Paternity License

By Daniela Arias, Alfaro, Ferrer & Ramírez (AFRA)

On May 23rd, 2017, was promulgated the law No. 27 which creates the paternity license for the employees from private companies and public servants in the Republic of Panama.

From the Bill of the Law No. 476 up to the promulgation of the law No. 27 of May 23rd, 2017, the changes in the content of the same have been notorious, since certain aspects were modified, such as the days of leave without pay and the elegibility of the license:

The most important points to be taken into consideration in the Law No. 27 of May 23rd, 2017, are the following:

 1. The Paternity License is only applicable to the employees whose wife or couple, in conditions of singularity and stability, are pregnant.
 2. The duration of the License is three (3) working days, beginning from the birth of the son or daughter.
 3. The Paternity License is totally paid.
 4. In order to enjoy this right, the employee must inform his employer, the probable delivery date at least one week in advance.
 5. The employee has the obligation to file before his direct employer, the birth certificate, where it is evidenced that he is the father of the newborn.

This law is in force since its promulgation in the Official Gazzette on May 25th, 2017.