Suez: Minister of Labor Mohamed Gobran confirmed that the dreams of workers have come true under the wise leadership of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and with the efforts of Egypt’s workers. He extended his deepest respect, appreciation, and admiration to all honorable workers of Egypt, who have always been united under President Sisi’s leadership to overcome all the challenges facing the nation.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Gobran delivered a speech during the Labor Day celebration in Suez Governorate, in the presence of President Sisi. He stated that Egypt has become a role model for preserving the strength and unity of its internal front, forming a cohesive fabric that includes a proud people, a great army, a heroic police force, and honorable workers devoted to the soil of their country. Gobran thanked President Sisi for his continuous support for Egypt’s workers.

He said that President Sisi had directed, last year, for the submission of the draft labor law for social dialogue, urging the swift completion of discussions by the House of Representatives in preparation for its issuance. He emphasized that the new law would preserve workers’ rights, adhere to international labor standards, ensure balance and justice, provide job security, encourage investment, and align with the evolving patterns and challenges of new forms of work.

Gobran added that Sisi also directed an increase in the annual grants allocated to irregular workers, raising the amount from 500 Egyptian pounds to 1,500 Egyptian pounds, and continuing to register irregular workers to provide them with protection and support. The minimum wage limit disbursed through the Emergency Labor Aid Fund has been increased from 600 to 1,500 Egyptian pounds.

He highlighted the upgrading of 82 training centers under the presidential initiative ‘Decent Life’ and the implementation of training programs through strategic partnerships with local and international partners. This includes collaboration with the Italian Salesian Institute, the Ministry of Education, the National Initiative, some private universities, and the private sector.

Gobran clarified that Egypt has made unprecedented progress in reducing the unemployment rate from 13% to 6.4% this year, thanks to the giant national projects and the return of strategic industries to their former glory. The ministry has contributed to providing hundreds of job opportunities in the private sector, including women and people with disabilities, integrating them into the workforce.

Labor representation offices abroad have succeeded in opening new job markets for skilled and trained Egyptian personnel. In collaboration with the International Labor Organization (ILO), they have completed a study of the national employment strategy to unify the state’s plans and programs to create job opportunities in line with international standards.

Regarding the future job outlook and skills required, the Labor Ministry is working in cooperation with the Cabinet Information Center and several partners to issue an updated Egypt Occupations Outlook. This guide will keep pace with technological changes and address new professions emerging in the labor market.

Gobran noted that the Ministry has conducted nearly 12,000 inspection campaigns across 280,000 facilities, employing more than 2.1 million workers, over the course of one year. The Ministry has developed its infrastructure and that of its directorates by automating services provided to the public and launching them on Egypt’s Digital Gate.

To reinforce compliance with international labor standards, Egypt has joined the Global Alliance for Social Justice under the ILO. In 2024, Egypt also ratified the International Maritime Labour Convention, bringing the total number of international labor agreements ratified by it to 65. On the Arab level, Egypt was elected to chair the Board of Directors of the Arab Labor Organization.

Gobran emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to intensifying efforts to fulfill the president’s directives to strengthen labor relations, increase productivity, and protect the rights and gains of Egypt’s workers.