Best Wage & Hour Lawyers in New Cairo

About Wage & Hour Law in New Cairo, Egypt

Wage and hour matters in New Cairo are governed by Egyptian labor law and related regulations that apply across the country. The law covers the basic relationship between employer and employee - including wages, working hours, overtime, holidays, leave entitlements, social insurance contributions, and protections against unlawful dismissal. Enforcement and dispute resolution are handled through national and local administrative bodies, labor inspectors, and labor courts. In practical terms, workers and employers in New Cairo should expect the same statutory protections and procedures as elsewhere in Egypt, while also dealing with local labor offices and courts in the Cairo governorate when filing complaints or bringing claims.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help when your wage or working-hour rights are unclear, disputed, or have been violated. Typical situations that require legal assistance include unpaid wages or bonuses, withheld end-of-service payments, unpaid overtime, unlawful deductions, disputes about working hours or shift premiums, wrongful termination or constructive dismissal, lack of social insurance registration or contribution, complex severance calculations, collective redundancies or union issues, and representation at labor inspection meetings, conciliation sessions and labor courts. A lawyer can advise on the strength of your claim, help gather and preserve evidence, negotiate settlements, and represent you in formal proceedings.

Local Laws Overview

Key local-law concepts that matter for wage-and-hour issues include the following. Employment contracts - written contracts are recommended and often set salary, working hours, and benefits; statutory protections apply even when a contract is silent. Working hours and rest - the law sets limits on normal working hours and requires overtime compensation when those limits are exceeded. Pay - employers must pay agreed wages on time and may not make improper deductions; a statutory minimum wage and other wage-protection rules can apply. Leave and public holidays - employees are generally entitled to annual paid leave, sick leave, and maternity leave according to statutory rules. Social insurance - both employer and employee contributions are mandatory for most employees and affect eligibility for benefits. Termination and severance - notice periods, reasons for lawful dismissal, and remedies for unfair dismissal are regulated. Enforcement - workers can file complaints with labor inspection offices, pursue conciliation, and ultimately bring cases before labor or civil courts. Collective rights - unions and collective bargaining agreements can add protections for particular workplaces or sectors. Because details, thresholds and procedural rules change from time to time, always check current law or get legal advice for precise entitlements and deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a wage under Egyptian law?

A wage generally includes the basic salary plus any regular allowances and payments that form part of remuneration for work. Occasional bonuses may be treated differently depending on their nature and how regularly they are paid. Fringe benefits, in-kind payments, or reimbursements may be treated separately. Whether a payment is part of the wage can affect calculations for overtime, severance and social insurance contributions.

How many hours can I be legally required to work, and what is overtime pay?

Egyptian law sets limits on standard working hours and requires additional compensation for overtime work. Employers must respect statutory daily and weekly limits and provide overtime pay for hours worked beyond those limits. Exact rates and permitted limits can vary depending on law, collective agreements and the employment contract, so check the current legal rules or consult a lawyer to understand specific overtime formulas and any exemptions.

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

First collect and keep evidence - contracts, pay slips, bank statements, messages or emails about pay, and any attendance records. Raise the issue with your employer in writing and ask for a response within a reasonable time. If the employer does not resolve the matter, you can file a complaint with the local labor office or labor inspectorate to seek mediation and enforcement. If necessary, a lawyer can help prepare a formal claim and represent you before labor authorities or courts.

Am I entitled to notice and severance if my employment is terminated?

Employees are generally entitled to notice or pay in lieu of notice and may be entitled to severance or compensation if dismissed without lawful cause. The amount and availability of severance or reinstatement depend on the reason for dismissal, the employment contract, length of service and statutory rules. For wrongful dismissal claims, remedies can include reinstatement or monetary compensation. A lawyer can assess whether a dismissal was lawful and calculate potential remedies.

Can my employer make deductions from my salary?

Employers may only make deductions that are lawful, authorized by the employee in writing, or permitted by statute. Unlawful or arbitrary deductions are prohibited. If deductions are made improperly, an employee can raise the matter internally and file a complaint with labor authorities or pursue a claim in court. Keep records of payslips and any written authorization for deductions.

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

Employees have statutory rights to paid annual leave, sick leave and maternity leave subject to conditions and documentation requirements. The minimum period for annual leave, the approach to sick leave pay and the length of maternity leave are set by law and any applicable collective agreement or employment contract. Entitlements may depend on length of service and medical certificates for sickness. Verify current statutory periods and pay rules with a lawyer or the labor office.

What are my social insurance rights and how do I check contributions?

Most employees must be registered under the national social insurance system, with both employer and employee making contributions. Social insurance affects benefits such as pensions, sickness allowances and work-injury compensation. If you suspect the employer has not registered you or failed to pay contributions, obtain your employment records and inquire with the Social Insurance Authority or a lawyer about how to verify records and pursue enforcement.

How long do I have to bring a wage or employment claim?

Time limits for bringing wage and employment claims vary by the type of claim and the relevant legal provisions. Some claims must be raised promptly through labor inspection or conciliation before going to court, and civil limitation periods apply to others. Because deadlines matter and can bar claims if missed, consult a lawyer or the local labor office early to determine any applicable filing periods and to preserve your rights.

Do I have to go to the labor office before filing a court case?

In many cases the law encourages or requires conciliation efforts through labor inspection and administrative procedures before a court case can begin. Labor offices often offer mediation or require a preliminary complaint and referral. If conciliation fails, the matter can typically proceed to the labor courts. A lawyer can advise on the required procedural steps and represent you at each stage.

How can a lawyer help with a wage-or-hour dispute and what should I expect to pay?

A lawyer provides legal analysis, helps gather and present evidence, negotiates settlements, represents you before labor inspectors and courts, and advises on strategy and likely outcomes. Fee arrangements vary - some lawyers charge hourly rates, fixed fees for certain services, or contingency fees in appropriate cases. Ask about fees, likely costs, and whether the lawyer offers an initial consultation. In some public or non-profit settings there may be free or low-cost legal assistance for qualifying individuals.

Additional Resources

When seeking help for wage and hour matters in New Cairo, consider contacting or consulting: the Ministry of Manpower and Immigration and its labor inspection services; the local labor office serving Cairo and New Cairo for complaints and mediation; the Social Insurance Authority for contribution and benefits issues; the Cairo Bar Association or Egypt Bar Association for lawyer referrals; trade unions or sectoral unions that may represent workers; university legal clinics and non-governmental organizations that provide legal assistance; and the relevant labor and administrative courts for formal claims. These institutions can provide guidance, complaint forms, and information about procedures - professional legal advice is recommended for case-specific decisions.

Next Steps

If you believe your wage-or-hour rights have been violated, take these steps. Gather and make copies of all relevant documents - employment contract, payslips, bank statements, attendance records, messages or emails, and any company policies that apply. Write a clear summary of events with dates and details of conversations or disputes. Attempt an internal written complaint to your employer and keep a record of the response. If the issue is not resolved, contact your local labor office or labor inspectorate to file a complaint and ask about conciliation procedures. Seek a consultation with a lawyer experienced in Egyptian labor law to review your case, confirm deadlines and advise on next steps - whether mediation, administrative complaint or court action. Keep all original documents safe, collect witness names if available, and act promptly to preserve your rights.