[Egypt] Private sector workers get minimum wage for first time

Egypt has, for the first time, set a minimum wage for private-sector workers, taking a big step forward in the process of bringing those employees under the protection of regulations that have long been afforded to their public sector counterparts, BNN Bloomberg reports.

The Planning Ministry said the new wage was set at 2,400 Egyptian pounds ($135) per month, citing a decision by the National Council for Wages. The new minimum is on par with what was ordered for the public sector by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in March.

The push for a private sector minimum wage had hit a stumbling block with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent impact on the economy. At the same time, workers have long appealed for higher wages as they complained about the cost of living.

The ministry said that businesses affected by the new guidelines  which go into effect January 1, 2022 - will have until October to submit complaints.

Egypt has, for the first time, set a minimum wage for private-sector workers, taking a big step forward in the process of bringing those employees under the protection of regulations that have long been afforded to their public sector counterparts, BNN Bloomberg reports.

The Planning Ministry said the new wage was set at 2,400 Egyptian pounds ($135) per month, citing a decision by the National Council for Wages. The new minimum is on par with what was ordered for the public sector by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in March.

The push for a private sector minimum wage had hit a stumbling block with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent impact on the economy. At the same time, workers have long appealed for higher wages as they complained about the cost of living.

The ministry said that businesses affected by the new guidelines  which go into effect January 1, 2022 - will have until October to submit complaints.