Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Khaled Al-Anani has cancelled the licence of a major Sharm El-Sheikh tourist hotel following its laying off of workers.
The hotel’s management had also not responded to recent government instructions to maintain trained hotel workers in employment despite the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The move comes in light of state efforts to protect workers’ wages and prevent their dismissal from work, as part of the ministry’s intention to preserve existing tourism sector labour.
Also on Sunday, El-Anany issued a decision to close two tourist restaurants in the Greater Cairo region due to their lack of commitment to protecting workers. He stressed that maintaining the employment rights whilst also respecting the health of citizens is a top priority for the ministry.
The cabinet recently allowed restaurants and eateries to both serve food for customers to pick-up only food throughout the holy month of Ramadan. Food outlets have been allowed to continue with food deliveries despite the current restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquitites had previously told all tourist establishments to abide by government instructions on preventing the further spread of the virus. It has already sent a number of committees to inspect restaurants and tourist facilities across Cairo to ensure they continue to follow the instructions.
Among the most important of these state controls are a commitment to maintaining employee levels, undertaking daily temperature checks of all employees throughout Ramadan, and training workers in safety skills. Employers are also required to provide protective clothing such as masks and gloves, and undertake sterilisation and disinfection of their premises Restaurants and eateries must prepare a suitable outside waiting area, and prevent clients from gathering at the same time inside the restaurant.
