Many would like to choose where to live at their own discretion, but not everyone succeeds. To live by the sea, in a country with developed infrastructure, you will need a considerable bank account. And if it’s not there, then you’ll have to find a job. Egypt is one of those countries where I would like to settle for a long time. This republic, located on the territory of North Africa and the Sinai Peninsula in Asia, is essentially one large resort. In any case, most foreigners have such associations. The level of well-being of the Egyptians themselves leaves much to be desired, and unemployment is high (approx. 12% in 2021). In such conditions, it is difficult to find a well-paid job; local employers are not able to offer it.
Job search
The system of employment agencies in Egypt is rather poorly developed, and you often have to look for work through acquaintances and friends who have visited the country and have at least some knowledge of this issue. The best way to search is to use the Internet.
Foreigners associate Egypt with constant relaxation and beaches
Table: Resources for finding work in Egypt
| Information about the resource | Link |
| Russian-language job search exchange in Egypt and other countries. | ua.jooble.org |
| HeadHunter is one of the best online resources for finding jobs and hiring staff. | egypt.hh.ru |
| English-language job search resource in Egypt. | www.sharmwomen.com |
| Job offers in Hurghada and Egypt from the group “Russian old-timers in Hurghada” (Facebook social network). | www.facebook.com |
| Job offers in Egypt from the group “Work in Egypt - WORK / JOB IN EGYPT” (Facebook social network). | www.facebook.com |
| Russian-speaking forum about life in the Middle East. Registration is required to access the job search in Egypt. | club.maghreb.ru |
Many of our compatriots think that by going to Egypt, they will be able to live by the sea and find a well-paid job they like. However, in reality, few are lucky. In my experience and the examples that I see now in Hurghada, those who have the capital and ability to create their own business can really get a good job in the resort city. It is also possible to work for your uncle in Hurghada, but the level of salaries and narrow range of vacancies is too low for one to prefer working in Egypt to working at home in Russia.
Anastasia Khurgadinskaya
https://new.vk.com/topic-19207165_23092398
Video: where to find a job in Egypt and how to get one
Jobs in Egypt:
Egypt is a state in North Africa, washed by the Red and Mediterranean seas.
Thanks to its excellent geographical location, comfortable climate and a huge variety of historical attractions, the tourism sector is very developed here, where the majority of vacancies for foreigners are concentrated. Employment in Egypt is a great opportunity to earn good money, see the world and enjoy this vibrant country. If you want to go abroad for work, entrust the search for an employer to professionals! The international recruitment agency JobAurora has been helping citizens of Ukraine and other countries in Europe, Asia and the East find legal and well-paid vacancies abroad for more than 11 years. With us you will get the right to work legally in the country of your choice, without risk or financial loss.
In-demand professions and common vacancies for foreigners in Egypt in 2018–2019.
Oddly enough, the list of common and in-demand professions for employing foreigners in Egypt is the same. Most likely, this is due to the general low level of wages and low demand for highly qualified specialists. If you know Russian and English, then finding a job in Egypt will not be difficult.
List of common and in-demand vacancies:
- excursion seller;
- accompaniment of excursions;
- diving instructor;
- animator;
- hotel guest relations manager;
- guide;
- realtor
Egypt: economy and labor market
Egypt, located on the Asian and African continents, is an almost entirely tourist country. The climate and properly developed infrastructure allow the state to exist virtually by serving vacationers. Therefore, Egypt will be ideal for those Russian citizens who see their development in the tourism sector.
On video: How to get a job as an animator in Egypt
In addition to tourism, certain areas of industry are developing in Egypt - primarily fishing and food, as well as construction, trade and the oil sector. Some of these activities are quasi-tourist, serving primarily the needs of vacationers.
Thus, an important feature of the Egyptian labor market is the limited range of vacancies, especially for foreigners. Highly qualified specialists, including lawyers, doctors, financiers, can find vacancies. But in order for a candidate from another country to be accepted for a position, it is necessary to present significant value to the hiring company and, in terms of professionalism, to surpass other applicants with Egyptian citizenship. In general, even taking into account the considerable success that Egypt has achieved in the tourism industry, you should not count on high earnings or easy employment in a prestigious position. This factor is explained by a certain limited development of the local economy and the average low standard of living in the country.
