Job search in Egypt

Egypt offers foreigners ample opportunities for implementation in the field of tourism, provision of services, and construction.

The economic situation today

Egypt is considered one of the most economically developed countries in North Africa, with an inflation rate of no more than 9%... In such conditions, unemployment in the state does not exceed 10,3 % - the average in the world.

The minimum monthly salary excluding taxes in Egypt is about 150 dollars, average - 250-300 dollars... Salaries are significantly lower than the European average, but higher than in the CIS countries. That is why Russians, Belarusians, Ukrainians, Kazakhs apply for Egyptian vacancies.

Areas in which work in Egypt for foreigners is represented:

• Tourism;
• Service sector;
• Agriculture;
• Transportation (work on the Suez Canal).

The main disadvantage of working for newcomers is the unusually hot climate throughout the year and relatively high food prices.

Most in-demand professions in 2021

Since tourism occupies a leading position in the country's economy, most vacancies are presented in this particular area:

• Animator;
• Hotel manager;
• Guide;
• Conductor;
• Diving or other sports instructor;
• Translator.

Hands free are also needed in the service sector:

• Driver;
• Masseur;
• Locksmith;
• Salesman;
• Photographer.

Foreigners are often invited to take leading positions in a company in the field of energy, IT-technology or tourism, but subject to experience (at least 2-3 years) and qualifications.

The level of wages per month by profession

Average salaries for the most common occupations are shown in the table.

The amount of wages depends directly on the place of residence: in cities it is higher than in rural areas.

How to find a job without intermediaries

Due to the low level of salaries in the periphery, it is better to independently seek work in large Egyptian cities: Cairo, Alexandria or Giza.

You can refer to social networks and forums of Russian-speaking employees of Egyptian companies, where information about life and work in the country is often published:

• Linkedin.com;
• facebook.com;
• club.maghreb.ru.

Local newspaper resources also provide employment information:

• english.ahram.org.eg;
• naseej.com.

The best option is to communicate directly with Egyptian citizens or Russians who already work in this state.

Popular job search sites

The most requested English-language resources in Egypt with job offers:

• Wuzzuf.net;
• Bayt.com;
• Jobs-eg.com.

International resources are also popular:

• Careerjet.com;
• Learn4good.com;
• Egypt.hh.ru.

To search for a vacancy, you must register on one of the sites and leave information about your activities.

Specialized resources, agencies

There are not many recruiting agencies officially operating in Egypt, so it is important to pay attention to the resource's license before using its services.

Example of qualified firms:

• aventuraguide.ru;

An unlicensed institution is able to arrange a foreigner for an unofficial workplace, for which the applicant faces fines in the future.

Employment types

Jobs may vary depending on the season, time of service, or skills of the job seeker.

Work without knowing the language

A prerequisite for employment in Egypt is knowledge of one of the following foreign languages:

• English at the level of basic spoken;
• French;
• Arab.

It is almost impossible to get settled only with knowledge of Russian. Most often these are hotels or excursions for a Russian-speaking audience.

Seasonal work

The holiday seasons in Egypt run from July to August and from late November to early February. At this time, in the field of tourism and recreation, the following workers are needed:

• Bartender;
• Animator;
• Masseur;
• Trainer;
• Guide;
• Conductor.

The vacancies relate to hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions and beauty salons.



Temporary job

Most popular temporary jobs:

• Builder;
• Oilfield worker;
• Nanny;
• Locksmith;
• Chef;
• Waiter.

As a rule, the time spent in the country and the performance of labor duties is prescribed in the labor contract.

Other options

Some vacancies involve shift work, in which employees:

• Live at the place of work;
• Work in shifts;
• They eat at the expense of the company (or the company pays them minor expenses).

Places of work whose labor contract is based on a rotational method:

• Hotels;
• Building complexes;
• Transport facilities (airports, Suez Canal).

The duration of the shift and other conditions may vary depending on the job responsibilities.

Official employment procedure

Official registration in Egypt guarantees foreigners social protection at the level that is provided to the citizens of that country.



Priority of actions

Algorithm of actions before starting work in Egypt:

1. Job search;
2. Discussion of conditions with the employer;
3. Signing a labor agreement;
4. Obtaining a work permit from the Egyptian government;
5. Registration of a work visa.

Only then can one come to the territory of the country and engage in labor activity. Consideration of an application for a permit can take up to six months, so arriving in the country and starting work before its registration can be problematic.

Types of work permits

The authorization form is standard for all vacancies. The document is issued for 6-12 months with the right to extend without leaving the country.

The permit confirms the official activity and responsibility of the employer in relation to the foreign applicant.

Are there categories that do not require a work permit

All foreign applicants are required to apply for a permit. The exception is rare categories of professions:

• Journalists of foreign companies;
• Radio and television workers;
• Diplomats;
• Employees of foreign consulates.

The responsibility for preparing this document for foreign employees usually lies with the employer.

List of main documents

To obtain an Egyptian work permit, the following documents are required:

• Statement of petition;
• A valid international passport;



• Color photographs - 7 pieces;
• Proof of qualifications (diplomas, certificates, diplomas);
• Explanation of hiring a foreigner from the employer;
• Medical certificate;



• Receipt for payment of the consular fee;
• Employer registration data.

The list may vary slightly depending on the vacancy.

Registration of a work visa

A work visa is issued on the basis of a work permit at the Egyptian consulate in the foreigner's country of residence. The document is valid for 3-12 months.

You need to apply for a visa in advance: sometimes the processing time exceeds 3 months.

Selection Criteria for Applicants for a Work Visa

Obtaining a work visa is associated with some conditions for the future employee. He must:

• To occupy a position that did not interest the Egyptian;
• Confirm your qualifications by the presence of documents (diplomas, certificates).

In addition, the position assigned to a foreigner by an Egyptian employer should be included in 10% of all positions for foreigners in a given enterprise.



Work visa extension

A work visa can be extended without leaving the state. To do this, you must submit to the Egyptian Migration Service:

• Visa extension application;
• Medical certificate with HIV and hepatitis tests.

All these data are certified by the employer.

Business immigration

The owner of a resident visa or a business visa can set up a business in Egypt.

The first is issued for a period of 1, 3 or 5 years only to those who own real estate or a bank deposit in the country for more than 50,000 dollars.

The second visa is more loyal - it is issued to the owners of foreign companies, joint stock companies, enterprises that open in Egypt.

When starting a business, it is necessary to prove its benefits for the economy of the state and to assure the government of providing jobs for the Egyptians.

Features of internship in the country

For students and graduates of the hotel and restaurant direction, faculties of foreign languages ​​in Egypt, internship opportunities are presented.

As a rule, places for internships are available in hotels and recreation complexes in the form of the following vacancies:

• Animator;
• Fitness trainer;
• Hotel manager;
• Corridor;
• Translator from English or Arabic.

Often, interns are offered accommodation or meals at the expense of the program organizer. Some proposals carry a scholarship payment - no more than 300 euros per month.

You can find offers on job search sites in Egypt or by contacting the personnel department at the university at the place of study.

Consequences for attempting an illegal job placement

In Egypt, there is a regular fight against illegal labor immigrants:

• An illegal applicant, if found, is obliged to pay a fine in the amount of $ 100-400;
• If the immigrant also does not have a work visa, he will be deported;
• The employer is fined for 280 dollars for every illegal.

Regular violation of the law threatens with imprisonment for 2-5 years for both the applicant and the employer.

Egypt attracts foreign job seekers with the simplicity of paperwork and job search. Despite this, wages in the country are relatively low compared to European countries, and the climate is unusual for most of the inhabitants of the CIS.