Q. What are the standard working hours under Egyptian labor law?
The standard working hours in Egypt are 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week. Employees should not work more than these hours unless agreed otherwise. The law also requires at least one full day off per week. Working hours may vary depending on the type of work and sector.
Q. Are there restrictions on working at night?
Yes, night work is restricted, especially for women and young workers. Employers must ensure the safety and comfort of those working night shifts. Night hours are typically defined as between 10 PM and 6 AM. Additional compensation or rest may be required for night work.
Q. What are the rules for overtime work?
Employees may be required to work overtime in certain situations, but it must not exceed 2 hours per day. Overtime must be compensated with additional pay, usually at a rate of 135% for daytime and 170% for night work. Overtime must be recorded and justified.
Q. Can employees refuse to work overtime?
Employees can refuse overtime if it exceeds the legal limits or is not compensated fairly. However, in emergency or critical business needs, employers may require extra hours. Disputes over overtime should be resolved through internal HR procedures or labor offices.
Q. Is rest time required during the workday?
Yes, workers must receive at least one hour of rest during the workday after five consecutive hours of work. This break is not counted as part of the paid working hours. The employer decides the timing based on business operations but must comply with the law.
Q. Are different work hours allowed in certain industries?
Yes, sectors such as tourism, hospitals, and security may have different working hour rules. These sectors may operate continuously or in shifts. The employer must still ensure workers receive proper rest and comply with weekly work-hour limits.
Q. How is work during holidays or weekends treated?
Working on official holidays or the weekly rest day must be compensated with double pay or an alternative day off. Employees must agree to such work unless it is part of a rotating schedule. Violations may lead to penalties for the employer.
Q. What happens if an employee regularly works beyond legal hours?
If an employer forces or allows employees to regularly exceed legal working hours, it can lead to penalties. Employees may also claim compensation for unpaid overtime. Continuous overwork without rest can be considered labor law abuse.
Q. Are working hours different during Ramadan?
Yes, during the holy month of Ramadan, Muslim employees typically work two hours less per day. The law recognizes the need for shorter hours during fasting. Employers must accommodate this change unless the nature of the work requires otherwise.
Q. Can work schedules be flexible?
Yes, flexible work arrangements are allowed as long as the total weekly hours do not exceed legal limits. Employers and employees can agree on shifts or remote work based on operational needs. The arrangement must be documented and not reduce employee rights.
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