Notice Period in Egyptian Labor Law: A Clear Guide for Employees and Employers

If you’re thinking about quitting your job or managing someone else’s exit, knowing how the notice period in Egyptian labor law works is super important, especially now with the new labor law updates for 2025.

Whether you’re handing in your resignation or ending someone’s contract, the notice period helps both sides manage the transition smoothly and avoid legal trouble. Here’s a simple breakdown of what the Egyptian labor law says.

Notice Period in Egyptian Labor Law

Under the 2025 version of labor law in Egypt, whoever decides to end the job, employer or employee, has to send a written notice. The length of this notice depends on how long the employee has worked for the company:

• 2 months: If the employee has been there for less than 10 years
• 3 months: If they’ve been there for 10 years or more

It’s not enough to just say it out loud—this notice has to be written and clear, so there’s proof that it was actually given.

Notice Periods in Temporary vs. Full Permanent Contracts

The law makes a clear distinction between different contract types under the Egyptian labor law:

• Indefinite-Term Contracts: These are now the standard. Either party must give proper written notice if they want to end things.
• Fixed-Term Contracts: These just end when the agreed period is up—unless both sides keep working. In that case, the contract turns into an indefinite one.
• Probationary Contracts: During the 3-month trial period, no notice is needed. Either party can walk away, no strings attached.

Employer and Employee Responsibilities During Notice Under the New Labor Law

The new labor law sets out some clear responsibilities for both employees and employers during this period:

• If the Employer Ends the Contract:
  • The employee has the right to take paid time off to look for a new job.
  • They must still receive all benefits: salary, social insurance, bonuses, etc.
  • Notice can’t be served while the employee is on leave. It only starts once they’re back.
    
• If the Employee Resigns:
  • They’re expected to work during the notice period unless there’s another agreement.
  • If the employer wants to skip the notice period, they can—but they might deduct the pay for that time from the final paycheck.

What Happens If No Notice Is Given?

If either the employer or employee skips the required notice, the new labor law says there must be compensation:

• The side that skips notice owes the other a payment equal to the full salary for that period.
• This includes all parts of the wage: base pay, bonuses, and any allowances.

Example: If an employee with 10+ years of service leaves without giving 3 months’ notice, they’ll need to pay the employer 3 months’ full salary.

Can the Notice Period Be Waived or Reduced?

Yes, you’re allowed to change the terms if both parties agree. Under the new labor law:

• You can reduce or waive the notice period if everyone’s on board.
• But that agreement must be in writing.
• One side can’t just decide to skip it without a valid reason, like serious misconduct.

Compensation for Early Termination Without Notice

If someone ends the contract without proper notice and without cause, the Egyptian labor law lays out what compensation is due:

• If the employer is at fault:
  • The employee gets paid for the full notice period.
  • They may also receive severance—half a month’s salary for each of the first 5 years, and a full month for each year after.
    
• If the employee quits without notice:
  • The employer can take that amount out of the employee’s final paycheck.

These rules are designed to make sure no one is left hanging unfairly, on either side.

Final Thoughts

The notice period in Egyptian labor law isn’t just a technical step—it’s there to protect your rights and make transitions fair and smooth.

Thanks to the new labor law in 2025, there’s now more structure, clarity, and fairness in how contracts begin and end in Egypt. Whether you’re starting a job or saying goodbye to one, take time to understand your rights and duties under the Egyptian labor law.

And if you’re ever unsure, your employment contract, HR department, or the Ministry of Manpower can guide you in the right direction.