Introduction
Finding a job anywhere can be taxing and complex, but doing so in a different country can be much more so.
Thankfully, many industries in Egypt are looking for industry professionals, and several industries are looking specifically for foreigners. Not so thankfully, the Egyptian government has various quotas and rules regarding the employment of foreigners, and as such most companies are hesitant to employ too many foreigners.
Regardless, this article is going to give you some tips on applying for work, and also provide a list of the top industries looking for foreign workers.
Top Industries in Egypt
When looking for work, you need to ensure you stand out in the sea of applications, and not hinge on the fact that you may be applying for an industry that needs foreigners.
Here’s a list of some of the most in-demand skills in Egypt.
Oil and Gas
Egypt has a significant oil and gas industry and international companies in this sector often hire foreign professionals with expertise in areas like engineering, geology, and project management.
Tourism and Hospitality
Egypt’s tourism industry is one of the biggest contributors to the economy and there are always opportunities for foreigners in roles such as hotel management, tour guides, and language interpretation.
Information Technology (IT) and Software Development
Technology and software are always highly in-demand jobs, and not much less so than in Egypt, whose IT sector is always on the lookout for skilled professionals.
Job roles in this sector include but are not limited to front-and-back-end developers, IT consultants, cybersecurity experts, software developers, web developers, and more.
Education
International schools, universities, and language institutions very often hire foreign teachers and educators, especially if they have the relevant qualifications and experience.
Medical and Healthcare
Egypt’s healthcare system welcomes foreigners with open arms, and jobs include everything from nurses (some of the most in-demand jobs) and doctors to medical researchers, especially in private practices.
Given the severity of the coronavirus outbreak, doctors, nurses, and therapeutic practitioners will be in high demand for many years to come.
Non-Government Organisations (NGOs)
NGOs working on developmental projects very often hire foreigners for their linguistic skills and expertise.
Often, humanitarian aid workers, project managers, and social workers are in very high demand.
Consulting
Although it’s not always guaranteed, most local businesses look to management and business consultants for assistance in improving their operations and strategies.
Sometimes employing someone with an outside perspective can be a great help.
Media and Journalism
There are several opportunities for foreign journalists, photographers, and media professionals, especially in English-speaking outlets. However, there are some sectors within media and journalism that are restricted.
Telecommunications
Egypt has a rapidly expanding telecommunications sector, and companies are often looking for foreign professionals in areas like network engineering and telecommunication structure development.
Coming from a country with an already highly developed telecommunications sector might even be a good bonus for your application.
Off-Limits Industries
Egypt has several regulations and restrictions regarding foreigners working in various job sectors. It is generally possible to find employment in various fields, but there are some sectors that are either completely off-limits or highly restricted for various reasons.
The reasons are usually to protect Egyptian nationals or national security.
Here is a list of off-limits or restricted industries in Egypt.
- Public administration and government
- This goes without saying that most government jobs and positions are available only to Egypt nationals.
- This includes roles in civil service, the military, and law enforcement.
- Agriculture and farming
- These roles are typically reserved for Egypt nationals.
- Media and journalism
- While we mentioned that certain roles in media and journalism are available for foreigners, those related to political reporting and a few others are restricted for foreigners and are subject to strict regulations.
- Religious roles
- Religious positions in places of worship are generally reserved for Egypt nationals.
- Legal professions
- Lawyers and judges are generally required to be Egypt nationals.
- Foreigners are often allowed to work in firms that specialise in international law but are still restricted.
- Primary and secondary education
- While tertiary education institutions often employ foreigners, positions in primary and secondary institutions are generally reserved for Egypt nationals.
- Medical and healthcare
- There is certainly a great deal of work for foreigners in this field, but certain roles may be restricted, and specific licencing requirements must be met.
- Mining and natural resource extraction
- Due to their strategic importance, jobs in the mining and natural resource divisions are generally reserved for Egypt nationals.
- Construction and manual labour
- Roles in this sector are generally reserved for Egypt nationals, but foreigners are often employed for specialised or supervisory positions.
- Transportation and maritime industries
- Some roles in this industry may have restrictions, especially those related to port security and operation.
Tips When Looking for Work
When looking for work in Egypt, consider the following:
- Work permits and visas.
- Probably the most important thing to keep in mind is your work permit and residency status. Ensure that you have the necessary legal documentation that allows you to live and work in Egypt.
- This is something that your current and/or future employers can help with.
- Network
- Build a strong professional network in Egypt.
- Attend industry events, join online forums, and connect with local industry professionals to learn about the various job opportunities present in your area.
- Language Skills
- Arabic is the official language of Egypt, and while English is spoken by most business professionals, having a basic understanding of Arabic can be a massive advantage.
- Research
- Thoroughly research the companies you wish to apply for, as well as any job openings that may come your way.
- Utilise online job boards, company websites, and professional networks to find relevant job listings.
- Local contacts
- Leverage local contacts, such as recruitment agencies, head-hunters, or personal connections, to help you find job opportunities.
- CV and Resume
- Tailor your CV or resume to match the requirements of the Egyptian job market.
- Highlight as many relevant skills and experience as possible.
- Interview preparations
- Make sure you are adequately prepared for interviews by doing research about the companies for which you’re applying and be ready to showcase your skills and expertise.
Conclusion
Finding a job in Egypt may take considerable time and effort, but with persistence and a targeted job search, you can greatly increase your chances of securing employment.
Of course, the world and global workforce is ever evolving, and certain job skills and positions will become more sought-after and filling these positions will become much more important.
Ensuring success comes from knowing where the demand is highest, and ensuring you stand head and shoulders above the rest by brushing up on the most popular job skills.
Written by Simon Carletti, PR and Creative Supervisor
