President Abdel Fattah El Sisi reaffirmed on Thursday that Egyptian workers are the foundation of national development, stating: “You, the workers of Egypt, are the nation’s strength and the pillars of its development from the dawn of history until this very day.”
Delivering a speech marking the Labour Day celeberation, held at the headquarters of the Egyptian National Railway Industries Company (NERIC) in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, east of Port Said, the president extended his “warmest congratulations, appreciation and gratitude” to workers on such occasion.
The president also stressed the state’s continued commitment to safeguarding the workers’ rights and ensuring a dignified working environment.
He further emphasised that the “Made in Egypt is not just a slogan; it is a national commitment and a noble goal through which we seek to build a strong economy that safeguard our national security, improves the utilisation of our resources and opensprospects of work and hope for future generations,” said the Presidency Spokesman Ambassador Mohamed el-Shennawy.
He added that the president emphasised that Egypt’s ongoing development and major national projects would not have been achieved without the contribution of its workforce.
He noted that industrial localisation remains a strategic priority, and reiterated that development is a continuous process based on determination, knowledge, and training, stating: “Development can only be achieved through determination, knowledge, and sound scientific preparation of human capital.”
President Sisi also underlined the state’s commitment to expanding employment opportunities at home and abroad, while ensuring the protection of Egyptian workers internationally.
He directed the full implementation of the National Employment Strategy and called for periodic reporting on its outcomes.
He further urged greater engagement from the private sector and civil society in strengthening vocational training and preparing a skilled workforce aligned with labour market needs.
On this occasion, the spokesman said, the president issued a set of detailed directives aimed at improving workers’ conditions and strengthening labour market efficiency. These included:
First, the disbursement of an exceptional monthly grant of LE1,500 for a period of three months, from May to July 2026, targeting informal workers registered with the Ministry of Labour to support their living conditions.
Second, the exemption of selected categories of informal workers from fees related to skill level certification and professional licensing, with the aim of facilitating their transition into the formal labour market and extending social and legal protection to them.
Third, an increase in compensation for fatalities resulting from workplace accidents from LE200,000 to 300,000, alongside an adjustment to compensation for total or partial disability in proportion to the degree of disability sustained.
Fourth, the establishment of a national labour market platform designed to enhance employment opportunities both domestically and abroad, while also supporting the development of youth skills in line with evolving labour market demands.
Fifth, the formation of a permanent committee comprising representatives from the ministries of labour, industry, investment and foreign trade, and planning and economic development to assess labour market needs and ensure better alignment between supply and demand.
Sixth, the formation of a permanent committee comprised of the Ministries of Labor, Education and Technical Education, and Higher Education and Scientific Research, to ensure that the outputs of education and training align with the requirements of the job market.
The president said, “I ask for the submission of periodic reports to me on the outcomes of both committees that I referred to in the fifth and sixth points”.
According to the presidency spokesman, the president highlighted that unemployment has declined to 6.2 per cent despite global economic challenges, noting that 60 to 65 per cent of Egypt’s population is under the age of 40, which presents both a major opportunity and a national responsibility.
He also referred to the ongoing efforts to reclaim 4.5 million feddans under national agricultural expansion projects, including developments in Sinai supported by key infrastructure works such as the Bahr El-Baqar treatment plant.
The president concluded his address by affirming: “Egypt rises with you, as your contributions make it elevate, and your dedication helps it cross into a promising future filled with goodness and prosperity.”
