Egypt to increase private sector minimum wage to LE 6,000

Egypt's National Wages Council (NWC) has announced an increase in the minimum wage for private-sector workers, to reach LE 6,000 starting from May 2024, during a meeting headed by Minister of Planning, Hala El-Said.

 

This decision reflects Egypt’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of workers, particularly in light of recent internal and external economic developments, El-Said added.

 

The Minister reviewed the historical progression of the minimum wage in the private sector. It began at LE 2,400 in January 2022 and was raised to LE 2,700 in January 2023. In July 2023, it was further increased to LE 3,000. Finally, in January of the subsequent year, it reached LE 3,500.

 

Now, the minimum wage stands at LE 6,000, encompassing all wage components, including the employer's contribution to the insurance subscription. 

 

However, it's important to note that micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 employees will be exempt from this decision.

 

This move aligns with the directives of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who emphasized the need for greater care, protection, and support for workers. Minister of Labor, Hassan Shehata said.

 

Earlier in February, President El-Sisi raised Egypt's minimum wage by 50 percent to LE 6,000, to alleviate the cost-of-living pressures on citizens.

 

The Egyptian president also directed the implementation of a social protection package, worth LE 180 billion, effective March 2024. 

 

The presidential decision also stipulates raising all salaries for government employees by a minimum of LE 1,000 to LE 1,200.