Ministry of Labor spends LE 10.2 billion to enhance social, health protection for Egyptian workers

CAIRO – 13 July 2026: The Ministry of Labor revealed that it spent LE 10.284 billion on social and health protection programs for workers over the past 13 years, spanning from 2014 to June 30, 2026.

This funding aligns with the state's strategy to strengthen social safety nets, support vulnerable populations, and maintain labor market stability. The initiatives focus on caring for informal workers, assisting struggling establishments, developing workforce skills, and expanding healthcare coverage.

According to a ministry report, informal workers received the largest share of total financial allocations. This funding reflects the government’s commitment to providing a reliable safety net for a segment of the workforce that often lacks stable employment contracts or comprehensive insurance coverage. The report also highlighted the critical financial aid extended to workers affected by major economic crises, most notably the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Within this framework, the Central Account for Social and Health Care for Informal Workers provided LE 7,274,577,716 during the specified period, marking the largest portion of overall social protection spending. This total included LE 4,994,132,000 distributed as periodic and seasonal grants, LE 763,446,139 for social welfare, and LE 37,165,326 for healthcare and medical treatment at hospitals and pharmacies.

Additionally, LE 108,340,701 was disbursed as exceptional grants for accident cases, while LE 1,371,373,550 was allocated as emergency relief for informal workers during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report further emphasized the vital role played by the Workers' Emergency Relief Fund in preserving employment stability within businesses facing severe financial strains.

Minister of Labor Hassan Raddad explained that the fund distributed LE 2.5758 billion during the same 13-year period, directly benefiting 441,600 workers across 3,999 different establishments.

Minister Raddad emphasized that these subsidies are designed to protect jobs and prevent mass layoffs during economic downturns by temporarily covering a portion of workers' entitlements. By supporting these businesses until they recover and resume full operations, the state successfully retains skilled, experienced workers, keeps production moving, and mitigates the harsh social and economic impacts of financial crises on families.