A Complete Guide for Job Seekers and Employees in the Public and Private Sectors
In Algeria’s labor market, employment conditions can vary from one company to another. However, there are binding legal regulations that govern the relationship between employees and employers. Whether you’re searching for a job through JobsDZ or are currently employed, it’s crucial to understand the legal working conditions in Algeria to protect your rights and avoid exploitation.
In this article, we provide a simplified and comprehensive guide to the key legal requirements for employment according to Algerian labor law.
⚖️ 1. Employment Contract: The Foundation of Work Relations
The first legal requirement to start any job is having a written employment contract, which must include:
- Job description
- Start date
- Salary and benefits
- Working hours
- Contract duration (fixed-term or indefinite)
🔹 Article 12 of Ordinance 90-11 clearly states that an employment relationship is established through a written contract.
❗ JobsDZ Tip: Never accept verbal agreements — they leave you vulnerable and unprotected by law.
🕒 2. Legal Working Hours
- Legal weekly working time: 40 hours per week
- Daily: 8 hours
- Employees are entitled to at least 24 consecutive hours of weekly rest (typically Friday)
Overtime work must:
- Be agreed upon by the employee
- Be compensated either financially or with additional rest
💰 3. Minimum Wage (SNMG)
According to Algerian law, no worker should be employed for less than the national guaranteed minimum wage (SNMG).
📌 As of 2025: SNMG = 20,000 DZD/month,
subject to revision by the government depending on economic conditions.
🛡️ 4. Social Security Registration
Registration with CNAS (National Social Security Fund) is mandatory for all salaried employees. This registration guarantees:
- Health coverage
- Right to retirement pension
- Compensation in cases of illness, accidents, maternity, or disability
🔍 Employees can verify their registration via CNAS’s online platform or by requesting a status report from a local agency.
🏖️ 5. Legal Holidays and Paid Leave
Annual Paid Leave:
- Minimum of 2.5 working days per month worked
- Fully paid by the employer
Official Public Holidays:
- Include national and religious holidays (e.g., Independence Day, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year…)
Maternity Leave:
- Duration: 14 weeks
- Paid through the social security system
🛑 6. Legal Conditions for Termination of Employment
Employment cannot be terminated arbitrarily. Conditions for termination include:
- Advance notice (for indefinite contracts)
- Legitimate, documented reason (e.g., serious misconduct, redundancy)
- Settlement of financial entitlements (salary, unused leave, compensation)
📌 In cases of unfair dismissal, employees may file a complaint with the Labor Inspectorate or pursue legal action in court.
📚 7. Training and Promotion
The law encourages:
- Providing employees with continuous professional training
- Internal promotion based on merit and seniority
Some sectors are legally required to offer training opportunities to their workforce.
📣 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can an employer hire someone without a contract?
↪ No. This is considered a legal violation punishable by law.
Is it legal to work more than 40 hours per week?
↪ Yes, but only if the employee agrees and is compensated appropriately.
What is the minimum legal age for work?
↪ 16 years old, with guardian consent, and only in jobs that are not hazardous.
What if I’m not registered with CNAS?
↪ You can report this to the Labor Inspectorate or request to regularize your status legally.
📝 Conclusion: Know Your Rights, Fulfill Your Duties
In Algeria, employment is not just a source of income — it is a regulated legal relationship that protects both the employee and the employer. Don’t let legal ignorance compromise your professional future.
At JobsDZ, we’re committed to not only helping you find the right job but also equipping you with the knowledge to build a secure and lawful career.
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