Egypt

Egypt's labor laws provide a clear framework for a typical workweek, ensuring a balance between employee well-being and workplace productivity. The key regulations are as follows:

The standard workweek in Egypt is capped at forty-eight (48) hours. This limit is designed to protect employees from excessive work schedules. Correspondingly, the Labor Law specifies a maximum of eight (8) hours per day. This regulation promotes a balanced work schedule and contributes to employee well-being.

It's important to note that the Labor Law allows for exceeding these standard hours under specific circumstances, provided the employee consents to do so.

The Labor Law also offers specific protection for younger workers. Working hours for minors should not exceed six (6) hours per day or four consecutive hours per day.

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

Overtime work in Egypt 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 hours and the daily limit of eight hours. Crucially, exceeding these limits requires the employee's written consent. This ensures employees have a say in working additional hours.

The Labor Law mandates a minimum overtime pay premium for consenting employees. Work performed during regular working hours on weekdays qualifies as daytime overtime. Employers are obligated to compensate employees for this at a rate of one and thirty-five percent (135%) of their regular wage. Work exceeding the standard hours and performed between sunset and sunrise is considered nighttime overtime. This attracts a higher compensation rate of seventy percent (70%) premium on top of the regular wage. Work performed on official rest days or public holidays qualifies for the highest compensation rate. In these scenarios, employees are entitled to double their regular wage. The Labor Law emphasizes that overtime work should be an exception, not a regular practice.

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. The Labor Law prioritizes employee well-being. This regulation helps prevent burnout and promotes a healthy work-life balance.

Although Egypt's Labor Law (Law No. 35 of 1960) doesn't explicitly mandate specific rest periods or breaks throughout the workday, some entitlements and common practices exist to ensure employee well-being.

Meal Breaks

• Expected Breaks: Although not mandated by law, employers are generally expected to provide reasonable breaks for meals and rest to prevent employee fatigue and ensure well-being.

• Employer Discretion: The specific timing and duration of meal breaks might be determined at the employer's discretion, considering operational needs. However, it's generally expected to fall within the workday.

Rest Periods During the Workday

• Absence of Legal Requirement: The Labor Law doesn't currently mandate additional short rest breaks beyond the meal break.

• Encouragement for Breaks: It's good practice for employers to encourage short rest breaks throughout the workday, especially for physically demanding jobs. This can help reduce fatigue and improve overall worker well-being.

Weekly Rest Day

The Egyptian Labor Law prioritizes a healthy work-life balance for employees. The law guarantees that all workers are entitled to at least one full day of rest per week. Fridays are generally considered the standard rest day in Egypt.

• Scheduling Considerations: Employers should ensure work schedules don't infringe upon the mandated weekly rest day.

In Egypt, the Labor Law doesn't have separate regulations specifically for night shifts or weekend work. However, the existing framework for overtime work provides some insights into how these situations might be handled.

When it comes to night shifts, they likely fall under overtime regulations. Since the standard workday concludes by sunset, work extending into the night would be considered overtime. Employers are legally obligated to compensate night shift workers with a premium rate for overtime hours. Work performed between sunset and sunrise is considered nighttime overtime, attracting a seventy percent (70%) premium on top of the regular wage. As with all overtime work, night shifts would require the employee's written consent. This ensures employees have a say in working non-standard hours. However, there are currently no legal requirements regarding specific working conditions or benefits for night shift workers in Egypt.

As for weekend work, it is similar to night shifts and likely falls under overtime regulations. Work performed on Fridays is considered overtime and attracts the highest compensation rate. In these scenarios, employees are entitled to double their regular wage. Egyptian law mandates at least one full day of rest per week, typically on Fridays. Employers should ensure scheduling avoids situations where weekend work eliminates an employee's mandated rest day. Egypt's labor laws don't establish specific limitations on the number of weekend hours that can be worked, provided the employee agrees and overtime regulations are followed. The Labor Law emphasizes that overtime work, including weekend work, should be an exception, not a regular practice.