Ecuadorian labor rights and social security regulations

Information regarding labor rights and social security benefits in Ecuador has been detailed through official clarifications and legal frameworks.

The Ecuadorian Social Security Institute (IESS) addressed misinformation regarding unemployment insurance, clarifying that benefits are not universal. To qualify, workers must have lost their jobs due to circumstances beyond their control, possess 24 non-simultaneous contributions (with the last six being continuous), and have been unemployed for at least 60 continuous days. Applications must be filed between the 61st and 106th day of unemployment, and voluntary resignations do not qualify.

Regarding student labor, the Internship Law in the Business Sector mandates specific protections for 2026. Interns must receive a monthly stipend of at least one-third of the Unified Basic Salary, which is approximately USD 160.67 based on a USD 482 salary. Employers are also required to provide IESS affiliation from the first day to cover medical, maternity, and occupational risks. Legal limits for internships include a maximum of 30 hours per week and a duration of six months, after which the relationship must transition into a formal employment contract.