diff --git a/addons/hr/models/hr_departure_reason.py b/addons/hr/models/hr_departure_reason.py
index e84db0f2761..f30f792266c 100644
--- a/addons/hr/models/hr_departure_reason.py
+++ b/addons/hr/models/hr_departure_reason.py
@@ -12,6 +12,8 @@ class DepartureReason(models.Model):
 
     sequence = fields.Integer("Sequence", default=10)
     name = fields.Char(string="Reason", required=True, translate=True)
+    # YTI TODO: Move reason_code to hr + adapt _unlink_except_default_departure_reasons
+    # to use the codes instead of refs
 
     def _get_default_departure_reasons(self):
         return {
@@ -22,4 +24,6 @@ class DepartureReason(models.Model):
 
     @api.ondelete(at_uninstall=False)
     def _unlink_except_default_departure_reasons(self):
-        raise UserError(_('Default departure reasons cannot be deleted.'))
+        master_reasons = [self.env.ref('hr.departure_fired', False), self.env.ref('hr.departure_resigned', False), self.env.ref('hr.departure_retired', False)]
+        if any(reason in master_reasons for reason in self):
+            raise UserError(_('Default departure reasons cannot be deleted.'))