Managing employee leave entitlements in Algeria requires a clear understanding of the country's labor code provisions. Algerian law mandates specific types and durations of leave for employees, ensuring compliance with national standards for rest, personal circumstances, and public observances. Employers operating in Algeria, whether directly or through an Employer of Record, must adhere to these regulations to maintain legal compliance and support their workforce effectively.
These entitlements cover various situations, from annual vacation time accrued through service to specific leaves for illness, family events, and national holidays. Navigating these requirements is crucial for smooth operations and employee satisfaction.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Algeria are entitled to paid annual leave. The minimum duration of annual leave is calculated based on the period of actual work performed. Generally, employees accrue 2.5 calendar days of leave for each month of work, totaling 30 calendar days per year for a full year of service. This minimum entitlement may increase based on factors such as seniority or work in specific hazardous conditions, as defined by law or collective agreements.
Leave must typically be taken within the year it is accrued, although specific carry-over rules may apply under certain conditions. The timing of leave is often determined by the employer in consultation with employee representatives or individual employees, taking into account operational needs.
| Service Period | Minimum Annual Leave Accrual |
|---|---|
| Per month of service | 2.5 calendar days |
| Per full year (12 months) | 30 calendar days |
Public Holidays
Algeria observes a number of national and religious public holidays throughout the year. Employees are generally entitled to paid time off on these days. If a public holiday falls on a weekend, specific rules may apply regarding compensatory time off or pay, depending on the sector and collective agreements.
The list of public holidays for 2025 is expected to include:
| Date (Approximate) | Holiday Name | Type |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year's Day | National |
| January 12 | Amazigh New Year (Yennayer) | National |
| May 1 | Labour Day | National |
| July 5 | Independence Day | National |
| November 1 | Revolution Day | National |
| (Variable) | Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) | Religious |
| (Variable) | Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) | Religious |
| (Variable) | Islamic New Year | Religious |
| (Variable) | Ashura | Religious |
| (Variable) | Mawlid (Prophet's Birthday) | Religious |
Note: Dates for religious holidays are based on the Islamic calendar and are approximate, subject to official confirmation.
Sick Leave
Employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury are entitled to sick leave, provided they present a valid medical certificate. The duration and payment of sick leave are regulated by social security laws.
Typically, the employer is responsible for paying the employee's salary for the initial period of sick leave (e.g., the first 3 days). After this initial period, social security benefits cover a portion of the employee's salary, provided the employee meets the eligibility criteria and the required documentation is submitted. The percentage of salary covered by social security may vary depending on the duration of the illness and the employee's social security contributions.
| Sick Leave Duration | Payer | Payment Rate (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| First 3 days | Employer | 100% of salary |
| Beyond 3 days (up to limits) | Social Security | Percentage of salary (e.g., 50% - 80%) |
Continued absence requires ongoing medical certification and adherence to social security procedures.
Parental Leave
Algerian law provides specific leave entitlements for parents, primarily covering maternity and paternity.
Maternity Leave: Pregnant employees are entitled to maternity leave. The standard duration is 14 weeks, which can typically be taken as 6 weeks before the expected date of childbirth and 8 weeks after. In cases of complications or multiple births, the leave duration may be extended. Maternity leave is generally paid through social security benefits, provided the employee meets the contribution requirements.
Paternity Leave: Fathers are also entitled to a short period of paid leave upon the birth of their child. The duration is typically 3 working days. This leave is usually paid by the employer.
Adoption Leave: While specific, extensive adoption leave provisions comparable to maternity leave may not be explicitly detailed for all cases in the same manner, related provisions or collective agreements might offer some entitlements. It is advisable to check specific circumstances and applicable agreements.
| Type of Parental Leave | Duration | Payer |
|---|---|---|
| Maternity Leave | 14 weeks (min) | Social Security |
| Paternity Leave | 3 working days | Employer |
Other Leave Types
Beyond annual, public, sick, and parental leave, Algerian labor law and collective agreements may provide for other types of special leave for specific personal events or circumstances. These often include:
- Bereavement Leave: Employees are typically granted a few days of paid leave in the event of the death of a close family member (e.g., spouse, child, parent). The duration is commonly around 3 days.
- Marriage Leave: Employees are often entitled to a few days of paid leave for their own marriage, commonly around 3 days.
- Study Leave: Under certain conditions and often subject to employer approval or specific sector regulations, employees may be granted leave for educational or training purposes.
- Leave for Religious Pilgrimage: Employees may be granted unpaid leave for performing religious duties like Hajj or Umrah, subject to conditions and employer discretion or collective agreements.
The specific duration and conditions for these 'other' leave types can vary based on the applicable collective bargaining agreements or internal company policies, provided they meet or exceed the minimums stipulated by law.
