For many employees in Russia, sick leave has been a lifeline during tough times, allowing them to recover without fear of losing their jobs. But starting in September 2025, the rules are about to change.
The Ministry of Health is introducing stricter regulations on how often and how long workers can take time off due to illness.
The new rules are aimed at those who frequently require sick leave. If an individual receives four or more sick leave certificates within six months, future certificates will only cover a maximum of three calendar days, according to URA.
Anything longer will need approval from a medical commission.
More Monitoring and Regulation
Not all cases will fall under this restriction. Time off for rehabilitation, serious illnesses, or caring for sick family members will be excluded from the count.
The Ministry says these changes are meant to address recurring health issues more effectively while improving the overall quality of care.
Currently, doctors can issue sick leave for up to 15 days, and paramedics or dentists can authorize up to 10 days. Extensions beyond these limits already require approval from a medical commission.
The updated rules are expected to place more emphasis on monitoring and regulating frequent absences.
Officials argue that the stricter limits will prevent abuse of the system and help streamline healthcare services.
But critics fear the changes could place unnecessary stress on patients dealing with chronic conditions or recovering from complex medical issues.
The move comes after public consultations on the draft order, which has been published on Russia's official legal acts website. The Ministry is now reviewing feedback before finalizing the rules.
Whether these changes will reduce fraudulent claims or create new hurdles for those genuinely in need remains to be seen.
For now, many are left wondering how the balance between efficiency and compassion will play out in practice. With less than a year to prepare, both employees and healthcare providers are bracing for the adjustments.