Egypt, like other Asian countries, has a rather heterogeneous economic and social structure. Thus, some cities and regions offer significantly more prospects in career and financial terms, while others that are not successful among tourists have a much lower level of development. In particular, in Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh, workers in the tourism sector are most in demand, since these cities are famous for the largest flow of vacationers. At the same time, those wishing to work in the office of a large company should pay attention first of all to the capital Cairo, where most of the local and international enterprises are located.
On video: Work in Sharm El Sheikh
In general, the standard of living and social development in Egypt is relatively low, so in most areas wages will not be competitive with European standards. However, unemployment in the country is relatively low - in 2021 the figure was about 12 percent.
On video: Life and work in Egypt
Knowledge of the national language often does not become a barrier to employment in Egypt, especially in the tourism sector - since Europeans and tourists from Russian-speaking countries predominate among vacationers in most hotels, knowledge of Russian and English is sufficient. If a future migrant, having a specialized higher education, aims to find employment in an office as a manager, lawyer, accountant or similar positions, be sure to first study English and Arabic at a high level.
One of the common problems that many migrant workers in Egypt face is the bureaucratic difficulties in obtaining a work permit in the country. The duration of this process can last from a month to six months and requires the presentation of certain documents. Therefore, you should start the process of obtaining all the necessary documents in advance.
Salaries, taxes, employment levels
Unemployment in Egypt is hovering at 12% in 2021, which is very high. More than 3.6 million people are unemployed and live on benefits or doing odd jobs. The national currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). For one USD they now give approximately 17.91 EGP. The US dollar is allowed to circulate freely in the country.
The minimum wage in Egypt in 2021 is 41.86 USD, or 749.74 EGP per month. The average salary of highly qualified employees is approximately 3870 EGP per month, while low-skilled specialists earn around 1980 EGP for the same period. It should be taken into account that the cost of living in the country is at the level of 1980 EGP per month.
Income tax in Egypt is 25% and the social security levy rate is 14% of total wages.
The work week starts on Sunday and ends on Thursday. The working day can range from five to nine hours, but Egyptian law prohibits working more than 35 hours a week.
How much can you earn
It is difficult to predict in this matter, firstly, it depends on the regions and cities, in many of them salaries vary greatly. But even if you chose the right area and found the desired job, the chance is small that you will be able to get significantly rich - after all, Egypt is not suitable for financial enrichment.
If this doesn’t scare you, then the average salary in Egypt for 2018 is 200-300 euros per month, and the ceiling is 400 euros (if you are incredibly lucky or you are a truly valuable specialist).
Official employment for Russians, Ukrainians and other foreigners
In order to avoid problems with the law, a foreign worker must enter into an employment contract with an employer in Egypt. Such a document is drawn up in three copies in Arabic, one for each of the parties and for the social insurance authority.
The employment contract reflects the following information:
- official name and address of the employer;
- all information about the employee, including his name, profession, position, skill level, residential address and social security card number;
- type and characteristics of hired work;
- the agreed upon salary amount, the procedure and timing of its payment, the list and amount of possible benefits.
The employee may be assigned a three-month probationary period, which is also specified in the employment agreement.
The employment was official, according to the work book, this reassured me and my parents, since it was a little scary to go alone to work in an unfamiliar country; I had never been to Egypt or Arab countries before. In the work book it was written as a Specialist in organizing holidays with children.
I was told to fill out a health certificate, took several tests and quickly got it done, collected the necessary documents - vaccination certificates, education documents and documents usually required when applying for any job, and made photocopies of passports just in case.
We paid for round-trip flights, meals (all inclusive), and accommodation.
Olga
https://teddy-love.com/otzyiv-rabota-animatorom-v-egipte-kak-nayti-rabotu-animatorom.html
Work Visa
A work visa is issued on the basis of an employment contract concluded with the employer. Foreigners can only take up a position if an Egyptian citizen is not applying for it. In addition, in such an enterprise the number of labor immigrants should not exceed 10% of the total number of employees. Moreover, the employer must justify the personnel shortage in his company and make a visa deposit in the bank in the amount of 50 thousand EGP for each hired foreign specialist. This money can be returned at the end of the employment contract.
