This section addresses the issue of time away from the job. It also explains some of the allowances provided to Foreign Service Specialists to ensure that they can meet the expenses associated with moving and living overseas. Information regarding each type of leave follows. Annual Leave allows employees to take an annual vacation and to take time off for personal and emergency purposes. Foreign Service Specialists accrue annual leave based upon their years of service.
Additional information is contained in the following chart.
Sick Leave may be granted when an employee is unable to perform his or her duties due to sickness, injury, or pregnancy. Sick leave may also be utilized to obtain medical, dental, or optical care. Sick leave accrues at a rate of 13 days per year. Home Leave is provided to Foreign Service Specialists by order of the Congress to ensure that Foreign Service personnel have the opportunity to spend significant periods of time in the United States while pursuing careers overseas. Home leave accrues at the rate of 15 workdays per year spent on overseas assignment.