Paid time off

Paid time off in Egypt is set at 21 days per calendar year for workers in the private sector. This entitlement applies to any employee who has completed one full year of continuous service with their employer. The 21 days of paid leave must be granted in addition to public holidays and are considered a statutory minimum that employers cannot reduce or waive.

The rule is governed by Egypt's Labour Law for the Private Sector (قانون العمل المصري للقطاع الخاص), which establishes minimum employment standards across the country. The legislation defines eligibility, accrual, and usage conditions for annual leave to protect worker welfare and ensure adequate rest periods.

Employers must track service anniversaries carefully to determine when employees become eligible for the full 21-day entitlement. Leave must typically be scheduled in coordination with business operations, though workers have a right to take their accrued days. Unused leave may carry over to the following year depending on employer policy and collective agreements, though some jurisdictions permit employers to limit carryover amounts.

Payroll teams should maintain detailed leave records for each employee, documenting dates of service commencement, leave taken, and remaining balances. When employment terminates, employers must settle any unused paid leave by paying the equivalent wages to the employee. Compliance with Egypt's paid time off requirements is mandatory, and failure to grant or properly compensate leave can result in labour disputes and regulatory penalties.