Egypt disbursed around EGP 1.42 billion from the Workers’ Emergency Benefits Fund to support over 400 thousand workers by the end of June 2021.

According to Minister of Manpower and Chairman of the Workers’ Emergency Fund, Mohamed Saafan, financial aid was directed to more than 416,660 workers in 3,824 facilities.

The fund's board approved to pay the 8th and 9th batches of relief funds to tourism employees, with a 100% of workers' main wages at a minimum of EGP 600 monthly, Saafan said.

The emergency fund was established to support organizations unable to pay their workers’ wages due to declining economic conditions, enabling them to overcome crises and continue production, thus increasing investments and achieving economic development, as well as supporting workers until financial conditions improve, the minister explained.

The aid provided is equivalent to 100% of the main wage, starting at a minimum monthly amount of EGP 600.

Highlighting one of the most impacted sectors due to the COVID pandemic, Safaan stressed that the Ministry of Manpower will continue to provide support and care for workers within the tourism sector through the fund.

He noted that the tourism sector has begun to gradually recover thanks to the efforts made by all concerned authorities in the country to confront the negative effects resulting from the pandemic.

The pandemic hit the sector, one of Egypt’s most vital revenue streams, hard with tourism revenues dropping by 70%, however revenues have begun to rise once more, recording $3.5-$4 billion during H1 of 2021.