Labor market in Egypt in 2021

Ways to find a job

There are several employment options in Egypt. It is best when the candidate has friends who can provide protection or suggest suitable places. If there are no such friends or relatives, it will be useful to check social networks or seek help from a specialized agency.

One of the most acceptable ways is to use Internet sites that provide job-related services. The list of popular resources is presented in the table:

But not everyone succeeds in finding an attractive vacancy to take a worthy place. A good option is to visit the country on a tourist visa, look around first, and go with a ready-made option for employment.

Egypt: economy and labor market

Egypt, located on the Asian and African continents, is an almost entirely tourist country. The climate and properly developed infrastructure allow the state to exist virtually by serving vacationers. Therefore, Egypt will be ideal for those Russian citizens who see their development in the tourism sector.

On video: How to get a job as an animator in Egypt

In addition to tourism, certain areas of industry are developing in Egypt - primarily fishing and food, as well as construction, trade and the oil sector. Some of these activities are quasi-tourist, serving primarily the needs of vacationers.

Thus, an important feature of the Egyptian labor market is the limited range of vacancies, especially for foreigners. Highly qualified specialists, including lawyers, doctors, financiers, can find vacancies. But in order for a candidate from another country to be accepted for a position, it is necessary to present significant value to the hiring company and, in terms of professionalism, to surpass other applicants with Egyptian citizenship. In general, even taking into account the considerable success that Egypt has achieved in the tourism industry, you should not count on high earnings or easy employment in a prestigious position. This factor is explained by a certain limited development of the local economy and the average low standard of living in the country.

Egypt, like other Asian countries, has a rather heterogeneous economic and social structure. Thus, some cities and regions offer significantly more prospects in career and financial terms, while others that are not successful among tourists have a much lower level of development. In particular, in Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh, workers in the tourism sector are most in demand, since these cities are famous for the largest flow of vacationers. At the same time, those wishing to work in the office of a large company should pay attention first of all to the capital Cairo, where most of the local and international enterprises are located.

On video: Work in Sharm El Sheikh

In general, the standard of living and social development in Egypt is relatively low, so in most areas wages will not be competitive with European standards. However, unemployment in the country is relatively low - in 2021 the figure was about 12 percent.

On video: Life and work in Egypt

Knowledge of the national language often does not become a barrier to employment in Egypt, especially in the tourism sector - since Europeans and tourists from Russian-speaking countries predominate among vacationers in most hotels, knowledge of Russian and English is sufficient. If a future migrant, having a specialized higher education, aims to find employment in an office as a manager, lawyer, accountant or similar positions, be sure to first study English and Arabic at a high level.

One of the common problems that many migrant workers in Egypt face is the bureaucratic difficulties in obtaining a work permit in the country. The duration of this process can last from a month to six months and requires the presentation of certain documents. Therefore, you should start the process of obtaining all the necessary documents in advance.

Popular vacancies in the country

This may seem strange, but for our compatriots the list of professions that are in greatest demand and most common does not vary too much. To have a good chance of success, the candidate is required to know Arabic; English and French would not hurt.

The offered work and vacancies do not have extremely high salaries. The most attractive places for Russians are places with the following professions:

• seller of excursion tours;
• tour guide;
• scuba diving instructor;
• animator;
• hotel manager;
• realtor

Most acceptable options are related to the tourism business, since Russian-speaking candidates are in demand in the field of servicing visitors.

Animator

This profession is offered to many Russian people, mainly young people. Most of them, after one season, come back here again.

What is the job?

The animator’s tasks include conducting entertainment events for tourists - competitions, concert programs, evenings and holidays for children. The presence of such employees allows the hotel to significantly increase profits, increasing its attractiveness in the eyes of guests. This contributes to achieving success in the fight against competitors.

? How to get a job as an animator in Hurghada hotels?

To become an animator in Egypt, you need to go through a certain procedure. It starts with studying information. You read about the vacancy on our website, learn all the nuances of the work and make a decision - to go for a contract.

If something remains unclear to you, after reading the articles, you contact our manager and ask questions.

When the “picture” is completely drawn, and you have no questions or doubts, you fill out the form and send it to us.

We will review your candidacy within 24 hours and contact you to clarify details.

Next, directly organizational issues. Drawing up a contract and interview with the employer. By the way, this interview is purely formal. Because even before it, you have already been hired. Afterwards, departure for the contract.

The only documents you need are your international passport. No matter what city you live in, we can employ you. The registration procedure is completed remotely without any problems.

