Best Employment Rights Lawyers in New Cairo

About Employment Rights Law in New Cairo, Egypt

Employment rights in New Cairo are governed primarily by national Egyptian labor law and related regulations. New Cairo is part of the Cairo Governorate and therefore falls under the same legal framework that applies across Egypt. The legal framework aims to regulate the relationship between employers and employees, set minimum standards for wages, working hours, leave, health and safety, social insurance and procedures for resolving disputes. Both private sector workers and many categories of public sector workers have protections under these laws, and special rules apply to foreigners working in Egypt, fixed-term contracts, and collective bargaining through trade unions.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Employment problems often involve time-sensitive rights, formal procedures and technical rules. A lawyer can help you understand your legal position, protect evidence, advise on strategy and represent you in negotiations or in court. Common situations where people need legal help include:

- Unfair or sudden termination and disputes about reinstatement or compensation.

- Unpaid wages, unpaid overtime, or withheld end-of-service benefits and indemnities.

- Disputes about employment contracts - unclear terms, unlawful clauses, or breach of contract.

- Workplace discrimination, harassment, or retaliation claims.

- Work-related injury or occupational health and safety violations where compensation is needed.

- Issues involving foreign employees - work permits, residency, deportation threats or contractual disputes.

- Collective disputes, union rights, or issues arising from collective bargaining agreements.

- Administrative procedures and appeals before labor inspectorates, labor courts or other authorities.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal aspects relevant in New Cairo include the following general themes. These are summaries and do not replace professional advice:

- Employment contracts: Contracts can be fixed-term or indefinite-term. Written contracts are recommended for clarity, especially for terms such as job duties, salary, probation periods and termination conditions. Certain formalities may be required for foreigners or for particular industries.

- Working hours and overtime: The law sets standard maximum working hours and requires employers to pay overtime at a higher rate when employees work beyond normal hours. Rest periods, weekly days off and night work rules are regulated.

- Wages and benefits: Employers must pay agreed wages on time. There is a national minimum wage policy and social insurance contributions are mandatory for covered employees, which affect pensions and medical coverage.

- Leave entitlements: Employees have rights to annual paid leave, sick leave and maternity leave with specified durations and conditions. Employers may require documentation for some types of leave.

- Termination and severance: Termination rules depend on contract type and reason for termination. Employees may be entitled to notice, severance payments or end-of-service indemnities if termination is unlawful or the employer fails to comply with contract terms.

- Occupational health and safety: Employers must provide a safe work environment and take reasonable measures to prevent workplace accidents and occupational illness. Work-related injury claims may involve compensation and medical care obligations.

- Trade unions and collective bargaining: Workers can organize and engage in collective bargaining within the limits of Egyptian law. Collective disputes may follow special procedures.

- Labor inspection and enforcement: The Ministry of Manpower and its local labor offices carry out inspections, enforce labor standards and may assist workers with complaints. Labor courts have jurisdiction over many employment disputes and provide remedies including reinstatement, compensation and orders to pay wages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What protections do I have against unfair dismissal?

Egyptian labor law provides protections against arbitrary dismissal. If an employer dismisses a worker without a lawful reason or without following required procedures, the employee may be entitled to remedies such as reinstatement or financial compensation. The exact remedy depends on whether the dismissal is disciplinary, due to redundancy, or otherwise unlawful. It is important to act quickly and seek legal advice to preserve your rights.

How much notice must my employer give before terminating my contract?

Notice periods can vary depending on the employment contract and whether the employment is fixed-term or indefinite-term. Many contracts set notice requirements, and statutory minimums may apply in some cases. Employers who fail to provide proper notice may be required to pay compensation in lieu of notice. Check your written contract and speak with a lawyer or labor office to confirm the applicable notice period for your situation.

Am I entitled to severance pay and how is it calculated?

Severance or end-of-service indemnities depend on the reason for termination, the length of service and the type of contract. In many cases, employees who are dismissed for reasons not related to serious misconduct are eligible for compensation based on their period of service and their wage. The calculation method can be technical and may require review of pay records and employment history, so obtain legal assistance to calculate what you may be owed.

What are the rules on working hours and overtime?

