Egypt's Ministry of Labor, led by advisor Abdulwahab Khader, is spearheading a national employment strategy aimed at reducing unemployment and enhancing human resource efficiency. The strategy, launched by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Labor Day last year, seeks to provide approximately 1.5 million job opportunities annually, both domestically and internationally. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support and employ youth, equipping them with the skills required by various economic sectors.
The national strategy for employment is a key component in the government's efforts to lower unemployment rates and improve the quality of the workforce. According to Khader, the strategy involves collaboration with the International Labor Organization and social partners to discuss its implementation plan and application mechanisms. Emphasis is placed on developing skills that match current and future labor market demands, particularly as job nature and forms evolve continuously.
A central aspect of the Ministry's approach is the "Training for Employment" initiative, which links training directly to labor market needs. This is achieved through engagement with business owners, factories, companies, technological universities, and industrial zones to identify required skills and specialties. Training programs are then tailored to meet these needs, utilizing both fixed and mobile training centers across the country.
The Ministry operates 83 vocational training centers, which play a crucial role in preparing youth for available jobs. During visits to factories, companies, or universities, Labor Minister focuses on understanding investors' and business owners' workforce and skill requirements. These insights guide labor departments in providing necessary training, ensuring that young people are qualified for the jobs at hand.
Egypt's economy, through various projects and investments, generates approximately one million job opportunities annually, both within the country and abroad. While this figure is not solely attributed to the Ministry of Labor, it represents the collective efforts of the state and its different projects and investments. The Ministry is a key partner in the employment ecosystem, working to enhance job prospects for Egyptian citizens.
To support Egyptian workers abroad, the Ministry maintains nine labor representation offices, primarily in Arab countries with significant Egyptian labor forces. These offices communicate with relevant authorities, business owners, and follow up on labor market needs. They also advertise job opportunities and conduct necessary tests for applicants, ensuring that Egyptian workers are well-represented and protected in international labor markets.
The Ministry is also focused on providing social protection for irregular workers, in line with President El-Sisi's directives to enhance care and protection for this group. This involves activating the role of the Emergency Aid Fund and social and health services. The Minister of Labor held the first fund meeting on September 16, marking the beginning of a new institutional framework to safeguard irregular workers.
Key points
- The strategy aims to provide 1.5 million job opportunities annually.
- Collaboration with the International Labor Organization is underway to support the strategy's implementation.
- The Ministry operates 83 vocational training centers nationwide.