? What is the work schedule for animators in Hurghada?

Animators in Egypt (Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada - there are no differences) work throughout the day, but with breaks. Work starts at 10:00. From 12:30 to 15:00 and from 17:00 to 19:00 the guys have breaks. Thus, animators work for two to two and a half hours. During the first break, a rehearsal of the evening animation is possible. It, in turn, lasts from 19:00 to 23:00. The guys work 6 days a week. That is, one day a week is a day off.

? What should I take with me?

When going on a contract, you don’t need to take practically any things for work. Inventory, work uniform - everything is in the hotel. However, a suit of a white shirt (blouse, blouse) and black trousers (skirt) will come in handy. You also need sports shoes for work - sandals, sneakers, sneakers. It is prohibited to work in flip-flops and flip-flops. Don't forget to bring any evening or cocktail dress you'll wear to greet guests at the restaurant for dinner. It would be a good idea to think about what you will wear to discos. There are no special requirements in the club dress code, the main thing is that you are comfortable.

When placing children in a hotel, the employer provides them with work uniforms, bed linen and laundry. The only thing you need to take with you is a couple of towels.

Of course, don’t forget about personal products – cosmetics, hair styling products, medications.

When choosing a job in Egypt, be careful. Don't leave for work without signing a contract. Please read its terms and conditions carefully. Do not trust private unverified managers who do not give any guarantees.

Legal employment

Working in Hurghada or another Egyptian city requires completing the necessary mandatory formalities. This is required to ensure compliance with legal regulations. The candidate must have a contract with the employing organization. The document is drawn up in Arabic. Number of copies - three (except for the parties, the agreement is provided to the local social insurance service). The contract provides a description of the following points:

• company names and addresses;
• name, professional characteristics, place of residence and other information about the employee;
• what are the responsibilities;
• how much the vacancy will be paid, the payment procedure.

Sometimes the candidate is offered a three-month probationary period, which is also reflected in the contract.

Working resolution

Representatives of other states have the right to apply for vacancies in Egypt only if the involvement of local citizens is excluded. Organizations have established quotas for the recruitment of foreigners - no more than ten percent of the total number of employees. To register a resident of another state, you will need to obtain appropriate permission from government authorities and pay an amount of three thousand EGP for any such person. Issued for a year. For each subsequent registration, the size increases, up to a maximum of four times. You have to pay extra if a candidate is accepted above the established limit.

Work visa

To be granted the right to work, a visitor must complete the appropriate documentation when crossing the border. If you visit the state as an ordinary tourist, you can only get a place illegally. A work visa to Egypt can be issued if the following documentation is provided:

• international passports with copied pages;
• a special questionnaire, the language of completion is English;
• diploma or other confirmation of qualifications (depending on the profession);
• letter of guarantee from the company or contract;
• medical insurance policy.

All submitted papers are checked within three months (if we are talking about initial entry). After preparing the visa, the original is handed over to the company, and the employee retains a copy.

? Who can work as an animator in Hurghada?

Both Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada impose requirements on applicants - animators must have certain physical training, the necessary psychological characteristics and the necessary skills.

Physical fitness means: good health and endurance.

Psychological characteristics: sociability, openness, artistry, cheerful and positive mood.

Required skills:

• At least minimal knowledge of English
• Sports or dance training
• Work experience is welcome, but is not required when selecting candidates

Why are we talking about health? Because animators in Egyptian hotels must withstand quite a heavy load every day. On your feet all day, constant communication, plus wasting energy on “inspiring” languid and relaxed tourists - all this is quite difficult. Those hours of rest that animators have during the day are not enough at first. And while the guys get into the work, at first they really need stamina and fortitude.

With psychological characteristics everything is clear. The hotel animator is the creator of a festive, cheerful mood. A closed and boring person simply cannot cope with such a task.

But we need to say more about skills. Animators in Egypt: Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh, it doesn’t matter, everyone must speak at least basic English. During an interview at an agency and when communicating with an employer, this question is not “tested” in any way. But once work begins, it becomes clear whether the animator can interact with hotel visitors (non-Russian speakers) or not. And those guys who don’t speak the language at all, unfortunately, are sent home. By the way, you have to buy a ticket at your own expense. Obviously this is not profitable.

However, there is an exception to the rule. Those guys who come to work with good professional training can start working without knowing the language. Within a month they should tighten up the “gaps”. This is a completely realistic task, since no one requires fluency in the language, and it is quite possible to master a few basic phrases.

