The Philippine Embassy in Cairo has advised undocumented Filipinos in Egypt to legalize their residency by March 15, 2024.
The previous deadline for foreigners living illegally in Egypt to regularize their status was set on December 15 of last year, according to a decree issued by the Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, VisaGuide.World reports.
However, on December 16, 2023, the Egyptian government prolonged the grace period for another three months.
As per this Decree, foreigners seeking tourist and non-tourist residence permits must provide evidence of payment of all relevant fees, e.g., residency fees, late fines, residence card issuance, etc., in US dollars or equivalent foreign currencies.
The Philippine Embassy also reminded all foreign workers in Egypt to obtain work permits and licenses from the Ministry of Manpower and its related offices.
No Permits for Foreigners Wishing to Work as Household Workers
Through an advisory posted on its Facebook page, the Embassy highlighted that Egyptian authorities will not issue work permits for those intending to work as household staff.
There are no work visas and permits being issued to foreigners who wish to work as household workers (or kasambahay) in Egypt.
The Embassy also noted that Egyptian spouses are responsible for assisting their partner and children in acquiring Egyptian residence visas, marriage (and birth) certificates, and IDs. In addition, it advised the foreigners to ensure they have their valid passports in possession.
Remember: you must always have your valid passport in your possession. Your employer and/or sponsor should not keep your passport for any reason.
85% of Filipinos Living in Egypt Last Year Were Women
According to the Philippine Embassy’s data, 2,002 Filipinos were living in Egypt as of February 2023. Of those, 1,696 (85 percent) were women, while 306 (15 percent) were men.
According to the Embassy, nearly 50 percent of Filipinos residing in Egypt during that period were employed in the informal sector and performed skilled work.
About ten percent accounted for students at local schools, such as Al-Azhar University. Meanwhile, the remaining were staying with their Egyptian spouses and children.
The Philippine Embassy in Egypt encouraged all Filipino citizens residing in the country, along with their children, to register in the designated online form in order to ensure accurate representation.