Labour market indicators

Unemployment rate in  2003:  25% (ILO data)

Working population:

Employment by sector:

Employment contracts
Employment law is regulated by law number 15 of 1981.
Foreign employees cannot expect a work contract in Libya unless they have a work permit and a residency permit issued by the competent Libyan authorities. The contract is in the form of a written undertaking that must include:
- the duration of the engagement,
- the rights and obligations of the employee,
- the number of hours worked daily and weekly,
- holidays,
- length of leave periods,
- the salary as well as overtime payments,
- accommodation,
- insurance.

Salaries

National monthly minimum wage as of  2001:  150 LYD

Average wage for a worker in the manufacturing industry in  2001:  190   LYD by   month (ILO data)

Social security contributions

Employer:  11.25%

Employee:  3.75%

Number of hours

Legal definition of full time work (per week):  48 hours

Retirement age:  Retirement age is fixed at 65 for men, 60 for women and 62 for civil servants.

Unions

Average rate of union membership: not communicated

Unions:  There is only one trade union in Libya that employees are allowed to join. This is the National Federation Of Unions, formed in 1972. Foreign workers are not allowed to form unions.

Useful links

For further informations on the labour market, check out the following web sites:

- International Labour Organization (ILO): studies, statistics and reports on working conditions and labour markets

- NATLEX : ILO database on national labour laws