(Photo Public Domain)
The Minister of Manpower and Immigration Kamal Abu Eita called on media outlets Sunday to stop publishing information regarding international work opportunities for Egyptian workers before seeking approval by the ministry.
“Support, protection and care for Egyptian labourers wishing to work abroad have to be insured so as to maintain the contractual relationship between the employee and international employer… also ensuring adequate Egyptian worker presence in external labour markets”.
Abu Eita said that media outlets have to abide by the advertising guide formulated by the ministry and must adhere to the advertising methods certified by the ministry, which are in accordance with Labour Law No. 12 of 2003 concerning Egyptians working abroad.
Dalia Moussa, workers media coordinator at the Egyptian Centre for Economic and Social Rights, expressed her “astonishment” at the minister’s statements, saying: “When the media advertises jobs abroad, its main source for these advertisements is initially the Ministry of Manpower and Immigration.”
“Media publishing employment opportunities abroad is not the main problem but lack of transparency about the job opportunity, which the ministry is obligated to offer.
“Difficulties for the workers abroad lie in their rights being constantly infringed by business owners… and ambiguous laws which lead to illegal immigration,” Moussa added.
Moussa affirmed that she personally believes media outlets have to post these jobs to “coerce” the ministry into protecting the workers and commence reformation.
