Egypt bans women from traveling abroad for domestic work, cafés jobs

Ahram Online , Wednesday 1 Apr 2026

Egypt has barred women from travelling abroad for work in domestic services and café jobs, the Ministry of Manpower said on Wednesday, citing concerns over worker safety and violations of employment regulations.

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The directive prohibits women from taking jobs in private homes, including roles such as domestic caregivers, cooks, housekeepers, personal assistants, and home nurses, as well as positions in cafés and restaurants, such as servers and counter staff.

The decision follows reports from Egypt’s labour office in Riyadh that some women were working in occupations banned under existing rules governing overseas employment.

The ministry said it aims to tighten oversight of foreign labour recruitment and prevent exploitation and unsafe working conditions, in coordination with recruitment companies and relevant authorities.

It ordered all licensed recruitment firms to comply immediately, warning that violations could result in suspended procedures or rejected applications.

The ministry said the measure forms part of broader efforts to regulate overseas employment and ensure what they describe as “safe and decent” job opportunities for Egyptian workers abroad.

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