What the New Egyptian Labour Law Means for Maternity & Paternity Leave
Egypt has updated its labour law, effective as from September 2025.
Laws have been added, amended, and refreshed to better reflect the realities of modern life – one of which concerns maternity and paternity leave.
Our Egypt experts have put together these updated requirements and recommendations to help you stay compliant before you expand to or while you operate or expand in Egypt.
The information shared in this article is indicative in nature and is subject to change, businesses are advised to seek professional and personalised advice before acting.
What exactly are maternity and paternity leave?
Maternity and paternity leave usually represent paid time off that employees are entitled to before, upon, and after the birth of their child.
Maternity leave in Egypt
A female worker is entitled to maternity leave for 4 months, including the period before and after delivery, provided the post-delivery leave is not less than 45 days. A medical certificate specifying the probable delivery date must be provided.
This leave is fully paid, with some social security covering 75% and the employer 25%, though full payment is common. The employer's wage obligations are reduced by the amount that must be paid in compensation according to Article (77) of the Social Insurance and Pensions Law No. 148 of 2019.
In all cases, a female worker is entitled to this leave no more than three times during her employment.
The daily working hours for a pregnant woman are reduced by at least one hour starting from the sixth month of pregnancy.
She cannot be required to work overtime during pregnancy or for up to six months after delivery.
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Post-maternity period in Egypt
After her 4 months of maternity leave, a new mother has the right to return to either her original job or to a similar position, without losing any benefits that were applicable to her original role.
Dismissal & Termination of mothers in Egypt
The Labour Law prohibits dismissing a female worker or terminating her employment during maternity leave.
It is also prohibited to dismiss her or terminate her employment after she returns from maternity leave, unless the employer can prove that the dismissal or termination is for a legitimate reason.
However, the employer may deny the worker compensation for the leave period or recover the paid amount. But that is only if she worked for another employer during her leave.
Law about breastfeeding in Egypt
A female worker who is breastfeeding her child during the 2 years following delivery is entitled, in addition to the regular rest period, to 2 additional breastfeeding breaks, each lasting no less than half an hour.
The worker has the right to combine these 2 breaks.
These breaks are considered part of working hours, and there is no reduction in pay as a result.
Unpaid maternity leave/childcare leave in Egypt
The New Labour Law allows employed women who have completed at least 1 year of service working in establishments with 50+ employees to unpaid childcare leave for up to 2 years, a maximum of 3 times, instead of twice as per the previous law.
Voluntary termination of contract in Egypt
A female worker may terminate her employment contract due to her marriage, pregnancy, or childbirth, provided she informs the employer in writing of her intention to do so within 3 months from the date of marriage, pregnancy confirmation, or delivery, as applicable. This should not affect the rights provided to her under the labour law.
Childcare benefits in Egypt
An employer with 100+ female workers at a single location must establish a nursery or contract with a nursery to care for the children of female workers.
Businesses located in the same area and employing fewer than one hundred female workers each must collaborate to fulfill this obligation.
Alternatively, the employer in such situations may choose instead to bear the costs of childcare at the nursery.
These provisions are subject to the regulations and conditions issued by the relevant minister, in coordination with the minister concerned with social solidarity and the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood.
Paternity Leave
The New Labour Law introduces paternity leave, allowing male employees to take one day’s leave on their child's day of birth, up to 3 times during their employment, without it counting against their annual leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is maternity leave in Egypt and is it paid?
Maternity leave in Egypt is 4 months, including the period before and after delivery. At least 45 days must be taken after birth. The leave is fully paid, with the cost usually shared between social insurance and the employer.
Are there special workplace protections for pregnant employees?
Yes. From the sixth month of pregnancy, a pregnant employee’s daily working hours must be reduced by at least one hour. She cannot be required to work overtime during pregnancy or for up to six months after delivery.
Can an employee be dismissed during or after maternity leave?
No.
Dismissal or termination during maternity leave is prohibited. After returning to work, termination is only permitted if the employer can prove there is a legitimate reason unrelated to maternity.
What rights do breastfeeding employees have?
Breastfeeding employees are entitled to two additional breaks per day, each lasting at least 30 minutes, for up to 2 years after delivery. These breaks are considered part of working hours and do not result in any reduction in pay.
Is paternity leave available in Egypt?
Yes.
Under the new Labour Law, male employees are entitled to 1 paid day of paternity leave on the day of their child’s birth. This can be taken up to three times during employment and does not count against annual leave.
