Sick leave

Sick leave in Egypt entitles workers to paid time off when medically unable to work, with entitlements governed by Egyptian labor law. An employee may take sick leave for a period determined by a competent physician, with a maximum of 180 days per year. This allowance applies whether the leave is taken continuously or in separate intervals throughout the year. The 180-day limit represents the outer boundary of sick leave protection; shorter periods may be prescribed depending on the medical assessment and the nature of the illness.

The primary legal framework for sick leave in Egypt is established under Egyptian labor legislation, which sets minimum standards for employee protections during periods of incapacity. The competent physician—typically a medical professional designated or approved by the employer or relevant health authority—determines the appropriate duration of leave based on the employee's medical condition and recovery needs.

Employers must recognize and honor medical certifications that justify sick leave within the statutory framework. Payroll teams should maintain clear documentation of sick leave taken, including medical certificates and physician assessments, to ensure compliance with the 180-day annual ceiling. When an employee exhausts their sick leave entitlement or exceeds the maximum period without valid medical justification, different employment consequences may apply depending on the employment contract and applicable regulations.

Organizations operating in Egypt should establish internal sick leave policies that align with these statutory minimums, ensure medical documentation is properly retained, and track cumulative sick leave usage to remain within legal limits while protecting employee rights to necessary medical recovery time.