New capital: Minister of Labor Hassan Raddad lauded the pivotal role played by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in developing global labor markets, modernizing work mechanisms, and promoting the concept of decent work. Raddad emphasized his ministry's full commitment to the organization's standards and relevant conventions during a meeting with Eric Oechslin, Director of the ILO Office in Cairo.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the meeting reviewed areas of joint cooperation, focusing primarily on the National Employment Strategy. The minister called for finalizing this strategy to support economic development goals and provide sustainable jobs. The discussions also included ongoing cooperation on drafting the national strategy for occupational safety and health, aiming to complete it promptly.

Raddad highlighted the importance of preparing the Decent Work Country Program in cooperation with the ILO, reflecting Egypt's priorities in employment, social protection, and social dialogue. He emphasized the ministry's focus on integrating the informal sector into the formal economy to ensure social and economic protection for workers.

Further cooperation with the ILO includes digitizing and developing the labor inspection system and occupational safety and health framework. The meeting also addressed preparations for the upcoming International Labor Conference in June and joint efforts in drafting a domestic workers law to balance rights and obligations and strengthen legal protections.

Raddad expressed his ministry's eagerness to sustain collaboration with the ILO on the new labor law, prioritizing the swift issuance of necessary executive regulations to enforce it. Oechslin noted that the ILO's work is based on governance, employment, and social protection, addressing issues such as combating forced and child labor and promoting freedom of association. He expressed a desire for further collaboration with the Labor Ministry across all areas of mutual interest.