COUNTRY

Employment contracts in Algeria may be written or verbal. Fixed-term contracts are allowed in some instances including the temporary replacement of a worker, seasonal work or if there is a temporary increase in workload. Collective bargaining agreements may place limits on fixed-term contracts.

The standard workweek in Algeria is 40 hours over five days. The 40-hour workweek may be reduced for dangerous work and may be increased for certain jobs that involve periods of inactivity. Overtime is paid at a specific percentage above the regular wage and is allowed for most employees but cannot be more than 20% of normal work hours.

Employees in Algeria receive a percentage of their salary for the first 15 days of sick leave and 100% after that or if the employee is hospitalized.

Female employees receive 14 weeks of fully paid maternity leave in Algeria, as well as 100% of medical benefits and hospitalization costs for up to eight days. Male employees can take three days of paid emergency leave for the birth of a child.

Employees in Algeria are entitled to a basic minimum wage. Bonuses are not required but based on performance are common.

Employees receive 30 days of paid annual leave in Algeria. Employment contracts and collective bargaining agreements may require more than 30 days of vacation. Employees in the southern provinces of Algeria receive 10 additional days of annual leave.

In Algeria, the public holidays are:

• New Year

• Berber New Year

• May Day

• Eid al-Fitr

• Independence Day

• Eid al-Adha

• Muharram

• Day of Achura

• The Prophet’s Birthday

• Anniversary of the Revolution

Algeria has a public healthcare system funded through social security and state contributions. Companies are not required to offer private healthcare insurance.

In Algeria, termination of employment can occur by the employer (with or without cause) or by the employee. Employers must provide notice of dismissal absence and serious misconduct by the employee. The notice period is six months (up to 12 months for high-skilled employees), plus five days for each year of service up to a maximum of 30 days. Employees are entitled to severance pay in Algeria if they have worked for at least two years.