There is a condition for all animators who come to work in Hurghada - they must undergo training. For two weeks, the animators are told all the intricacies of their work and taught everything they need. Therefore, if you really want to, you can go on a contract without experience and without outstanding skills. But, of course, priority is given to those who can train during the day, or perform a good performance on stage in the evening.

? How much does an animator earn in Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh?

Animator in Hurghada - earns up to $700 per month. The payment system is like this. All animators go to the initially set rate of $300. They undergo training, work, and, depending on their personal qualities, receive an increase of up to $500. Those guys who have experience as an animator can count on $600 per month.

Another 100 $ - 200 $ bring extra money. This is the money that animators receive for selling CDs, party tickets, souvenirs and other small items.

Salaries in Egypt

Many people are interested in how much Russian citizens are paid here. The candidate's income level will depend on his qualifications and work experience. But salaries in Egypt for most of the most common vacancies are not too high.

Currently, unskilled workers receive about two hundred euros per month. Specialists have the right to claim salaries of up to 400, which is also significantly inferior to similar indicators in developed Western European countries.

Minimum

The level of this criterion in Egypt is slightly less than seven hundred and fifty local pounds per month.

average salary

If we consider the general characteristics of salaries, they depend on the candidate’s profession and his experience. Urban residents are much more likely to find a more profitable place. The average salary in the country is from 200 to 300 euros. But a visitor who does not have high qualifications should not hope for a salary greater than the indicated values.

The most popular specialties

The most popular specialties in Hurghada in 2021 are:

• Animator.
• Hostess.
• Guest relations
• Singer.
• Dancer.
• Salesman.
• Real estate agent.
• Guide.
• Excursion guide.
• Water sports instructor.
• Seller of excursions.

An animator is a host of entertainment events. Often, animators are employed directly in hotel complexes and hotels, where various programs are already provided for the entertainment of guests.

The easiest way to find a job is as an animator. A working day in this specialty lasts at least 8 hours. The average salary for an animator in Hurghada ranges from $200 to $250 per month.

Working as an animator is quite difficult. After all, the work process requires a person to be stress-resistant, sociable and always in a good mood. Animators have a fairly extensive list of prohibitions. They are not allowed to wear sunglasses, use obscene language, treat hotel guests with disrespect, or discuss hotel operations with visitors. Many hotels only hire animators without bad habits.

Only girls under 30 years of age with good appearance are accepted for the position of hostess. The main responsibility of the hostess is to prevent the guest from getting bored. And in translation hostess means “receiving guests.” At first glance, this is a very simple job. But this specialty requires excellent knowledge of the English language and good physical fitness, because you will have to work 8-10 hours on your feet. Salaries for hostesses in a mid-range restaurant range from $50 to $300 per month. The main advantage of this specialty is that hostesses are provided with housing and food. They also take out a health insurance policy at the expense of the employer.

Guest relations is a person who assists guests of hotel complexes in resolving various issues. This position also mainly accepts only girls under 30 years of age with a good knowledge of English and Arabic. The guest relations salary is at least $300 per month. Accommodation and food are provided.

The main disadvantage of this work is the schedule and duration of the contract. You can get a job for this vacancy only if the girl agrees to work for at least 6 months in a row. An employment contract is always concluded with guest relations, according to which the employer pays his employee for a return ticket.

Singers and dancers are in great demand in Hurghada. Their wages directly depend on their work schedule. But on average, representatives of these areas receive from 200 to 800 dollars monthly.

You can also get a job in Hurghada as a salesperson in souvenir shops. The salary of a salesperson on average does not exceed $300. But most often, sellers are not provided with food and accommodation.

Real estate agents most often make money from renting or selling properties. They do not have a fixed salary, but on average a realtor earns up to $400 per month.

Seller of excursions is the lowest paid specialty in Hurghada. This position involves suggesting and advising on various excursion trips. The earnings of sellers depend on the number of excursions sold.

On average, the seller receives up to 300 - 400 dollars per month. But experienced sellers can earn up to $1,000 a month during the season.

An excursion guide receives no more than $200 a month for his work. The main requirements for an employee are knowledge of English and communication skills.

A diving instructor also doesn't earn much. On average, an instructor's salary does not exceed $300 per month.

Finding a job as a guide in Hurghada is the most difficult thing. This is one of the best paid positions. On average, a guide can earn from 400 to 1000 dollars per month during the season. The highest salaries for guides are offered by such travel companies as:

1. "Biblio Globus".
2. "Pegasus Tourist".
3. "Anex Tour".

