Egypt: Increase of minimum wage in public service to address rising cost of living

Egypt has increased the minimum wage in the public sector from 2,000 Egyptian pound ($101.3) to 3,000 in a move to help workers surf the increase in the cost of living, reports say.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly who announced the decision said the government will pay an exceptional bonus of EGP 300 for employees in the public sector and its affiliate companies, as well as pensions.

The hike is the second in less than five years. In April 2019, the minimum wage was increased by 67 per cent from 1,200 Egyptian pounds ($69.27) to 2,000.

It was also announced then that pensions would rise by 15 per cent meaning at least additional 150 pounds. Minimum pension is 900 pounds in Egypt.

The Arab country is facing economic crisis due to the brunt of the COVID-19 and Ukraine-Russia war. It has turned to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a new loan program.