Decree No. 43 of 1988 on Conditions for granting work permits for foreigners, 8 March 1988
Annual Review of Population Law 15: 195
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0364-3417 PMID: 12289375 Document Number: 383692
This Decree provides that foreigners are not to be permitted to work in Egypt until they have obtained a work permit from the Office of Manpower and Training. In deciding whether to grant a work permit, the Office is to consider the following principles: 1) a foreigner should not be competing with Egyptian citizens who are equally or better qualified; 2) a foreigner must comply with regulations relating to skills and experience established by Egyptian law; and 3) a foreigner born and permanently resident in Egypt is to be given priority over other foreigners. The Office is also to consider the need of the Egyptian economy and of the specific place of work for the foreigner's work. The total number of foreigners employed is not to exceed 10% of the work force of any establishment, although exceptions can be made to this rule in the interests of the Egyptian economy. Exceptions to the provisions of this Decree can also be made for foreigners married to Egyptian citizens. In addition, persons of indeterminate nationality residing in Egypt at least 15 years and political refugees certified as such are to be given priority in employment. Under the Decree, employers are to keep a register of foreigners employed. Further provisions of the Decree relate to fees charged for work permits and the circumstances under which work permits can be withdrawn or forfeited.