To apply for a work visa you will need the following documents:
- original international passport (valid for at least three months after the end of the employment contract) with copies of all pages;
- a special visa application form to be filled out in English;
- a higher education diploma confirmed by the Egyptian Ministry of Justice;
- four color photographs measuring 3.5x4.5 cm;
- letter of guarantee from the employer with justification for inviting a foreigner;
- medical insurance.
A work visa is issued for a specific employer and is canceled if you change jobs
All documents are submitted to the passport and visa service with payment of a registration fee of about 150 USD (depending on the duration of the visa). After some time, the labor immigrant is invited for an introductory preliminary conversation in English at the security service. Subsequently, the package of documents is sent to the Department of Foreign Investment, where the issue of the feasibility of employing a foreigner is considered. The initial consideration of the application can last up to three months. If the decision is positive, the documents are returned to the passport and visa service, which issues a work visa for a period of three months to one year and stamps the passport.
The employee makes a photocopy of the visa for himself, and the original is deposited with the employer and provided to the migration service during checks.
To extend a work visa, it is enough to write an application, have it certified by the employer, get a certificate with a blood test for HIV, RW and hepatitis and submit all this to the visa service.
Features of employment
The Egyptian labor market has quite high competition for high-paying vacancies. Many foreigners take up work illegally, but such a step usually leads to problems with the law and fines. It is safest to cooperate with large organizations that formalize labor relations with employees.
Very often, local companies become guarantors of a foreign worker for the entire period of his working life. The employer issues a visa and work permit to the new employee, and also bears financial responsibility for him. The process of obtaining a work permit itself lasts from 1 month or more. To be eligible to get a job in Egypt, citizens of Ukraine and other countries must provide:
- an invitation from the employer with justification of the reasons for hiring a foreigner;
- valid international passport;
- completed standard application form;
- medical examination results;
- receipt of payment of the state fee;
- package of documents from the receiving organization;
- copies of diplomas of education received.
Additionally, employees of the Ministry of Human Resources and Egyptian Migration Services may also request other documents and information.
A work permit in Egypt, regardless of the vacancy, is issued for a period of 6 months to 1 year with the possibility of further extension.
Work permit
The procedure for issuing a work permit, without which a foreigner’s work is prohibited, is established by the Egyptian Ministry of Human Resources.
There are some nuances here.
The work permit itself can be issued by three government agencies in Egypt:
- Ministry of Human Resources.
- Main Directorate for Investments and Free Trade and Industrial Zones.
- State oil and gas company EGAS.
These authorities are authorized, but not required, to issue permits. Everything is done at their discretion. In addition, you must pay for a work permit. The employer pays this fee. The first year of obtaining a work permit will cost 3 thousand EGP, but then the amount will increase every year to 12 thousand EGP. If the employer exceeds the ten percent quota for the employment of foreign specialists, then the permit may not be issued without special approval. At the same time, for each employee above the limit, an additional payment of 10 thousand EGP is required in the first year and 15 thousand EGP in subsequent years.
Work permits do not need to be obtained by diplomatic service workers, foreign journalists, pilots, flight attendants and merchant seamen, that is, all those who often cross the border for official or work reasons. In this case, a professional multiple-entry visa is issued to enter Egypt. To obtain it, the same documents are required as for a work visa, with the exception of confirmation from the Ministry of Justice and a letter of guarantee from the employer. And such a visa is issued at the Egyptian consulate in the applicant’s country of residence.
The most popular specialties
The most popular specialties in Hurghada in 2021 are:
- Animator.
- Hostess.
- Guest relations
- Singer.
- Dancer.
- Salesman.
- Real estate agent.
- Guide.
- Excursion guide.
- Water sports instructor.
- Seller of excursions.
An animator is a host of entertainment events. Often, animators are employed directly in hotel complexes and hotels, where various programs are already provided for the entertainment of guests.
The easiest way to find a job is as an animator. A working day in this specialty lasts at least 8 hours. The average salary for an animator in Hurghada ranges from $200 to $250 per month.
