Egypt sees 32% surge in foreign work permits in 2024: CAPMAS

Egypt issued nearly 23,000 work permits to foreign nationals in 2024, up 32 per cent from a year earlier, according to official data on Tuesday.

The Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAPMAS) said that 22,909 foreign workers were licensed in 2024, compared to 17,357 in 2023. European nationals accounted for the largest share at 8,798, followed by 7,224 non-Arab Asians and 4,826 Arab nationals.

Labour directorates handled almost half of the permits (48.9 per cent), with investment offices issuing 27.9 per cent, company offices 19.9 per cent, and petroleum offices 3.3 per cent.

The majority of foreign workers were managers, representing 36.4 per cent of total permits, while specialists in scientific fields made up 23.8 per cent and technicians and assistant professionals 15.4 per cent.

The rise in foreign work permits highlights Egypt’s efforts to position itself as a regional hub for business and investment as it pushes ahead with structural reforms and seeks to attract foreign capital.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser