Emergency Leave in The Hague: duration, rules and your rights
Emergency leave provides employees in The Hague and surrounding areas with leave for acute personal crises, such as the death or serious illness of loved ones. The Work and Care Act sets strict limits, but local collective labour agreements may deviate. Discover your rights, duration and procedure here, including relevant institutions in The Hague.
What does emergency leave entail?
Emergency leave falls under short-term absence leave for unexpected, urgent situations. Examples:
- Death of partner, child, parent or sibling.
- Serious accident or illness of family members.
- Personal disasters such as house fire or water damage.
The Work and Care Act (Waz) is leading, supplemented by your collective labour agreement (CAO) or employment contract. In the absence thereof, the Act applies. In The Hague, for disputes you can go to the District Court of The Hague, Prins Clauslaan 60 or the Legal Aid Office The Hague, Lutherse Burgwal 10 for free advice.
How long does emergency leave last?
Statutory maximum:
- 2 days in case of death of loved one.
- 1 day in case of serious illness/accident of loved one.
These days are paid, not vacation days and not cumulative. CAOs in The Hague sectors (e.g. government, healthcare) often provide extensions. Check your contract or consult the Legal Aid Office.
| Type of emergency | Statutory duration | Possible via CAO |
|---|---|---|
| Death of loved one | 2 days | Up to 5 days |
| Illness/accident of loved one | 1 day | Up to 3 days |
Your rights and obligations
Employee rights
- Paid leave for statutory days.
- No classification as sick leave.
- No doctor's certificate required, except in case of doubt.
Employee obligations
- Report immediately to employer.
- Provide proof (death notice, hospital letter).
- Use only for genuine emergencies.
Employer obligations
- Grant leave for valid reason.
- Impose no sanctions.
- Continue paying salary.
In case of refusal: go to District Court of The Hague or Legal Aid Office.
Practical examples in The Hague
Example 1: Death of parent
Mother passes away unexpectedly. You report 2 days emergency leave for farewell and funeral. Salary continued; no sick leave required.
Example 2: Child's accident
Child seriously injured, surgery at Haaglanden MC. 1 day leave to be present. Proof via hospital is sufficient.
Assistance in The Hague
- District Court of The Hague: Prins Clauslaan 60 – for proceedings.
- Legal Aid Office The Hague: Lutherse Burgwal 10 – free consultation hours.