Best Wrongful Termination Lawyers in New Cairo

About Wrongful Termination Law in New Cairo, Egypt

Wrongful termination refers to an employer ending an employment relationship in a way that violates the employee's legal or contractual rights. In New Cairo - as elsewhere in Egypt - employment relationships are governed mainly by the Egyptian Labour Law (Law No. 12 of 2003) and related regulations, along with contractual terms and sector-specific rules for public or private work. Employees who believe they were dismissed unlawfully can raise disputes before labour authorities and specialised labour courts. Remedies can include compensation, severance, unpaid wages, and in some cases reinstatement or other corrective orders.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Employment disputes can be legally and practically complex. A lawyer who specialises in labour law can help in many common situations, including:

- Dismissal without a clear or documented reason - the employer claims termination was for cause but lacks evidence.

- Constructive dismissal - where working conditions, demotion, or harassment make continuing employment impossible and amount to an effective forced resignation.

- Discrimination or retaliation - dismissal connected to pregnancy, union activity, whistleblowing, nationality, religion, or other prohibited grounds.

- Breach of contract - employer fails to respect notice periods, agreed severance, or fixed-term contract terms.

- Non-payment of final wages, unpaid overtime, or withholding of holiday pay and social insurance contributions.

- Negotiating a settlement - a lawyer can evaluate offers, protect your rights, and negotiate better terms.

- Preparing and prosecuting a claim - drafting the complaint, collecting and presenting evidence, representing you at mediation and before the labour court.

Local Laws Overview

The following points summarise key legal aspects relevant to wrongful termination in New Cairo and Egypt generally:

- Governing law - The Egyptian Labour Law (Law No. 12 of 2003) is the primary statute for private-sector employment matters. Public-sector employees are subject to separate civil-service rules and administrative procedures.

- Contract types - Contracts may be for a fixed term or indefinite. Fixed-term contracts often end when the term expires, but unlawful non-renewal or premature termination can give rise to claims.

- Termination requirements - Employers are generally required to respect notice periods and established disciplinary procedures. Dismissal for a valid disciplinary cause usually requires evidence and observance of procedural guarantees.

- Severance and compensation - If an employer terminates without a lawful reason, Egyptian law provides for compensation or severance based on length of service and wages. The exact calculation depends on the contract type, reason for dismissal, and case facts.

- Protections for specific groups - Special protections exist for pregnant employees and new mothers, employees exercising trade-union rights, and whistleblowers. Dismissal on prohibited grounds can attract additional remedies.

- Dispute resolution - Labour disputes are handled through a process involving labour offices, conciliation attempts, and, if unresolved, referral to specialised labour courts. Administrative courts may handle public sector disputes.

- Social insurance and end-of-service pay - Employers must comply with social insurance contributions and final settlement obligations. Failure to do so creates separate claims before relevant authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as wrongful termination?

Wrongful termination generally means any dismissal that breaches the employment contract, violates statutory protections, lacks fair cause where required, or follows a defective disciplinary procedure. Examples include dismissal for discriminatory reasons, for exercising protected rights, or without following contractual notice and procedures.

Can I be reinstated to my job?

Reinstatement is a possible remedy but not always ordered. Labour courts may award reinstatement when appropriate, but often courts award financial compensation instead. Whether reinstatement is realistic depends on the facts, the workplace relationship, and the type of employment.

How do I calculate severance or compensation?

Severance and compensation depend on contract terms, length of service, last salary, and whether the dismissal was lawful. Egyptian law provides frameworks for calculating entitlements, but outcomes vary by case. A lawyer can review your payroll, contract, and dismissal facts to estimate your entitlements.

What evidence should I collect?

Keep employment contracts, termination letters, pay slips, timesheets, emails, work rules, disciplinary notices, performance reviews, witness names, medical certificates, and any messages or recordings that relate to the dismissal. Preserve originals and make copies for your lawyer.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Time limits depend on the nature of the claim and whether you are in the private or public sector. Deadlines can be relatively short. You should seek advice and act promptly after dismissal to avoid losing legal rights.

Do I need a written dismissal notice?

Employers normally provide written notice specifying the reason for termination. Absence of a written notice can weaken the employer s position. If you receive a verbal dismissal, document the circumstances immediately and seek counsel.

What if my employer did not pay final wages or benefits?

Non-payment of final wages, unpaid overtime, unpaid leave, or withheld end-of-service amounts are separate claims. You can pursue these through labour dispute mechanisms and social insurance authorities. A lawyer can combine claims for unpaid sums with a wrongful termination suit.

Am I protected if I complained about safety or illegal conduct?

Employees who report safety violations, illegal conduct, or other protected whistleblowing may have protection from retaliatory dismissal. If dismissal follows such complaints, this strengthens a wrongful termination claim.

How long will a labour dispute take to resolve?

Resolution time varies. Many cases begin with conciliation at the labour office and may proceed to court. Some disputes settle quickly through negotiation, while contested cases can take months to a year or more. Legal counsel can help set realistic expectations for your case.

What should I do if my employer offers a settlement?

Do not sign any settlement or waiver without understanding its full effects. An immediate payment can seem attractive but may waive broader claims. Have an employment lawyer review offers and negotiate better terms if necessary.

Additional Resources

When seeking assistance in New Cairo, consider these types of resources and institutions:

- Ministry of Manpower and Immigration - responsible for labour policy and labour offices.

- Local labour offices and conciliation committees - first step in dispute resolution in the private sector.

- Labour courts - specialised courts that hear employment disputes.

- Social insurance authority - for claims related to social insurance contributions and benefits.

- Trade unions or professional associations - may provide advice and support in certain industries.

- Civil service or administrative bodies - relevant for public-sector employees with distinct procedures.

- Local non-governmental organisations and legal aid clinics - can provide guidance or referrals for low-income claimants.

Next Steps

If you believe you were wrongfully terminated in New Cairo, follow these practical steps to protect your rights:

- Act quickly - start collecting documents and notes about the dismissal date, conversations, witnesses, and any written communications.

- Preserve evidence - keep contracts, pay slips, emails, messages, and any disciplinary records in a secure place.

- Request written confirmation - ask your employer for a written termination letter and a full calculation of final pay and benefits.

- Seek initial legal advice - consult a lawyer experienced in Egyptian labour law to assess your case and explain deadlines, likely outcomes, and costs.

- Use available dispute mechanisms - file a complaint at the local labour office and attend conciliation sessions, while preparing for court if necessary.

- Consider negotiation - sometimes a negotiated settlement is quicker and avoids the uncertainty of litigation.

- Keep records of all steps - document meetings, settlement offers, and legal actions for future reference.

Getting timely, specialist legal advice will give you the best chance to preserve your rights and obtain compensation or other remedies. If you are unsure where to start, contact a local labour law attorney for a case review.