and paternity laws and customs prevalent in Cameroon.

Since laws are subject to change at any time, employers are advised to consult experts before making decisions.

What exactly are maternity and paternity leave?

Maternity and paternity leave usually represent paid time off that employees are entitled to before, upon, and after the birth of their child.

Maternity leave in Cameroon

All pregnant women in Cameroon are entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave, consisting of 4 weeks before childbirth and 10 weeks after delivery.

This leave may be extended by an additional 6 weeks, bringing the total to 20 weeks, if the woman experiences an illness linked to the pregnancy or childbirth and this is medically certified.

Throughout the maternity leave period, the employer is prohibited from terminating the woman’s employment contract. If the birth takes place earlier than expected, the leave period is adjusted so that the employee still receives the full 14 weeks to which she is entitled. If the birth occurs after the expected date, any prenatal leave taken may be extended up to the date of delivery, without reducing the duration of postnatal leave.

Importantly, maternity leave applies to all women employees, including apprentices.

Free Medical Care in Cameroon

The Labour Code requires employers to provide certain medical services to employees and their immediate family members, either through in-house medical services or approved arrangements.

Employed women are entitled to a contribution of 1,400 CFA francs towards childbirth-related medical expenses, as well as 200 CFA francs for each prenatal and paediatric check-up for up to 6 months.

In addition, some medical care is provided free of charge at government healthcare facilities.

Medical care includes 2 mandatory medical examinations required to qualify for prenatal allowances, medical care related to childbirth, and a medical examination for the child at 6 months of age.

Extended maternity leave in Cameroon

The maternity leave in Cameroon can be extended by 6 weeks (to a total of 20 weeks) in case of illness duly attested and resulting either from the birth or the pregnancy.

While work is suspended, the employer must not dismiss the pregnant woman.

Maternity benefits in Cameroon

Maternity leave benefits include different types of cash support paid before and after childbirth. These include:

1. Family benefits

All employees in Cameroon covered by the Labour Code are eligible to family benefits. The National Social Insurance Fund provides cash benefits before and after childbirth, including prenatal allowances, maternity allowances, and daily allowances for salaried workers who stop work to give birth.

2. Prenatal allowances

To qualify for prenatal allowances, a woman must be employed or be the spouse of a male employee. She must declare her pregnancy to the National Social Insurance Fund and undergo two medical examinations: one between the third and fourth month of pregnancy to confirm the expected date of delivery, and another between the start of the seventh and the end of the eighth month. The allowance is paid in two instalments, following each examination. If the required medical checks are not completed, payments are suspended.

3. Maternity allowances

The woman must again be employed or the spouse of a male employee and must submit a medical birth certificate to the National Social Insurance Fund. She must also register the birth with the civil authorities and provide the Fund with an official birth certificate within 12 months of the child’s birth.

When are maternity allowances paid in Cameroon, and by whom?

Prenatal allowances are paid in two instalments linked to the medical examinations, while maternity allowances are paid at 100% of the employee’s average wages for the duration of maternity leave.

Maternity benefits are paid as a single lump sum after the birth, or as soon as they are claimed.

All of these benefits are administered by the National Social Insurance Fund.

Harmful work restrictions for pregnant women in Cameroon

Harmful work restrictions apply to protect women’s health.

Work that exceeds a woman’s physical capacity, poses health or safety risks, or is considered immoral is generally prohibited.

During pregnancy and for 3 months after childbirth, no woman may be required to carry, push, or pull loads beyond her strength. Women may also request the labour inspector to arrange an examination by an approved medical practitioner to confirm that their assigned work is suitable.

If a role is deemed too physically demanding, the employee must be moved to more appropriate duties. Where reassignment is not possible, the employment contract may be ended without notice and without liability for either party.

Employers are also prohibited from dismissing a woman because of her pregnancy or while she is on maternity leave.

Paternity leave in Cameroon

The law does not specifically provide for paternity leave. That said, employees are entitled to up to ten days of paid special leave per year, separate from annual leave, to cover family events directly affecting their household.

Navigate employee leave and benefits in Cameroon with Africa HR Solutions

Africa HR Solutions is your on-the-ground, 100% compliant Employer of Record provider across 46+ African countries.  

Our expertise in local labour law helps lift the burden of compliance from our clients’ shoulders, keeping them up to code and their employees happy for greater productivity.

Find out more about how Africa HR Solutions can help you here.