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.
I'm not sure why this is suspicious - isn't your employee entitled to use her leave as she needs or wants to? Is the concern that she hasn't given enough notice or that is an awkward time for your organisation or something else?
Our company policy is that leave requests over 15 days need senior management approval. I was just curious about the time difference between the death and the funeral. The leave will be approved and as a company we're not uncompassionate and we would not ask for proof.
Hi Samantha, I am a British born Nigerian. Both my parents are Nigerian. When my father passed a few years ago he passed in Nigeria in the September however all the arrangements, village meetings, logistics regarding coordinating things between UK and Nigeria took several months as my father was a highly respected elder of our village even though he lived here - customs continue regardless of where you reside. His celebration of life (burial) took place 3 months later in the December. There are many different tribes in Nigeria and therefore Sophie with respect it is not something that I would rely on from Google.
Nigerian culture is heavily reliant and dependant on relatives coming together from wherever they may reside and following custom that dates back many centuries and not easily explained in a short few sentences, there are also responsibilities on certain members of the family that must be adhered to and often very high finances involved.
In this instance I certainly understand the request and time difference, Samantha. I'm glad you asked rather than jump to assumptions.
Oh absolutely - my reference to Google was that a quick search gives indication of that variability and that longer timelines than UK culture should be expected. Therefore speaking to the employee is the best approach given they are the best source of knowledge on their culture!
Oh absolutely - my reference to Google was that a quick search gives indication of that variability and that longer timelines than UK culture should be expected. Therefore speaking to the employee is the best approach given they are the best source of knowledge on their culture!
