President El-Sisi introduces worker support measures including cash support on Labor Day

CAIRO – 30 April 2026: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Thursday announced a package of decisions aimed at supporting workers and improving their conditions, including a cash support for three months.

El-Sisi unveiled the measures during a Labor Day celebration held at the headquarters of the National Egyptian Railway Industries Company (NERIC) in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, east of Port Said.

Labor Support Measures

The measures include an exceptional monthly grant of LE 1,500 for irregular workers registered with the Ministry of Labor, to be paid for three months from May to July 2026.

 

El-Sisi also directed that certain categories of irregular workers be exempted from fees for skill-level certification and work permits, in a bid to integrate them into the formal economy and extend social protection coverage.

Compensation for workplace fatalities will be increased from LE 200,000 to LE 300,000, while compensation for total or partial disability will be raised in proportion to the degree of disability.

The president further ordered the launch of a labor market platform aimed at boosting employment domestically and abroad, while offering opportunities to develop youth skills in line with labor market needs.

He also instructed the formation of two permanent ministerial committees: one to address labor market needs and the other to ensure alignment between education and training outcomes and labor market demands.

El-Sisi called for regular reports on the work of both committees.

 

In remarks during the event, El-Sisi said workers’ rights and aspirations remain “at the center of our attention.”

He stressed the state’s commitment to enhancing workers' capabilities, expanding opportunities for training and continuous education, increasing job prospects, and ensuring workers’ inclusion in social protection.

Unemployment on the Decline

During his speech, El-Sisi highlighted efforts to create new job opportunities, including in agriculture and industry.

He noted that unemployment in Egypt has fallen to 6.2% despite regional and global challenges, adding that both the government and private sector are working to create new job opportunities for both formal and informal workers.

 

Between 60% and 65% of Egypt’s population is under the age of 40, El-Sisi said. This means a large share is already in or about to enter the labor market, posing a significant challenge in terms of job creation and education, he added.

The president emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to generate employment through various initiatives including small-scale and national projects.

He noted that Egypt’s labor market includes around 60 million people and continues to expand.

Project Inauguration

During the celebration, the president inaugurated four projects via video conference: an electricity transformer station in Giza, an electricity substation in Sharqia, a central hospital in Qalyubia, and a general hospital in Giza.

 

El-Sisi also honored several workers across various sectors, awarding them medals in recognition of their contributions.

President of the Egyptian Trade Union Federation Abdel Moneim El-Gamal presented El-Sisi with a commemorative Labor Day shield.

On agriculture, El-Sisi said the government is working to reclaim 4.5 million feddans under the New Delta project and the projects of the Future of Egypt Authority.

He added that 450,000 feddans will be added in the Sinai Peninsula. Achieving this goal, the president emphasized, required the construction of the Bahr El-Baqar water treatment plant, in addition to other related infrastructure.

 

Egypt marks Labor Day on May 1, in line with International Workers’ Day.