Consequences of illegal employment

The police regularly take measures to combat illegally employed foreigners. But the insignificance of the punishment and the possibility of paying off lead to the low effectiveness of such actions.

Checks are quite easy to avoid, and if an illegal immigrant is found, the fine is only thirty dollars. After deportation, nothing prevents you from returning back. A company that flouts employment laws could face a £5,000 payout. According to unofficial data, more than eighty percent of foreigners, including immigrants from Russia, are illegally registered to work in the republic.

Animation

These are the same people who entertain tourists, sing, dance and put on evening shows. In some hotels, you do not need to have any special education to work as an animator. They promise to teach everything on the spot. However, in higher-class hotels, animators must be professional dancers, circus performers, fitness trainers, etc., and also know at least English. Singers are a separate item in animation. If you sing and have an established repertoire, then for good money you can delight the ears of tourists in the evenings, thereby saving yourself from the daytime responsibilities of conducting exercises, competitions and other entertainment events (I won’t say for the whole of Odessa, but I know a couple of hotels where singers had on average 1000 dollars). The salary of other animators varies from hotel to hotel and averages from 300 to 800 dollars. Again, it all depends on the hotel, the level of animation, the animation company and the list of your responsibilities.

What's good?

- accommodation and meals at the hotel (Attention! In some hotels, animation lives in guest rooms, in some - in staff buildings, which are not always located on the territory of the hotel itself. In such cases, transport is provided by the employer);

— vacation with a paid ticket to your homeland and back once a year;

- an official contract with the employer and a work permit in Egypt, i.e. work visa (this is not always done; animation mostly works in Egypt, as they say, illegally);

— commission for tickets sold to nightclubs (depends on the honesty of the animation chief, as well as on whether the animation company sells tickets, since this is not practiced in all hotels, but in most);

- permanent tan (personally, when I worked as an animator as a student, the tan was disgusting, in the sense that I was three-colored. Because the uniform changed, and my arms tanned at different lengths of T-shirt sleeves, and my legs at different shorts; in the end even my diligent alignments almost didn’t help, so I had to fix it in a Moscow solarium);

- New acquaintances;

- language practice (who has something to practice);

— the opportunity to learn a foreign language at least a little;

- fun (especially for those who use their profession as a dancer, physical educator, etc.)

How to get settled?

Type “work as an animator in Egypt” in any search engine and you will get a bunch of sites that provide employment in hotels in Egypt and Turkey. Personally, at one time I got a job through the student exchange center of the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia. And I also got a job through an acquaintance. This is method number two. Come to Sharm and rustle through your connections on the spot. Usually, no problems arise, because among your friends and acquaintances there will definitely be a couple of animation chiefs looking for new shots.

In general, working as an animator is not bad, if you are not looking for career prospects. It is especially suitable for young, cheerful students, and also, as I already said, for people in sports, creative and stage professions. But the main thing is the love of communicating with people and endurance. After all, jumping around with a smile on your face all day under the scorching Egyptian sun is no joke!

Practicing and internships

Similar opportunities are offered by companies specializing in the hotel business. Life in Egypt for such candidates is provided with a stipend of three dollars, a room and free food.

Russian universities often arrange internships for the purpose of in-depth study of the Arabic language, local history and culture. These events are organized jointly with Egyptian partners.

Sometimes internships may be paid. The proposed conditions depend on the company initiating the event and other circumstances.

Doing business in the country

To get decent pay, a good opportunity for Russians is to open their own business. This form of employment will greatly facilitate subsequent immigration, if there is such an intention. When organizing a business in Egypt, the priority direction for Russians is tourism, since this area has the greatest prospects. There are several possible ways of doing business - private entrepreneurs, branches of international companies, joint-stock companies and others. The choice depends on the nature of the activity and the scale of investment.

To open a business with the creation of an LLC, the authorized capital must be at least fifty thousand, for a joint-stock company - from 250 to 500,000 in local currency.

If a migrant invests capital in the amount of £20 million, the foreigner (and all members of his family) automatically receives a residence permit for a period of five years, with subsequent renewal.

If a visitor crosses the border for the purpose of business, a resident or business visa must be issued. The first document mentioned provides for the purchase of housing in the country worth at least 50 thousand dollars or the transfer of the specified amount to the deposit account of a republican bank. The second obliges the entrepreneur to open a company in one of the possible forms.

When applying for a business visa, the set of documents provided differs little from those submitted when preparing a regular work or tourist visa.