Egypt mandates workplace nurseries for working mothers

CAIRO – 24 March 2026: Minister of Labor Hassan Radad has issued a formal decree outlining the comprehensive rules and regulations governing nurseries within workplaces.

This decree aims to regulate childcare for working mothers and ensure a supportive professional environment. The decree was developed in close coordination with the Ministry of Social Solidarity and the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood, following a thorough review by the Supreme Council for Social Consultation.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Labor, the decree mandates that any employer with 100 or more female employees in a single location must either establish a dedicated nursery or contract with an existing facility to care for the children of staff members.

These services apply to children under the age of four, and the facilities must be specifically equipped to accommodate children with disabilities.

For establishments with fewer than 100 female employees located within a 500-meter radius, the decree requires them to collaborate in establishing a shared nursery or contracting with a licensed provider in accordance with the new legal provisions.

The decision outlines several strict requirements for these childcare centers, emphasizing proximity to the workplace and the inclusion of dedicated childcare facilities. To ensure a healthy environment, nurseries must be located away from areas exposed to industrial pollution or excessive noise.

Furthermore, all nurseries must adhere to general national specifications regarding building safety, equipment standards, and health requirements. Employers are strictly required to obtain an operating license from the Ministry of Social Solidarity before opening a nursery, which will then be subject to the same rigorous supervision, monitoring, and inspection regulations as public nurseries.

Regarding nursery fees, the decree mandates a monthly fee system based on a percentage of the employee's salary. Mothers wishing to utilize the nursery will pay 4% of their salary for the first child, 3% for the second, and 2% for the third.