Working Hours and Overtime in Lebanon

What Are the Standard Working Hours in Lebanon?

In Lebanon, the standard working hours are governed by the Lebanese Labor Law, which stipulates that employees should not exceed 48 hours of work per week. This typically translates to a six-day workweek, with each day comprising eight hours. However, in certain industries or under specific conditions, daily working hours may be extended up to 12 hours, provided that the Ministry of Labor is notified within 24 hours and employees receive appropriate overtime compensation.

Maximum Working Hours in Lebanon

Lebanese labor law sets clear limits on the maximum number of hours an employee can work. The standard working week is typically structured to ensure employees do not exceed these limits.

 
• Standard Workweek: The maximum standard working hours are 48 hours per week, usually distributed over six working days, resulting in a maximum of 8 hours per day.
 
• Extended Hours: In certain industries or roles, a different distribution may be agreed upon, provided the total weekly hours do not exceed the legal maximum.
 
• Overtime: Work performed beyond the standard working hours is considered overtime and is subject to specific compensation requirements. Employers must track overtime accurately and compensate employees at the legally mandated rates.

Industry-Specific Exceptions

Certain industries in Lebanon have unique working hour regulations due to the nature of their operations.

 
• Healthcare: Medical professionals may have extended working hours, especially in emergency or critical care settings.
 
• Hospitality and Retail: Employees in these sectors might work during weekends or public holidays, requiring adherence to specific compensation rules.
 
• Transportation: Drivers and other transport-related workers may have different schedules to accommodate travel times and logistics.

These exceptions often come with additional compensation or benefits to ensure fairness and compliance with labor laws.

Managerial and Exempt Employees

In Lebanon, managerial and exempt employees are subject to specific labor regulations.

 
• Managerial Employees: Typically, individuals in managerial positions may not be subject to the same working hour restrictions as regular employees. Their compensation often reflects their responsibilities and the nature of their roles.
 
• Exempt Employees: Certain employees, due to their job functions or salary levels, may be exempt from standard working hour regulations. However, this exemption does not absolve employers from ensuring fair compensation and adherence to other labor laws.

Statutory Full-Time Working Hours in Lebanon

Full-time employment in Lebanon is generally defined by the standard working hours set forth in the labor law.

 
• Weekly Hours: A full-time employee is expected to work up to 48 hours per week.
 
• Daily Hours: This is typically distributed as 8 hours per day over six days.
 
• Variations: Some sectors may have different arrangements, but the total weekly hours should not exceed the legal maximum.

Employers must ensure that full-time employees adhere to these guidelines to maintain compliance with Lebanese labor laws.

Overtime Regulations in Lebanon

Overtime regulations in Lebanon are designed to compensate employees fairly for additional hours worked beyond the standard working hours.

What Counts As Overtime in Lebanon?

In Lebanon, overtime is defined as any work performed beyond the standard 48-hour workweek.

 
• Eligibility: Employees who work more than the standard hours are entitled to overtime compensation.
 
• Calculation: Overtime is calculated based on the employee's regular hourly rate.

Maximum Overtime in Lebanon

Lebanese labor law permits overtime work under specific conditions.

 
• Daily Limit: The maximum number of working hours per day can be extended to 12 hours, including overtime.
 
• Weekly Limit: While the standard workweek is 48 hours, the total hours worked, including overtime, should not exceed legal limits.
 
• Employer Notification: Employers must notify the Ministry of Labor within 24 hours if overtime is required beyond the standard hours.

Overtime Payout Rates in Lebanon

Overtime compensation in Lebanon is mandated by law to ensure fair payment for additional work.

 
• Standard Overtime: Overtime work is compensated at a rate of 1.5 times the regular hourly wage.
 
• Weekend and Public Holiday Work: Work performed during the weekly rest day or on official public holidays is typically compensated at a rate of 2 times the regular hourly wage, in addition to a compensatory rest day.

Employers must adhere to these rates to comply with Lebanese labor laws.

Rest Periods and Breaks in Lebanon

Employees in Lebanon are entitled to specific rest periods and breaks to ensure their well-being.

 
• Daily Rest: Employees must be provided with a minimum of 9 consecutive hours of rest between shifts.
 
• Meal Breaks: A minimum meal interval of 60 minutes must be observed by employees who work more than 6 hours in a day.
 
• Weekly Rest: Employees are entitled to a mandatory weekly rest period of at least 36 continuous hours, typically on Sunday.

Employers are responsible for ensuring that these rest periods and breaks are observed and that employees are not overworked.

Night Shifts and Weekend Regulations

Night shifts and weekend work in Lebanon are subject to specific regulations to protect employees.

 
• Night Work: Work performed during night hours may be subject to additional compensation or benefits, depending on sector-specific regulations or agreements.
 
• Weekend Work: Employees working during the designated weekly rest day (usually Sunday) are entitled to higher overtime compensation rates and may receive compensatory rest days.

Employers must ensure compliance with these regulations to maintain fair labor practices.

How Playroll Simplifies Employer Responsibilities and Compliance

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be challenging to keep up with ever-changing local labor laws and regulations in different countries. That’s the advantage of using an Employer of Record like Playroll:

       
• Scale your global team: Legally hire and swiftly onboard new hires in 180+ regions without the red tape by offloading the HR admin to Playroll, so you can freely explore new markets and focus on growth.
       
• Stay compliant: Our built-in compliance checks and vetted contracts mean your agreements will always meet all legal requirements for working hours, overtime regulations, and more.
       
• Pay your team accurately: Ensure your international employees and global contractors are paid on time, every time, and set up centralized global payroll processes.