11 hours ago
Foreign Work Permits in Egypt Rise Sharply to Over 22,000 in 2024
Foreign Work Permits in Egypt Rise Sharply to Over 22,000 in 2024
Europeans and Asians made up 70% of Egypt's foreign workforce in 2024, with most employed as managers, scientific specialists, or technicians across key sectors like energy and construction.
Foreign work permits in Egypt rose significantly in 2024, with a total of 22,909 foreign nationals receiving authorization to work in the country. This marks a 32% increase compared to the 17,357 permits issued in 2023, according to newly released official figures.
Of the total permits granted, 43.7%—equivalent to 10,003 individuals—were issued to first-time applicants, while 56.3%, or 12,906 individuals, had their existing work permits renewed.
European nationals made up the largest share of foreign workers in Egypt at 38.4%, totalling 8,798 individuals. They were followed by non-Arab Asians at 31.5% (7,224 individuals), Arab nationals at 21.1% (4,826), non-Arab Africans at 4.5% (1,026), and Americans at 3.8% (868). Workers from Oceania accounted for 0.5%, or 110 individuals.
Permits were issued through several administrative channels, with Labour Directorates accounting for nearly half at 48.9% (11,197 permits). Investment Offices issued 27.9% (6,392), Company Offices 19.9% (4,558), and Petroleum Offices 3.3% (762).
In terms of occupations, managers represented the largest group at 36.4% (8,343 workers). Scientific specialists followed at 23.8% (5,453), with technicians and assistant specialists comprising 15.4% (3,530).
Foreign nationals were primarily employed in public administration, defense, and social insurance, which together accounted for 24.4% of the total, or 5,587 workers. Other major sectors included electricity, gas, and steam supply at 20.6% (4,726 workers), construction at 16% (3,676), and wholesale, retail trade, and repair services at 12.5% (2,859).
