The number of foreigners working in Egypt fell by 7.2 percent in 2025, totaling 21,973 individuals, down from 23,683 in 2024. This decline represents a decrease of approximately 1,700 foreign workers. The data was released in an annual report by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics on November 1, 2026. The report did not provide an explanation for the drop in foreign workers.
The majority of foreign workers in Egypt, 21,462 individuals, were employed in the private and investment sector. A smaller number, 511, worked in government, the public sector, or public business enterprises. This distribution indicates a significant presence of foreign workers in Egypt's private sector. The report highlights the dominance of the private sector in employing foreign workers.
Europeans comprised the largest group of foreign workers in Egypt, with 10,260 individuals, representing 46.7 percent of the total. Non-Arab Asian countries followed with 6,801 workers, accounting for 31 percent of the total. Oceania, which includes Australia and New Zealand, had the smallest representation, with 122 workers, or 0.6 percent of the total. These numbers reflect the diverse nationalities of foreign workers in Egypt.
By occupation, senior officials and managers formed the largest category, with 7,386 individuals, or 33.6 percent of the total. Specialists in scientific professions were the second-largest group, with 5,435 workers, representing 24.7 percent. Craftsmen and related workers followed with 3,893 individuals, accounting for 17.7 percent. These occupational categories highlight the varied roles of foreign workers in Egypt.
The occupational distribution varied significantly across sectors. In government and the public sector, specialists led with 349 workers, or 68.3 percent of that sector's foreign employees. Managers and craftsmen followed with 102 and 11 workers, respectively. In contrast, the private sector mirrored the national pattern, with managers leading with 7,284 workers, or 33.9 percent, followed by specialists and craftsmen.
The reporting year saw significant developments in Egypt's labor laws and regulations. Egypt's new labor law took effect on September 1, 2025. Additionally, in October, a program offering foreign domestic workers annual work permits for EGP 2,500 (USD 45) was introduced. These changes aim to regulate and manage the employment of foreign workers in Egypt.
The decline in foreign workers and the introduction of new labor laws reflect Egypt's efforts to manage its workforce and economy. The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics will continue to monitor and report on labor trends.
Key points
- The number of foreign workers in Egypt declined by 7.2 percent in 2025, totaling 21,973 individuals.
- Europeans comprised the largest group of foreign workers, with 10,260 individuals, representing 46.7 percent of the total.
- The new labor law and work permit program aim to regulate the employment of foreign workers in Egypt.
