What are the standard working hours in Egypt?

In Egypt, standard working hours are as follows:

• Normal working hours may not exceed 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week, excluding a one-hour break entitlement each day.
• Most private sector employees work 5 days a week, typically from Sunday to Thursday.
• Our handbook stipulates working hours as Monday to Friday between 9 am and 6 pm.
• The limits for certain positions or industries may be further restricted by the qualified minister.
• Employees must be given 24 hours of rest after 6 consecutive workdays, with some exceptions.
• Daily working time is always limited to a total of 10 hours.

Is overtime governed by law in Egypt? If so, what are the specifics outlined by law?

Pursuant to the Labor Law in Egypt, overtime work is governed by specific regulations that address unusual work demands or exceptional circumstances. Key points include:

• Pre-Approval: Overtime must be pre-approved in writing by the employer.
• Overtime Pay Rates:

- Daytime overtime: 135% of the employee's daily rate.

- Nighttime overtime (between dusk and dawn): 170% of the employee's daily rate.

- Weekend work: 200% of the employee's daily rate, with the option to take an extra day off the following week.

- Work on holidays: Employees are entitled to double their usual rate of pay for holidays worked.

- Work on national holidays: Employees are entitled to 300% of their salary for holidays worked.

How is overtime payment calculated in Egypt?

If a supported employee works overtime in Egypt, the overtime payment is calculated as follows:

• For overtime worked during daylight hours, the supported employee receives 135% of their usual daily rate.
• For overtime worked at night (defined under Article 1(g) of the Labor Law as the period between dusk and dawn), the supported employee receives 170% of their usual daily rate.
• If the supported employee is required to work on a weekend, they receive 200% of their usual daily rate and are entitled to take another rest day in lieu during the following week.

How is the time off in lieu payment calculated in Egypt?

To calculate time off in lieu payment in Egypt, the following steps must be taken:

• Inform the HRx Team through the Global Work Platform™ or by sending an email to support@hellopebl.com.
• Obtain approval from the employee's manager.
• Ensure that the necessity for time off in lieu payment is included in the employee's employment agreement.

How many days before the actual start date should the employment agreement be signed for payroll purposes in Egypt?

In Egypt, the supported employee can sign the employment agreement at any time before the actual start date, provided that their hiring documents are available.

Can employment agreements be backdated in Egypt?

Employment agreements cannot be backdated in Egypt.