When it comes to Paid Time Off (PTO) policies, different companies take different approaches. PTO has many categories, divided into these most common types: annual leave, sick leave, maternity leave, national holidays and time off to perform Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). Here’s an infographic to simplify it.
Annual Leave
In Egypt, annual leave can be anything from taking personal days to going on vacation. According to the Labor Law in Egypt, the duration of the employees’ annual leave is 21 days per year provided they have worked one year for the employer.
For employees who have worked for more than 10 years, serving at least one or more employers, the annual leave is 30 days. Employees older than 50 years are also entitled to an annual leave of 30 days. For employees employed less than a year and not less than 6 months, annual leave is prorated to the period of service.
Sick Leave
According to Egypt’s Social Insurance Law, during sick leave, it entitles an employee to his/her salary. An employee with a proven record of sickness (don’t forget your doctor’s note!) is entitled to paid sick leave at the rate of 75% of his/her salary for up to 90 days with social insurance; after 90 days, this is to be increased to 85% for the following 90 days. Sick leave is payable up to 180 days.
Don’t have enough sick days? Convert annual leave into sick leave!
Maternity Leave
Female employees covered by social insurance are entitled to three months of paid maternity leave for each child up to three children, provided they have been contributing to the social insurance for the past 10 months. According to the Egyptian Labor Law, Maternity benefits are paid at 75% of the last wage.
Unfortunately, the Egyptian Labor Law currently does not provide provisions for paternity leave.
National Holidays
Eid, 6th of October, 25th of January—all of these are Egyptian national holidays. Employees are compensated on all national holidays and special occasions that are typically days off for corporations.
Pilgrimage to Mecca (or Jerusalem)
As mentioned in our previous article about Egypt’s Labor Law, a one-month vacation to perform a religious duty (pilgrimage to Mecca or Jerusalem) is allowed after you’ve worked for an employer for five continuous years. However, you’re only entitled to one religious leave per company you are serving. If you switch companies, you will have to work for a minimum of five years for the new employer as well.
It’s important to remember that the specifics of PTO may vary at different companies. Overall, it’s necessary that you be aware of the policies your organization has in place. If you’re still applying for jobs, ask about your potential employer’s policies before you become an employee there.
