Egypt
Fixed-term contracts are permitted in Egypt for a maximum duration of five (5) years. Upon reaching this limit, the contract is automatically converted to an indefinite-term agreement. If it is not intended to renew a fixed-term contract, the Worker must be notified at least two (2) months prior to the contract's expiration date.
A probationary period may last up to three (3) months and cannot be extended. During this time, either party may terminate the engagement without notice, liability, or compensation.
Workers in Egypt are entitled to up to 13 paid public holidays per year, which are designated by the government. Recognized holidays include national observances such as Revolution and Policy Day, Labor Day, Armed Forces Day, as well as religious holidays like Coptic Christmas, Eid al Fitr, and Eid al Adha. The dates for each holiday may vary from year to year. Some of the observed holidays are multiple days in duration. If a public holiday falls on a weekday, it is typically observed on the following Thursday, with the exception of religious holidays, which remain fixed. Holidays that fall on weekends are not legally required to be compensated with an alternative day off. Occasionally, additional public holidays will be announced by the Egyptian Prime Minister with advance notice.
Upon successful completion of six (6) months of service, Workers are generally entitled to 21 working days of annual leave. At least six (6) days of the annual leave entitlement must be taken consecutively. Unused vacation days may be carried over for up to three (3) years.
Workers are entitled to one month of paid sick leave for every three years of service.
A standard workweek in Egypt consists of 48 hours, not including breaks. Workers are entitled to a minimum of one (1) hour of break time per workday.
Any hours worked beyond the standard 48-hour workweek are considered overtime and must be compensated accordingly. Workers are entitled to a premium rate of at least 135% of the regular wage for daily overtime hours and 170% for nighttime overtime. Work performed on official holidays or weekly rest days must be compensated at 200%. Overtime must be voluntary and cannot exceed 20 hours per day.
Mandatory bonuses are not required in Egypt.
Except in cases of "Grave Fault," there must be a valid reason for dismissal, such as serious misconduct or redundancy, and must follow due process, including providing written notice. Notice periods typically range from two (2) to three (3) months depending on the Worker's length of service. Unlawful termination may result in compensation or reinstatement. In cases of mass layoffs or business closure, prior approval from the competent labor authority is required.
There are no statutory requirements for Worker resignation.
Additional rules regarding the end of a Worker's contract are determined on a case by case basis, but may include severance payments for worker's aged 60 and over, as well as special considerations for mass terminations.
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