After 18 years, the paid annual leave regulation is being revised: allowing more workers to enjoy it, and increasing the number of days.

February 11 News, according to domestic media reports, after 18 years, the regulations on paid annual leave are beginning to be revised.

In China, the right to paid annual leave dates back to the Labor Law promulgated in 1994, which stipulates that workers who have worked continuously for more than one year are entitled to paid annual leave, but no specific measures have been issued. It wasn’t until 2008 that the “Regulations on Paid Annual Leave for Employees” were officially implemented.

The regulations specify: employees who have worked for 1 to 10 years are entitled to 5 days of annual leave; 10 to 20 years, 10 days; over 20 years, 15 days. If work needs prevent the leave from being scheduled, the employer shall compensate at 300% of the daily wage.

In 2020, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security mentioned the prevalence of paid annual leave in its response to suggestions from National People’s Congress deputies.

On the other hand, 40% of employees have not enjoyed this statutory right. In recent years, proposals and suggestions regarding paid annual leave have been continuously presented at the National Two Sessions.

On January 27, 2026, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security stated at a press conference that it will promote the revision of the “Regulations on Paid Annual Leave for Employees” to encourage employers to implement this system.

In recent years, the public’s core concerns regarding paid annual leave have been increasing the number of leave days and enforcing mandatory leave.

Li Gan, deputy director of the Youth Scholars Committee of the Shanghai Labor and Social Security Society, analyzed that this revision is most likely a “addition.”

Currently, there are two possible directions: either “adding” to workers’ rights or “adding” to enforcement efforts. Regardless of the possibility, more attention should be paid to how “adding” can translate into real effectiveness.