Algerian authorities have established new guidelines for academic researchers and medical professionals seeking to engage in remunerative activities outside their primary roles. The executive decree, published in Official Gazette No. 38 on May 25, 2026, specifies the conditions and procedures for these professionals to undertake such work.
Algeria researcher medical activity regulation
Eligible individuals include university hospital researchers, permanent academic and doctoral researchers, and specialized public health medical practitioners. This initiative, aligned with the Civil Service Law, aims to structure scientific and medical activities conducted outside the scope of regular employment.
To qualify, employees must be actively engaged in their current positions and possess at least five years of professional experience. An exception is made for those working in the southern and high plateau regions, who may commence these activities immediately after appointment or confirmation, as determined by a ministerial decision. The scope of permitted work is strictly limited to expertise, study, consultation, research and development, innovation, and medical or surgical procedures. Crucially, these activities must be conducted within Algerian territory and for a single public or private entity. Undertaking such work during official working hours is strictly prohibited, and professionals must adhere to professional secrecy, ethics, and not compromise public interest.
Furthermore, authorization is entirely forbidden for those holding senior state positions, high offices, or managing public institutions. It is also restricted during periods of training, professional development, missions, or scientific leave. The permit will be immediately revoked if any submitted documents are found to be inaccurate.
The authorization process involves a written request, with the decision made by the head of the employing institution following consultation with relevant bodies. For university hospital staff, the decision rests with the head of the medical higher education institution or health facility, based on the nature of the activity and advice from the scientific or medical council. For academic and permanent researchers, the decision comes from the administrative head after consulting the scientific council or the equal opportunities administrative committee. A similar process applies to specialized public health medical practitioners, requiring advice from the scientific, medical, or administrative committee.
Employing bodies are mandated to declare these activities to tax and social security authorities. Employees must inform their employers of any changes in their circumstances. The administration reserves the right to monitor these activities and can suspend permits if necessary to ensure service continuity, with a decision on the matter to be made within a month. In cases of withdrawal or refusal, employees have one month to appeal, with a response due within another month. Non-compliance with the decree’s provisions will result in permit revocation and disciplinary action.
Professionals currently operating under the previous decree, No. 99-236, have a six-month grace period to comply with the new regulations, which were finalized by Prime Minister Sifi Ghrib.
Related topics: Algeria regulations, researcher employment, medical professionals, public sector activities, Algeria professional development, Algeria
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