A drug-free certificate is a basic condition for employment in Algeria – Algerian Al-Hiwar newspaper

Submitting negative medical test results for narcotics and psychotropic substances has become a mandatory condition for candidacy for employment in the public and private sectors, according to the new executive decree published in the Official Gazette on January 27, 2026.

The decree, which was signed by the Prime Minister on January 14, stipulates the necessity of including the results of the analyzes in the employment files of all employees and applicants for professional examinations and examinations, and this includes public institutions, public bodies, institutions open to the public, in addition to private institutions and bodies.

The law requires people who use drugs for medical reasons to disclose the substances used and provide a medical certificate proving this, provided that it does not conflict with job requirements.

The decree also allows candidates whose tests showed drug abuse to undergo the remedial procedures stipulated in Law No. 04-18, while guaranteeing their right to run after completing treatment, which makes the provisions of the decree a preventive means and not an obstacle to employment.

The latest legal documents, amended by Law No. 25-03, included strengthening penalties for those who incite or participate with minors, people with special needs, or those recovering from addiction in transporting or selling drugs, which confirms the national trend to enhance health and professional security in the work environment.