Best Hiring & Firing Lawyers in New Cairo

About Hiring & Firing Law in New Cairo, Egypt

Employment law in New Cairo is governed by national Egyptian labour legislation and related regulations. New Cairo is part of the Cairo governorate, so the same federal rules apply as in other Egyptian cities. The law covers the formation of employment relationships, required terms of employment, working hours, wages, social insurance contributions, disciplinary rules, termination procedures, severance and dispute resolution. Administrative bodies such as the Ministry of Manpower and local labour offices oversee enforcement and receive complaints. Courts and specialised labour tribunals decide contested disputes.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Employment matters often involve rights, obligations and deadlines that are specific and time-sensitive. You may need a lawyer if you face any of the following -

- You believe you were unfairly or unlawfully dismissed and want to claim reinstatement or compensation.

- Your employer withheld wages, bonuses or end-of-service benefits and will not pay after requests.

- You are presented with a contract clause that limits your rights, such as non-compete terms or unclear notice and severance rules.

- You are managing a redundancy, collective dismissal or restructuring and need to follow legal procedures to reduce liability.

- You face disciplinary action, accusations of misconduct or performance-based dismissal and need to prepare a defence or negotiate exit terms.

- You are a foreign national needing work permits, residency compliance and contract review for local employment law risks.

- You want to negotiate a settlement agreement, severance package or a favorable reference on leaving your job.

- You need to bring or defend a labour complaint at the labour office or in court and require procedural, evidentiary and legal representation.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal features to understand when dealing with hiring and firing in New Cairo are the following -

- Types of employment contracts: Employment can be fixed-term or indefinite. Written contracts are strongly recommended to document duties, remuneration, hours and notice terms. Oral contracts are enforceable but harder to prove.

- Probation and trial periods: Employers commonly use probation clauses to assess new employees. Probation must be reasonable and explicitly stated in the contract.

- Working hours and overtime: The law sets maximum working hours and requires additional compensation for overtime work. Employers must record attendance and pay overtime as required by law or contract.

- Wages and benefits: Employers must pay agreed wages on time and make required social insurance contributions. Deductions are limited to legally permitted items or those agreed in writing.

- Termination and notice: Termination procedures differ depending on whether dismissal is for cause or without cause, and whether the contract is fixed-term or indefinite. Employers should follow fair disciplinary procedures and provide the required notice or pay in lieu of notice when the contract or law requires it.

- Severance and end-of-service entitlements: Employees who qualify for end-of-service compensation are entitled to allowances based on length of service and the terms of the law and contract.

- Special protections: Certain groups, such as pregnant employees, those on sick leave and trade union representatives, have special protections against dismissal or different procedural safeguards.

- Collective issues: Mass redundancies and collective bargaining matters involve additional rules and may require consultation with employee representatives or government authorities.

- Foreign workers: Employers must comply with immigration and labour permit requirements for non-Egyptian employees. Hiring foreign nationals without proper permits can lead to fines and other sanctions.

- Dispute resolution: Labour disputes can be raised with local labour offices, inspected by the labour inspectorate and ultimately decided by labour courts or specialised tribunals. Many disputes may be solved via negotiation or administrative procedures before reaching court.

Frequently Asked Questions

What law governs hiring and firing in New Cairo?

National Egyptian labour legislation governs employment across New Cairo. This includes the main labour law and related regulations, plus social insurance rules and administrative orders. Local labour offices and the Ministry of Manpower administer and enforce these rules on a regional basis.

Do I need a written employment contract?

It is strongly recommended to have a written contract. While oral agreements can be valid, a written contract provides clear evidence of terms such as job duties, salary, working hours, notice periods and any probation clause. Written contracts reduce disputes and make enforcement easier.

How much notice must be given to terminate an employment?

Notice requirements depend on the contract terms and whether the dismissal is for cause or without cause. Contracts often set notice periods; where the contract is silent, statutory or customary notice rules apply. Employers who fail to provide required notice may have to pay compensation in lieu of notice.

What constitutes wrongful or unfair dismissal?

Wrongful or unfair dismissal generally means termination that breaches the employment contract, violates statutory protections or follows an unfair disciplinary process. Examples include dismissal for discriminatory reasons, dismissal without following required procedures, or termination in violation of job protections for specific groups.

Am I entitled to severance or end-of-service pay?

Many employees are entitled to end-of-service payments or severance when their employment is terminated under certain conditions. Entitlement and calculation depend on length of service, type of termination and the applicable legal and contractual provisions. Exact amounts vary and are typically calculated according to legal formulas or contract terms.

What should I do if my employer does not pay my wages?

If wages are unpaid, first gather evidence - payslips, bank records, employment contract and communications. Try to resolve the issue internally and in writing. If that fails, you can file a complaint with the local labour office or pursue a labour claim through the labour dispute process. A lawyer or labour office can advise on urgent measures and deadlines.

Can an employer dismiss me for poor performance?

Yes, employers can dismiss for legitimate poor performance, but they must follow fair procedures - give warnings, opportunities to improve, and documented performance reviews where appropriate. Summary dismissal without following reasonable procedure may be challenged as unfair.

What protections exist for pregnant employees or new mothers?

Employment law provides protections for pregnancy and maternity, including restrictions on dismissal and entitlements to maternity leave and related benefits. Employers must respect these protections and accommodate the statutory requirements related to maternity. If you believe your rights have been violated, you can seek legal assistance or file a complaint through labour authorities.

How do I challenge a dismissal or other labour dispute?

Start by collecting all relevant documents and communications. Consider raising the issue with the employer in writing, and request internal dispute resolution. If unresolved, file a complaint with the local labour office or pursue a claim before the competent labour court or tribunal. A lawyer experienced in Egyptian labour law can help prepare the claim, gather evidence and represent you in negotiations or court.

How long do I have to bring a labour claim?

Time limits for labour claims vary by the type of claim and the relevant legal provisions. Some claims require prompt administrative steps before court, while others have statutory limitation periods. It is important to seek advice quickly to preserve your rights and meet any deadlines.

Additional Resources

If you need further help, consider contacting or researching the following organisations and offices -

- Ministry of Manpower and Immigration and local labour offices for administrative complaints and labour inspection.

- Labour courts and specialised tribunals that decide employment disputes.

- Social Insurance authorities for questions about contributions and social benefits.

- The Egyptian Bar Association to locate qualified labour lawyers in Cairo and New Cairo.

- Employer associations and human resources professional bodies for guidance on compliance and best practice.

- Trade unions or employee representative bodies relevant to your sector for collective concerns and assistance.

- Legal aid clinics and non-profit organisations that provide employment law advice to workers with limited means.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with a hiring or firing matter in New Cairo, take these practical steps -

- Gather documentation: employment contract, payslips, bank statements, social insurance records, performance reviews, termination letters and any written communications.

- Note key dates: hiring date, termination date, dates of unpaid salary or warnings, and any deadlines communicated by authorities or courts.

- Seek an initial legal consultation with a lawyer experienced in Egyptian labour law and local procedures. Ask about their experience with similar cases, likely outcomes, fees and strategy.

- Consider alternative dispute resolution - a lawyer can negotiate a settlement or represent you in mediation before pursuing court action.

- If you plan to file a complaint, follow administrative steps required by the labour office, keep copies of all filings and track deadlines strictly.

- If you are an employer, get legal advice before implementing dismissals, redundancies or restrictive covenants to reduce the risk of disputes and liability.

Taking prompt, organised action and getting specialist advice will give you the best chance of resolving hiring and firing disputes effectively in New Cairo.