Cairo: Egypt's Labour Minister Mohamed Gobran announced that the government will intensify its efforts to crack down on fraudulent recruitment agencies and bolster protections for Egyptian workers abroad. This initiative is part of a new labour law that aligns with international standards.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Gobran made these remarks during a roundtable on fair employment held in Cairo, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO). The new law, enacted this year, aims to regulate private recruitment agencies and strengthen workers' rights.

Gobran emphasized that Egypt will continue supporting legitimate firms that comply with national legislation and ILO fair recruitment principles. At the same time, the government will enforce stricter measures against unlicensed operators.

The Labour Minister also underscored the importance of Egypt's Pre-Departure Orientation Unit in preparing migrant workers. The unit operates alongside awareness programs aimed at employers, recruitment firms, and labour inspectors. This initiative is part of the THAMM Plus program, funded by the EU, which promotes decent work and safe migration pathways across North Africa.

ILO Cairo Director Eric Oechslin praised Egypt's efforts, highlighting the organization's priorities in ensuring that migration is a choice, enhancing protections for migrant workers, and eliminating exploitative recruitment practices.

The event featured presentations on the new law's provisions and ILO guidelines, along with discussions involving recruitment firms about the challenges facing the sector.