Sick leave

Sick leave in Egypt is governed by Egyptian labour law and entitles workers to paid time off due to illness. The maximum entitlement is 180 days per year, whether taken as continuous or intermittent periods. A competent physician must determine the actual duration of leave required for each absence, but the total cannot exceed 180 days in any calendar year.

The right to sick leave is established under Egyptian employment legislation, which sets out the conditions and compensation framework for workers unable to work due to medical reasons. The competent physician—typically a doctor designated by the employer or a public health authority—certifies the need for leave and specifies its duration on a case-by-case basis.

During sick leave, workers retain their right to compensation. The law distinguishes between different categories of sick leave: the first 30 days per year are typically paid at full salary by the employer, while additional days may be subject to reduced compensation or other arrangements depending on the employment contract and collective agreements in place.

Employers in Egypt must maintain accurate records of all sick leave taken by employees, including medical certificates and physician assessments. Payroll teams should verify that cumulative sick leave does not exceed the 180-day annual ceiling and ensure proper compensation is applied according to the applicable rate for each period. Medical documentation must be retained for audit and compliance purposes. Employers should establish clear procedures for requesting sick leave and obtaining timely physician certification to avoid disputes and ensure statutory compliance.