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Eritrea

Working Hours and Overtime Regulations

Understand the laws governing work hours and overtime in Eritrea

Standard working hours

Eritrea's labor framework establishes a clear structure for a typical workweek, aiming for a balance between employee well-being and workplace productivity. Here's a breakdown of the key regulations with references to the Labour Proclamation:

Maximum Working Hours:

  • Weekly Limit: The standard workweek in Eritrea is capped at forty-eight (48) hours. This limit safeguards employees from excessive work schedules.

  • Daily Limit: Corresponding with the weekly limit, the Labour Proclamation specifies a maximum of eight (8) hours per day. This ensures a balanced work schedule and promotes employee well-being.

Exceptions:

The Labour Proclamation allows for exceeding these standard hours under specific circumstances, provided the employee consents to do so. This ensures employees have a say in working additional hours.

Additional Considerations:

  • No Minimum Wage: It's important to note that Eritrea does not have a country-wide minimum wage. Wages are determined by the market.

By adhering to these regulations, employers can ensure compliance with Eritrean labor laws and contribute to a healthy work-life balance for their employees.

While this guide references the Eritrean Labour Proclamation, it's recommended to consult the latest version of this legal document for the most up-to-date information.

Overtime

In Eritrea, labor laws provide clear guidelines for overtime work and fair compensation for employees who work beyond standard hours.

Overtime work is defined as any work performed in excess of the standard working hours established by law. This includes exceeding the weekly limit of forty-eight (48) hours or the daily limit of eight (8) hours. It's important to note that working overtime requires the employee's written consent, ensuring employees have a say in working additional hours.

The Labour Proclamation mandates a tiered pay structure for overtime work, with the premium rate increasing for extended hours. For all overtime work, employers are obligated to compensate employees at a rate of one and twenty-five percent (125%) of their regular wage. Unlike some countries, there's no distinction in the premium rate based on the time of day the overtime work is performed. All overtime receives the same 125% premium.

There's no legal limit on the total number of overtime hours an employee can work, provided they provide written consent. However, employers should ensure adherence to occupational health and safety regulations to prevent employee fatigue.

By adhering to these regulations, employers can ensure fair treatment of their employees while maintaining compliance with Eritrea's labor laws.

Rest periods and breaks

In Eritrea, labor laws stipulate minimum rest periods and breaks for employees.

Employees are entitled to a minimum of 24 consecutive hours of weekly rest within a seven-day period. This implies that each employee should have at least one full day off each week.

The legislation also provides a framework for rest breaks but does not specify a mandated duration. It emphasizes that employees are entitled to:

  • Breaks for relaxation: These breaks are for a "limited period" and are considered part of the working hours. The specific duration should be determined based on the nature and demands of the job.
  • Meal breaks: Similar to relaxation breaks, meal breaks are factored into the work schedule but may not be included in the total working hours. The appropriate length of a meal break again depends on the work's nature and location.

Night shift and weekend regulations

In Eritrea, the labor law establishes a framework for working hours, but it doesn't have specific regulations for night shifts and weekend work.

The current legislation doesn't provide a specific definition of night work and there are no mandated limitations on the total number of working hours during night shifts. As for weekend work, the legislation guarantees a minimum of 24 consecutive hours of weekly rest, but it doesn't explicitly restrict or regulate work on weekends. This suggests weekend work might be permitted under certain conditions, though details are unclear.

The absence of specific night and weekend work regulations might necessitate negotiation between employers and employees regarding working hours and compensation during these times. For a more comprehensive understanding of potential regulations or practices related to night and weekend work, it's advisable to consult with the Eritrean Ministry of Labor or seek guidance from legal professionals specializing in Eritrean labor law.

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