Egypt is gearing up to offer one million job opportunities for its citizens in Germany over the next four years, as part of a broader strategy to tap into international labor markets and address domestic unemployment.
Minister of Manpower Mohamed Gobran announced the plan during a phone interview on EL Mehwar TV on February 5, 2024, adding that Egypt would also provide 1,450 training opportunities for employment in Italy.
Gobran said that the specifics of the cooperation with Germany will be unveiled once the protocol is signed. “We are working hard to ensure these (work) opportunities provide real value for our workforce and that they’re well-prepared for the challenges of working abroad,” he said.
Egypt has long sought to expand its labor export programs. In 2024, the Ministry of Manpower signed an agreement with Cyprus to regulate the entry and residency of Egyptian workers in line with Cypriot labor market needs, according to Cyprus’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
That same year, Egypt’s Ambassador Omar Amer met with Greek Minister of Labor Niki Kerameus to advance the seasonal labor agreement, aiming to create legal employment opportunities and curb illegal migration. Greece also agreed to complete pending social security payments for former Egyptian workers.
Demand for skilled workers
The German labor market is experiencing a shortage of skilled workers, and Egypt’s move to provide manpower comes at an opportune moment.
Key sectors in Germany are in high demand for professionals, including healthcare (nurses and physicians), engineering, IT specialists, and skilled tradespeople according to the Make it in Germany website, which falls under the umbrella of the German federal government.
In November 2023, Germany introduced the EU Blue Card, which reduces salary requirements for skilled workers in shortage occupations, offering an opportunity for Egyptian workers to fill these gaps. According to the German government’s labor market portal, Make it in Germany, the minimum salary for shortage occupations under the EU Blue Card will be €43,759.80 in 2025. Additionally, IT specialists can qualify for the card without a university degree, as long as they have at least three years of relevant experience.
The introduction of the EU Blue Card is expected to make it easier for workers from countries like Egypt to enter the German labor market, which could bring both economic and professional benefits to those involved.
According to Egypt’s state-run statistics agency (CAPMAS), over 14 million Egyptians are living abroad as of 2023.
Emad Nasr, Human Resources Director at Lecico and Chair of the HR Committee at the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt (AmCham Egypt), suggests a system similar to the J1 visa in the U.S. for this initiative. Under this model, Egyptian workers would be required to return to Egypt after a temporary work stint of up to three years. “This would allow workers to gain valuable experience in Germany, earn in euros, and bring back essential skills to Egypt,” Nasr said in an interview with Business Monthly.
He cautioned, however, that a permanent labor migration could exacerbate Egypt’s existing “brain drain” issue. “If these workers leave permanently, we risk losing valuable human capital,” Nasr added. “But if this is a temporary arrangement, we could see a real long-term gain.”
The proposal of sending one million workers to Germany presents its challenges and opportunities. According to Mostafa Rostom, a Middle East Trade Union expert and former director of international relations at the Egyptian Trade Union Confederation, the plan could reduce illegal immigration by offering workers legitimate employment channels abroad. However, he pointed out the need for comprehensive support systems for the workers, including vocational training and cultural orientation.
“Egypt has a rich experience in training workers for specific sectors, like construction, where training centers already exist. We need to create similar partnerships with German institutions to ensure our workers are properly prepared,” Rostom said.
Rostom also emphasized the importance of vocational training programs in Egypt, particularly in high-demand fields like healthcare and engineering. “There is a huge need for skilled labor, but the challenge lies in providing the right training to meet international standards,” he explained. The possibility of family reunification programs could also help integrate workers into their new environments while maintaining their ties with Egypt.
According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the number of sea arrivals of illegal immigrants from Egypt to Italy reached 4,368 in 2024, while those to Greece totaled 6,647.
Language barriers
Moving abroad can be an exciting adventure, offering a wealth of new experiences, opportunities, and perspectives. There are perks like exploring new cultures, gaining personal growth, and even boosting your career with international experience. But, it’s also a big transition. Amr Gomaa ElHady, a doctoral researcher at the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence, shared his experience as an Egyptian in Germany. “The language barrier was a major challenge, as Germans typically don’t speak English fluently. But the experience was enriching professionally, particularly in academia,” he said.
ElHady highlighted the personal challenges of living in a foreign country, especially the emotional toll of homesickness. “Even when traveling with family, it’s not easy adapting to a completely different culture,” he added. However, he believes the experience has contributed to his professional development and made him more competitive in the academic world.
Boost in remittances
This new opportunity can significantly benefit Egypt’s economy by increasing the inflow of remittances, which are a crucial source of foreign currency. According to the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), remittances in June 2024 doubled compared to February of the same year, reaching approximately $2.6 billion. This surge follows the flotation of the Egyptian pound in March 2024, which alleviated the foreign exchange liquidity shortage in the country.
In November 2024, remittances saw a 65.4% year-on-year increase, growing from around $1.6 billion.
In fact, Egypt’s labor export initiative is not unique. Other countries like the Philippines and India have established successful models for exporting labor, particularly to the Middle East and Europe. The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), for instance, facilitates the recruitment of Filipino workers abroad and ensures their protection while working overseas. In 2023, Filipino workers sent home a record $37.2 billion in remittances, according to the Philippine Central Bank.
India has also been successful in sending skilled workers to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, with a significant portion of its economy relying on remittances from its diaspora. India was ranked among the top recipients of remittances globally, with inflows estimated at $129 billion in 2024, according to the World Bank.
By drawing on successful models from countries like the Philippines and India, Egypt could see similar benefits, including improved skills in its workforce, reduced illegal immigration, and an influx of foreign currency. However, the long-term success of this plan will depend on how well Egypt can equip its workers with the necessary skills and provide them with the support they need while abroad.
