Egypt Streamlines Work Permits for Foreign Tourism Workers
Published June 15, 2026
Egypt has launched a 15-day initiative to streamline work permit applications for foreign employees in its tourism sector, aiming to boost investment and support industry growth.
Egypt Accelerates Foreign Tourism Worker Permits
Egypt has initiated a 15-day program to expedite and simplify the issuance of work permits for foreign employees within its tourism-related businesses. This initiative, according to zawya.com, aims to process applications and issue permits within two working days of submission.
Targeted Regions and Program Goals
The program will initially focus on Luxor, South Sinai, the Red Sea Governorate, North Coast, and El Alamein, with potential for expansion to other governorates. The core purpose of this initiative is to enhance the investment climate, bolster the stability of the tourism sector, and ensure compliant employment conditions for workers, as reported by zawya.com.
Context of Egypt's Tourism Growth
This move comes as Egypt's tourism sector experiences significant growth, with revenues reaching a record $16.7 billion in fiscal year 2024/2025, representing a 56.1% increase. Fitch Solutions projections anticipate approximately 18.56 million tourist arrivals in 2026. Furthermore, related initiatives include hotel capacity expansion, backed by 244 investment requests totaling around EGP 16 billion, according to zawya.com.
Key Takeaways
- Egypt is streamlining work permits for foreign tourism workers with a 15-day initiative.
- The program aims to issue permits within two working days of application submission.
- Key tourist areas like Luxor and South Sinai are among the initial targeted regions.
- The initiative seeks to boost investment and support Egypt's growing tourism sector.
- Egypt's tourism revenues hit a record $16.7 billion in FY 2024/2025.
Sources & further reading
- Egypt launches 15-day initiative to streamline work permits for foreign tourism workers — zawya.com (June 15, 2026)