New work permit applications in Egypt are now subject to labor market testing requirements, according to a February 5 decision from Egypt’s Prime Minister.
Effective immediately, employers must include a detailed job description with each new work permit application. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will conduct the labor market test using the job description to determine whether there are qualified Egyptian nationals available to fill the foreign worker’s proposed position. If the MOM deems that the position can be filled by a local worker, the application will be rejected.
The MOM has yet to provide information on how it will test the local labor market, and on the overall timeframe to conduct the test. However, the new requirement is expected to increase the time it will take to prepare new permit applications and government processing times.
Renewal applications should not be impacted by the new requirements, and existing work permit holders may continue to work within the country without change.
What This Means for Employers
Employers should be prepared for longer case preparation and government processing times as a result of the new requirements. Employers may also see an increase in application rejection rates.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
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