In Algeria, the law stipulates that employees have a right to paid annual leave. The specific duration of this leave is determined by the Algerian Labor Code (Law No. 90-11), which mandates a minimum of 30 calendar days of paid annual leave for employees who have completed a full year of service. This leave accrues at a rate of 2.5 days per month worked.

Southern Regions Exception

For employees working in designated southern provinces of Algeria, there is an additional entitlement. These employees are entitled to an extra 10 days of paid annual leave annually, bringing their total to 40 days.

Important Considerations

There are certain conditions that employees must meet to be eligible for the full annual leave entitlement. Typically, employees must have completed a year of continuous service with the employer. If an employee leaves before completing a full year of service, their leave entitlement is calculated on a pro-rata basis. It's important to note that Algerian labor law prohibits employees from waiving their right to annual leave. Furthermore, if an employee terminates employment and has accrued but unused leave, they are entitled to financial compensation for those days.

Algeria observes a mix of nationalistic, secular, and religious holidays.

Secular and National Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1st): This day marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year.
• Yennayer (January 12th): This day celebrates the Amazigh (Berber) New Year.
• Labor Day (May 1st): This is an international holiday honoring the contributions of workers.
• Independence Day (July 5th): This day commemorates Algeria's independence from France in 1962.
• Revolution Day (November 1st): This day marks the start of the Algerian War of Independence against France in 1954.

Religious Holidays

Islam is the dominant religion in Algeria, and the following Islamic holidays are observed. The dates vary slightly each year due to the lunar Islamic calendar:

• Eid al-Fitr: This holiday marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It typically involves prayers, feasts, and family gatherings.
• Eid al-Adha: Known as the "Feast of Sacrifice," this holiday commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
• Awwal Muharram: This day marks the Islamic New Year.
• Ashura: This is the tenth day of Muharram, holding significance for both Sunni and Shia Muslims with different traditions of observance.
• Mawlid an-Nabi: This day commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.

Please note that since Islamic holidays follow a lunar calendar, their dates on the Gregorian calendar shift each year.

In Algeria, employees are entitled to a variety of leave types.

Annual Leave

Employees are entitled to a minimum of 30 calendar days of paid annual leave per year. Workers employed in hazardous conditions generally receive more leave days. Annual leave accrues at a rate of 2.5 days for each month worked. Unused annual leave can be carried over for a maximum of five years.

Maternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to 14 weeks of fully paid maternity leave. Leave can be distributed before and after childbirth according to the employee's needs and medical recommendations.

Paternity Leave

Male employees are entitled to 3 days of paid paternity leave upon the birth of a child.

Sick Leave

Employees are entitled to sick leave, with pay determined as follows:

• First 15 Days: Half the regular salary
• Day 16 Onwards or Hospitalization: Full salary

Other Types of Leave

• Bereavement Leave: Employees may be granted a short period of paid leave in the case of the death of a close family member.
• Marriage Leave: Employees may be granted a short period of paid leave upon marriage.
• Unpaid Leave: In exceptional circumstances and with employer agreement, employees may be entitled to unpaid leave.