Technical study on the “Challenges faced by Egyptian workers abroad in terms of access to social protection services, taking into account the impact of COVID-19”

To analyze the challenges faced by Egyptian workers abroad in accessing social protection, particularly in light of COVID-19, a technical study was conducted by the Egyptian Ministry of Social Solidarity (MoSS) and the ILO. This study was part of the EU-funded “Towards a Holistic Approach to Labour Migration Governance and Labour Mobility in North Africa” Programme (THAMM).

It aimed to assess the organizational structure of social protection services provided in Egypt to migrant workers abroad. Additionally, a survey was conducted among a sample of returning migrant workers to evaluate their access to social protection services in Egypt and several destination countries.

The study utilized both qualitative and quantitative data, including a desk review of key legislation regarding the extension of social protection to migrant workers in Egypt and various destination countries. It also incorporated findings from an original survey conducted with a sample from the “Nawart Baladak” initiative database. The study concluded with evidence-based recommendations to address the identified challenges, which will inform further activities in the next phase of programming.