Law sets standard working hours and requires overtime compensation for extra hours worked, typically at a higher rate than regular pay. There are also rules on daily and weekly rest periods and limits on night work for certain categories of employees. Employers must keep accurate attendance and payroll records to support overtime payments. If you believe you have not been paid correctly for overtime, collect your timesheets and payment records and consult a lawyer.

What leave am I entitled to - annual, sick and maternity?

Employees are generally entitled to paid annual leave, sick leave with medical certification and maternity leave for female employees. The duration and pay for each type of leave are defined by law and may be supplemented by contract or collective agreements. Employers may require documentation such as medical reports. For maternity leave, special protections against dismissal or discrimination typically apply.

How do I claim unpaid wages or withheld end-of-service benefits?

Start by raising the issue informally with your employer in writing and keep a copy. If this does not resolve the matter, file a complaint with the local labor office or 노동 inspectorate to request inspection and mediation. If necessary, a lawyer can help you file a claim before the labor court to recover unpaid wages, overtime, or end-of-service benefits. Preserve payslips, bank statements, employment contracts, attendance records and any written communications.

Can my employer discipline, demote or change my job duties without my consent?

Employers have some authority to manage staff, but they must respect the terms of the employment contract and applicable law. Unilateral changes that amount to constructive dismissal or breach of contract may be unlawful. Disciplinary measures should follow fair procedures and be proportionate. If you face disciplinary action, ask for the charges in writing, request evidence and speak to a lawyer before signing any disciplinary agreement.

What rights do foreign workers have in New Cairo?

Foreign workers are covered by many provisions of Egyptian labor law but must also comply with immigration and work permit requirements. Employers are typically responsible for obtaining appropriate work authorization. Foreign workers should ensure their contracts clearly document salary, duration, social insurance status and conditions for termination. If immigration issues arise, consult both an employment lawyer and an immigration specialist.

How and where do I file a labor complaint?

Minor disputes can often begin with a written complaint to your employer or internal grievance procedure. If unresolved, you can file a complaint with the local labor office or labor inspectorate for mediation. For formal legal remedies, you or your lawyer can file a claim before the competent labor court. Procedures and required documents vary by case, so consult the labor office or a lawyer to understand the right steps and any deadlines.

How much does hiring an employment lawyer cost and how long will a case take?

Lawyer fees vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, the lawyer's experience and the fee arrangement - fixed fee, hourly rate or contingency in limited circumstances. Simple consultations may be affordable while litigation and court representation will be more costly. The timeline also varies - mediation or administrative procedures can take weeks to months, while contested court cases may take many months or longer. Request a written fee agreement and an estimated timeline at your first meeting.

Additional Resources

Useful organizations and bodies to contact when seeking assistance include:

- Ministry of Manpower and Immigration - the national authority responsible for labor policy, inspections and employment regulations.

- Local labor office and labor inspectorate in the Cairo Governorate - for filing complaints, requesting inspections and mediation services.

- Social Insurance Organization - for questions about social insurance contributions, benefits and pension entitlements.

- Cairo Bar Association - to locate licensed lawyers who practice employment law and represent clients in labor courts.

- Trade unions and worker committees - for collective bargaining support and group disputes where organized representation exists.

- Non-governmental organizations and human rights groups that offer legal aid or guidance on labor rights and worker protection.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance for an employment rights issue in New Cairo, follow these practical steps:

- Gather documentation - your contract, payslips, attendance records, bank statements, written communications, medical reports and any other relevant records.

- Put your complaint in writing to your employer and retain a copy - a clear written record often helps resolve issues without litigation.

- Contact the local labor office or labor inspectorate to inquire about mediation and complaint procedures available to you.

- Consult an experienced employment lawyer - ask about language capability, fee structure, expected timeline and likely outcomes. Choose a lawyer who is familiar with labor courts and local practice in Cairo.

- Preserve evidence and avoid signing any document you do not fully understand - request translations if needed and request legal advice before giving consent to termination or settlement terms.

- Consider alternative dispute resolution such as mediation or negotiated settlement if that meets your objectives.

Act promptly - employment claims often involve strict procedural requirements and time limits. Early legal advice increases your chance of a favorable outcome and helps you understand the realistic remedies available in your situation.