Egypt, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and thriving economy, has become an attractive destination for businesses looking to expand their operations. As you venture into the Egyptian job market as an employer, understanding the nuances of hiring employees is essential for the success of your business. But the question is likely on your mind: “How to hire employees in Egypt?” 

In this article, we will walk you through the process of hiring employees in Egypt, providing you with valuable insights and tips to navigate the local labor landscape effectively.

Guidelines on How to Hire Employees in Egypt

Egypt represents a huge opportunity for employers — especially those looking to expand their remote teams. With a young workforce of highly skilled and motivated knowledge workers, Egypt has increasingly become a focus for companies looking to expand their teams in MENA. And it is borne out in the number — Egypt’s unemployment rate fell to a record 7% in Q2 of 2023. 

If you’re looking to hire remote employees in Egypt, we’ve got a series of steps that will help ensure you hire effectively — and in full compliance with local laws:

1. Understanding Egyptian Labor Laws

Egypt has specific labor laws that govern the employer-employee relationship. Familiarize yourself with regulations related to minimum wage, working hours, overtime, and holidays. It’s crucial to ensure your employment contracts comply with these laws to avoid legal complications.

‍

Using an onboarding solution like RemotePass, which can generate locally-compliant contracts in minutes, is an effective way of ensuring compliance with local employment law. 

2. Recruitment and Hiring Process

• Job Advertisements: Use local job portals, social media, and networking to advertise your job openings.
• Interview Process: Conduct interviews that assess both technical skills and cultural fit. Egyptians value personal connections, so building rapport during interviews is essential
• Documentation: Obtain all necessary documents from the candidates, including identification, educational certificates, and work permits if applicable. Once again, RemotePass centralizes this process and makes it quick and easy to get started. 
• Utilize an Employer of Record (EOR) solution: An EOR provider will take over the administrative, legal, and financial aspects of hiring in Egypt in return for a fee, making it swift and easy to hire without needing to set up a local entity.

 3. Work Culture and Language

• Language: Arabic is the official language. While many Egyptians speak English, having a basic understanding of Arabic can be advantageous, especially in business interactions.
• Work Hours: The standard workweek in Egypt is from Sunday to Thursday. Friday and Saturday are the weekend days. The typical workday is around 8 hours.

4. Compensation and Benefits

• Salary Structure: Determine competitive salaries based on industry standards and the candidate’s experience and skills.
• Benefits: Consider providing benefits like health insurance, paid leave, and performance-based bonuses to attract and retain top talent.
• Payroll: Given the volatility in Egypt’s domestic currency, many companies are choosing to pay their teams in another currency, like the US Dollar. RemotePass makes processing multi-country payroll a breeze, and gives employees choice in terms of how they receive their money. 

5. Cultural Sensitivity

• Ramadan: During the holy month of Ramadan, working hours are usually reduced. Be respectful of this religious observance and accommodate your employees accordingly.
• Hierarchy: Egyptian society values hierarchical structures. Understand and respect this in your workplace interactions.

6. Legal Requirements for Foreign Employers

• Work Permits: Ensure your employees, especially expatriates, have the necessary work permits. Work closely with legal consultants to streamline the process.
• Taxation: Understand the taxation regulations for both your business and your employees. Compliance is vital to avoid legal issues. RemotePass can help here. 

7. Post-Hiring Considerations

• Training and Development: Invest in continuous training and skill development programs to enhance your employees' abilities.
• Employee Well-being: Prioritize the well-being of your employees. Happy and healthy employees are more productive and loyal to your organization.

How to Hire Employees in Egypt: Use RemotePass 

Hiring employees in Egypt demands a careful balance between respecting local customs, adhering to legal requirements, and fostering a positive work environment. By understanding the unique aspects of the Egyptian job market and being culturally sensitive, you can build a talented and dedicated workforce for your business. 

Remember, investing time in understanding the local culture and laws will not only help you hire the right employees but also foster long-term success and growth for your business in this fascinating country.

RemotePass helps companies to onboard, pay, and manage global teams — including workers based in Egypt. Our solution centralizes the entire process, and ensures that every consideration is made along the way. 

If you’d like help expanding your remote team in Egypt, book a free demo with RemotePass today, and we’ll handle the rest.