Cairo, 17 November 2016 - IOM Egypt, in collaboration with the National Employment Pact (NEP), has hosted an employment fair in Edwa, Minya governorate, located between Cairo and Luxor.

The fair, linked to the El-Minya Economic Development Conference, aims to promote local employment as a positive and sustainable alternative to irregular migration.

Over 600 job seekers visited the fair, which targeted young people between 15-35 years old. Some 12 employers participated, advertising decent jobs in the Greater Cairo area in compliance with Egypt’s Labour Law 12/2003 and Social Insurance Law 1975.

These stipulate that the minimum wage is observed; working hours and conditions are assured; annual leave is provided and transportation and accommodation are secured.

Over 500 jobseekers were interviewed, and NEP was tasked with their orientation, registering employers and vacancies, matchmaking, and following up with both sides after the event.

“NEP created a unique model that is tailored for Egypt’s blue collar sector. This recognized model of employment events offers employers the chance to conduct a full first interview which saves time and effort. It also provides job seekers with a tangible opportunity to meet with the employer of their choice,” said Mohamed Ezzat, Director of NEP.

Job seekers were also encouraged to attend awareness raising and career development sessions during the fair. Two awareness raising and career development sessions on blue-collar perceptions and lifelong learning, targeting over 50 job seekers, were organized by the El Mahrousa Center for Socio-economic Development.

The sessions provided the participants with relevant life skills needed to succeed in interviews, change their perception of blue-collar jobs, encourage their mobility to where opportunities are available, manage their work expectations and encourage healthier work environments.

The event is the third job fair organized by IOM in the framework of the UNTFHS-funded project: “Human security through inclusive socio-economic development in Upper Egypt” (HAYAT), through IOM’s Information Counselling and Referral Service (ICRS) model. A series of four employment events will follow in selected villages, with a plan to reach at least 800 job seekers in total.

For further information, please contact Amr Taha at IOM Egypt, Tel. +202-27365140, Email: iomegypt@iom.int