Workplaces With 100 or More Female Employees to Provide Nurseries

New labour regulations in Egypt have introduced requirements for workplace nursery provision, extended leave for certain workers and updated rules governing child employment.
Under the provisions, workplaces employing 100 or more women at a single site are required to provide nursery care either on-site or through a licensed external provider for children under the age of four. Facilities must be equipped to accommodate children with disabilities.
Establishments employing fewer than 100 women may jointly set up a shared nursery if located within a 500-metre radius. Employees benefiting from the service contribute 4% of their wage for the first child, 3% for the second and 2% for the third, with full costs borne from the fourth child onward.
In a separate measure, annual leave has been increased by seven days for workers in hazardous, arduous or harmful occupations, as well as for employees stationed in designated remote areas. The sectors include chemical, heavy metal, extractive, energy and healthcare industries.
The designated locations cover areas such as North Sinai, South Sinai, the Red Sea, Matrouh and the New Valley, in addition to Toshka, East Oweinat and the border regions of Halayeb and Shalateen.
A third measure sets out regulations for child employment and training. Employment is prohibited before completing compulsory education or reaching the age of 15, while training is permitted from the age of 14.
Working hours for minors are capped at six hours per day, with restrictions on overtime, work during weekly rest days and public holidays, and a ban on work between 7 pm and 7 am. The regulations also outline prohibited sectors, including mining, quarrying, asphalt production and activities involving hazardous materials.