Working as an animator is quite difficult. After all, the work process requires a person to be stress-resistant, sociable and always in a good mood. Animators have a fairly extensive list of prohibitions. They are not allowed to wear sunglasses, use obscene language, treat hotel guests with disrespect, or discuss hotel operations with visitors. Many hotels only hire animators without bad habits.
Only girls under 30 years of age with good appearance are accepted for the position of hostess. The main responsibility of the hostess is to prevent the guest from getting bored. And in translation hostess means “receiving guests.” At first glance, this is a very simple job. But this specialty requires excellent knowledge of the English language and good physical fitness, because you will have to work 8-10 hours on your feet. Salaries for hostesses in a mid-range restaurant range from $50 to $300 per month. The main advantage of this specialty is that hostesses are provided with housing and food. They also take out a health insurance policy at the expense of the employer.
Guest relations is a person who assists guests of hotel complexes in resolving various issues. This position also mainly accepts only girls under 30 years of age with a good knowledge of English and Arabic. The guest relations salary is at least $300 per month. Accommodation and food are provided.
The main disadvantage of this work is the schedule and duration of the contract. You can get a job for this vacancy only if the girl agrees to work for at least 6 months in a row. An employment contract is always concluded with guest relations, according to which the employer pays his employee for a return ticket.
Singers and dancers are in great demand in Hurghada. Their wages directly depend on their work schedule. But on average, representatives of these areas receive from 200 to 800 dollars monthly.
You can also get a job in Hurghada as a salesperson in souvenir shops. The salary of a salesperson on average does not exceed $300. But most often, sellers are not provided with food and accommodation.
Real estate agents most often make money from renting or selling properties. They do not have a fixed salary, but on average a realtor earns up to $400 per month.
Seller of excursions is the lowest paid specialty in Hurghada. This position involves suggesting and advising on various excursion trips. The earnings of sellers depend on the number of excursions sold.
On average, the seller receives up to 300 - 400 dollars per month. But experienced sellers can earn up to $1,000 a month during the season.
An excursion guide receives no more than $200 a month for his work. The main requirements for an employee are knowledge of English and communication skills.
A diving instructor also doesn't earn much. On average, an instructor's salary does not exceed $300 per month.
Finding a job as a guide in Hurghada is the most difficult thing. This is one of the best paid positions. On average, a guide can earn from 400 to 1000 dollars per month during the season. The highest salaries for guides are offered by such travel companies as:
- "Biblio Globus".
- "Pegasus Tourist".
- "Anex Tour".
Consequences for trying to get a job illegally in Egypt
Although Egyptian police regularly raid foreigners working without permission, this does not stop immigrant workers. Often, Russians and residents of CIS countries, having entered on a tourist visa, remain to work in the country illegally. It is quite difficult to identify such a labor immigrant. The penalty for violation is small. When flying home, you will only have to pay no more than 30 USD as a fine.
For employers caught employing illegal workers, sanctions may be imposed in the form of a fine of up to 5 thousand EGP.
Table: advantages and disadvantages of working and living in Egypt
| pros | Minuses |
| A climate that provides comfortable working and living conditions. Dry and partly cloudy weather with year-round temperatures of +25–34°C. | Low level of salary offered. It is difficult to count on anything more than 400–450 USD per month. The exception is hotel guides with a salary of up to 1 thousand USD. In Egypt they are not yet ready to pay well, unless your work is related to tourism or trade. |
| Low crime rate. It is safe to be outside even late at night. If necessary, you can safely stay at work until late. | It is very difficult to find official employment. About 75% of foreigners work unofficially, that is, without a work visa. Only those who have found work in the tourism sector with large tour operators and work at their invitation can obtain a real work visa. |
| Developed infrastructure and the absence of all kinds of everyday problems. Convenient and cheap public transport, low tariffs for water and electricity, inexpensive food. | It is difficult to find highly qualified work. If by profession you are a doctor, accountant, engineer or other very valuable specialist for Russia with several higher educations, then in Egypt you have practically nothing to count on. To get a job in your profession, you will not only have to master the Arabic language at an advanced level, but also go through a very complex procedure for confirming your diploma. Only a few decide to do this - those who have once and for all made a choice in favor of Egypt. In addition, Egyptians are more likely to hire their friends, relatives and simply compatriots for good positions than visitors, even good specialists. |
| Inexpensive cost of real estate and rental housing. | During the period of work in Egypt, you should not rent housing in those houses where the majority of locals live. The houses where they live are often very dirty, with garbage, cockroaches, and sometimes rats everywhere. |
| There are many Russian speakers, which allows you to significantly expand your social circle and not feel cut off from your homeland. | An important fact is the lack of highly developed technologies, for example, high-speed unlimited Internet. This will be especially painful for those who freelance and need the Internet to work remotely. |
Where to look for work in Cairo
As previously noted, wages in Cairo are not very high. Therefore, for people seeking to improve their material well-being, work here is not suitable.
