File Photo: Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) building . Al-Ahram
In its annual bulletin, CAPMAS reported a significant rise in the number of foreigners licensed to work in Egypt’s private and investment sectors. Of those granted permits in 2024, 10,003 individuals—or 43.7 percent—were first-time applicants, while 12,906—56.3 percent—renewed existing work permits.
Europeans lead, followed by Asian nationals
Foreign workers from European countries made up the largest group, accounting for 38.4 percent (8,798 individuals) of all licensed workers.
They were followed by non-Arab Asian nationals with 31.5 percent (7,224 individuals) and Arabs with 21.1 percent (4,826 individuals). Workers from non-Arab African nations represented 4.5 percent (1,026 individuals), while Americans made up 3.8 percent (868 individuals). Nationals from Oceania had the lowest representation, with just 110 workers—or 0.5 percent of the total.
Labour directorates issued nearly half of all permits
When broken down by licensing authority:
- Labour Directorates issued the largest share, with 11,197 permits (48.9 percent)
- Investment Offices issued 6,392 permits (27.9 percent)
- Company Offices issued 4,558 permits (19.9 percent)
- Petroleum Offices issued 762 permits (3.3 percent)
Managers and specialists make up the largest occupational groups
Managers made up the largest category of foreign workers by occupation, with 8,343 individuals (36.4 percent).
They were followed by:
- Specialists in scientific fields: 5,453 workers (23.8 percent)
- Technicians and assistant specialists: 3,530 workers (15.4 percent)
Public sector, utilities, and construction sectors dominate
In terms of economic sectors employing foreign nationals:
- Public administration, defense, and mandatory social insurance employed 5,587 workers (24.4 percent)
- The electricity, gas, and steam supply sector followed with 4,726 workers (20.6 percent)
- Construction employed 3,676 workers (16 percent)
- The wholesale and retail trade and repair services sector accounted for 2,859 workers (12.5 percent)
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