Working in Egypt
Most jobs in Egypt are found in Cairo which is a real expat hub with a huge number of Americans and Europeans. Job types vary widely in Cairo but most expats don't come for the business or financial opportunities that attract expats to other major world cities. The most common employment is teaching, both in private schools and English language schools. Volunteers and employees for NGOs also make up a substantial amount of the expats community. Other industries that draw expats are a petroleum export sector and media businesses. A large number of writers make Cairo their headquarters. Egypt also has an emerging IT industry. It is far better to be hired from outside Egypt than trying to find a job when already there. If the latter is the case the best bets for finding employment is through any personal connections. Expats hired from overseas to work in Egypt enjoy a higher salary, usually paid in a foreign currency of euros, pounds or dollars. Expat employees hired from within Egypt are paid in the local currency and earn much less. Networking is an important part of Egyptian business which prefers personal contacts and recommendations.
Visa and Work Permits
Working expats will want to be hired from overseas and have the hiring company assist in getting a work visa. It is impossible to get a working visa without first finding employment where the company must sponsor a foreigner for the work visa. While it is possible to get a work visa and employment from within the country the process is more difficult and certainly more uncertain. However, with a job lined up from overseas, qualifying for the work visa is usually no problem.
Expats wishing to stay longer than three months should apply for an Entry Visa at least three months prior to arrival in Egypt. The required paperwork submitted for an Entry Visa changes often and is best handled by an agency or through the hiring company. The length and cost of Entry Visas changes depending on the applicants nationality and type of Entry Visa.
Expats wishing to stay longer than three months should apply for an Entry Visa at least three months prior to arrival in Egypt. The required paperwork submitted for an Entry Visa changes often and is best handled by an agency or through the hiring company. The length and cost of Entry Visas changes depending on the applicants nationality and type of Entry Visa.
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