This city welcomes both highly qualified and unskilled professionals. People with high qualifications and considerable work experience can earn up to $4,000 per month in Cairo.
You can find a job in Cairo in the following areas:
- IT technologies.
- Oil sector.
- Teaching activities.
- Medical industry.
- Tourism sector.
A tourist area is more suitable for young, ambitious people. Even though Cairo is not overcrowded with hotel complexes, there is a shortage of animators and service personnel (maids, bartenders, waiters, etc.) in this city. Foreigners with good knowledge of English can find work as guides or tour guides in Cairo.
Knowing Arabic and English well, a foreign national can find a job as a seller of excursions. Despite the fact that Cairo is not recognized as the most popular city for holidays in Egypt, it contains much of the historical architecture. The city amazes with the abundance of mosques and museums. On average, a tour seller can earn up to $400 per month.
Tour guides and tour guides earn approximately $400 to $1,000 per month. But finding a job in such a specialty is extremely difficult. There are very high requirements for guides: communication skills, resistance to stress, a good level of knowledge of foreign languages, good appearance and good diction.
One of the best paid professions in Cairo for foreigners is an animator working in hotels and inns. This job is very suitable for students who need to earn extra money during the season. On average, an animator earns $300 per month. The easiest place to get a job as an animator is in Cairo. After all, there is a very high staff turnover in this area.
Working as animators in Cairo
Girls who know foreign languages can get a job in hotels and hotel suites as guest relations. This position involves providing consulting services to hotel visitors.
Foreign representatives with experience in the real estate field can find work as a realtor in Cairo. Tourists often come to the city on their own, that is, not from travel companies. Therefore, rental apartments are in demand in Cairo, since tourists often do not want to stay in hotels. Realtors involved in renting apartments and premises do not have a fixed salary. On average, they receive from 2% of each completed transaction.
Men who have a driver's license and work experience can get a job as a driver. Middle-aged men can also work in construction.
Working as a bus driver in Cairo
Only foreigners with high qualifications and considerable work experience will be able to get a well-paid position. But Egyptian employers can hire a foreign employee only if they prove that there is no candidate for the position among the Egyptians. To be employed in a specialty, a foreigner will need to confirm his education.
According to statistics, more than 40 thousand foreign citizens work in Cairo.
For people with specialized education, they can find employment in oil companies and communication providers. Foreigners can also find employment in the heavy or chemical industries.
Without knowledge of foreign languages, it will be quite difficult for Russians and Ukrainians to find work. But, even without knowing English and Arabic, you can find a job in Russian restaurants, kindergartens intended for Russian children or schools where the program is taught in Russian.
Internship
Internships in Egypt for students are offered by companies related to the hotel business. Advertisements are usually posted on the Internet on job search sites.
The most common are internship programs for animator, sports instructor, fitness trainer, dance teacher, and chief organizer. The host party, as a rule, pays a stipend of up to 300 USD per month and provides free accommodation with three meals a day.
Russian universities of international relations often organize internships in Arabic for their students together with Egyptian partners. Such programs, in addition to language training, include familiarization with the history and culture of Egypt.
Internships can be either paid (from 170 to 200 USD) or free, it all depends on the organizer. When applying, you will need to fill out and submit a resume.
Internship for students of the Kazan Institute of Oriental Studies and International Relations of KFU at Cairo University
