In Egypt, employees are entitled to 21 calendar days of paid annual leave per year under the Labour Law (Law No. 12 of 2003). After 10 years of service or upon reaching age 50, the entitlement increases to 30 calendar days.

Statutory entitlement

21 calendar days of annual leave. 30 days after 10 years of service or upon reaching age 50.

Eligibility

All employees are entitled to annual leave. Leave is pro-rated for employees with less than one year of service.

Employer obligations

  • Grant annual leave as per the statutory minimum (21–30 days).
  • Pay the employee's full wage during annual leave.
  • Pro-rate annual leave for employees with less than one year of service.
  • Pay for unused annual leave on termination of employment.

Employee rights

  • Right to 21–30 days of annual leave based on service and age.
  • Right to be paid at the full wage during annual leave.
  • Right to paid leave payout on termination.

Common pitfalls

  • Not increasing leave after 10 years or at age 50 — the entitlement increases to 30 days.
  • Not paying for unused leave on termination — this is a statutory requirement.

How annual leave accrues

After one year of service, the employee is entitled to 21 calendar days of paid annual leave. After 10 years or at age 50, this increases to 30 days.

Annual leave pay

Annual leave pay is based on the employee's full wage, including all allowances and supplements.

Frequently asked questions

Can annual leave be carried forward?

Unused annual leave can be carried forward by mutual agreement.

Sources

This page is provided for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the cited primary source for current law before making employment decisions.