The People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria is a North African country located in the Maghreb region. Algeria’s top industry is oil and gas, with exports amounting to more than one third of the country’s income. Other major industries are forestry, fishing, and agriculture. Algeria’s official languages are Arabic and Berber. The country has strategic advantages for companies (particularly in renewable energy) looking to expand into North African and Middle Eastern markets.
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 work period 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 receive a portion of their salary during the first 15 days of absence due to illness. This increases after 16 days of being ill or if the employee is hospitalized.
Female employees receive 14 weeks of fully paid maternity, 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 based upon performance are common.
Employees receive 30 days of paid annual leave. Employment contracts and collective bargaining agreements may allow for more than 30 days of vacation. Employees in the southern provinces of Algeria receive 10 additional days of annual leave.
The following public holidays are observed in Algeria:
Algeria has a public healthcare system that is funded through social security and state contributions. Companies may offer supplementary private healthcare insurance.
Termination of employment can occur at the end of a fixed term contract, 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 (or 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 if they have worked for at least two years.
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