Egypt Advances Legislative Alignment with International Labor Standards

اجتماع وزير العمل.

During the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Egyptian Minister of Labor Hassan Raddad met with Gilbert Houngbo, the Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), to discuss enhancing technical cooperation and coordination in upcoming phases. The meeting also addressed issues related to employment, decent work, social protection, and skills development. The Egyptian Ambassador to the United Nations and other international organizations, Alaa Hegazy, was present at the meeting.

Minister Raddad outlined Egypt’s vision for labor market development, which focuses on updating legislation, ensuring a safe and balanced working environment, promoting social dialogue among stakeholders in the production process, and expanding social protection and vocational training programs to align with rapid economic and technological changes.

The minister emphasized that Egypt has made significant strides in aligning national legislation with international labor standards over recent years. He noted that the enactment of the new labor law marks a crucial milestone in modernizing the labor system, as it includes balanced guarantees that ensure stability in labor relations while protecting workers’ rights and supporting an environment conducive to investment and production.

Additionally, Raddad discussed ongoing efforts to prepare a draft law on domestic workers. This initiative responds to the need for a clear legal framework that ensures rights and responsibilities for all parties involved while complying with relevant international principles and standards, thereby providing legal and social protection for this group.

The conversation also highlighted Egypt’s progress on several issues of interest to the ILO, including enhancing trade union freedoms, fostering a culture of social dialogue, expanding social protection coverage, combating child labor, promoting equality and non-discrimination in the workplace, as well as adapting to new work patterns imposed by digitization and technological advancements.

Raddad stated that Egypt views employment as a key pillar for achieving economic and social development. This perspective explains the government’s significant focus on implementing its national employment strategy as a comprehensive framework linking labor market needs with education policies and skills development aimed at providing productive and sustainable job opportunities, particularly for youth, women, and vulnerable groups.

The minister underscored the importance of ongoing technical cooperation between the Ministry of Labor and the ILO in executing various joint programs and initiatives. These include decent work programs, better work initiatives, as well as projects aimed at enhancing vocational training and skill development. He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to leveraging international expertise in developing policies and programs that meet modern labor market demands.

Raddad concluded by stating that achievements in labor over recent years reflect a clear political will that recognizes the importance of investing in human resources. He emphasized that providing decent work conditions and social protection remains one of the foundational pillars for building a new republic. He affirmed Egypt’s commitment to fulfilling its international obligations while strengthening its partnership with the ILO and all social partners.

In response, Houngbo praised Egypt’s tangible progress on various labor-related issues over recent years. He acknowledged that the ILO closely monitors Egypt’s efforts to update labor legislation and develop employment policies alongside social protection systems. He reaffirmed continued support through technical assistance programs aimed at building capacities that bolster Egypt’s efforts toward sustainable development while reinforcing principles of social justice and decent work.

Attending from the Ministry of Labor were: Ihab Abdel Aati, legal advisor to the Minister; Rasha Abdel Basit, head of Central Department for International Relations; Hilal Mamoun, director of International Agreements Management; Abdel Wahab Khedr, spokesperson; Amina Abdel Hamid, technical assistant to the minister; along with advisor Mohamed Adel from Egypt’s permanent mission to international organizations in Geneva.