We have an employee who we sponsor on a skilled worker visa. The employee has put in a written request to take 3 weeks annual leave to return to Nigeria to attend to her mother's funeral and buriel arrangements. The mother died on 5 April but has asked for 3 weeks from 23 May! Whilst we are sympathetic towards our employees when bereaved, the dates requested are 7 weeks after the passing. I would appreciate feedback from fellow professionals of Nigerian descent who can confirm if this is part of their culture. No disrespect intended but genuinely interested to get feedback.
A quick google gives the below info. I think you're probably best off speaking to the employee to understand their request?
"Ongoing Until Ceremony
Finalize service details with religious leaders.
Coordinate catering for potentially hundreds of guests.
Arrange traditional music, dancers, or performers.
Prepare printed programs and obituary notices.
Handle all legal documentation.
This timeline can stretch from one week to several months depending on family circumstances, available funds, and how elaborate the ceremony will be.
Igbo traditions sometimes include a two-phase burial process for prominent elders. The first burial happens soon after death. The second ceremony, called Ikwa Ozu, occurs months or years later as a grand celebration of the person's life and achievements.
Hausa-Fulani families, following Islamic law, usually complete burial within 24 hours of death. Relatives perform the ritual washing, wrap the deceased in simple white shrouds, and place them directly in the grave without a coffin.
Afterward, families may holdfidauprayers on the third, seventh, fortieth, or even hundredth day, depending on local and family traditions."
A quick google gives the below info. I think you're probably best off speaking to the employee to understand their request?
"Ongoing Until Ceremony
Finalize service details with religious leaders.
Coordinate catering for potentially hundreds of guests.
Arrange traditional music, dancers, or performers.
Prepare printed programs and obituary notices.
Handle all legal documentation.
This timeline can stretch from one week to several months depending on family circumstances, available funds, and how elaborate the ceremony will be.
Igbo traditions sometimes include a two-phase burial process for prominent elders. The first burial happens soon after death. The second ceremony, called Ikwa Ozu, occurs months or years later as a grand celebration of the person's life and achievements.
Hausa-Fulani families, following Islamic law, usually complete burial within 24 hours of death. Relatives perform the ritual washing, wrap the deceased in simple white shrouds, and place them directly in the grave without a coffin.
Afterward, families may holdfidauprayers on the third, seventh, fortieth, or even hundredth day, depending on local and family traditions."
