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Preface
The Mediterranean basin is one of the first regions in the world to have implemented
labour migration programmes. Following the devastation inflicted by the Second World
War, Europe faced significant labour shortages and needed to be reconstructed. To respond
to demand, several European countries began programmes to recruit workers from the
Mediterranean region. The workers came from Southern Europe as well as North Africa. In
the mid-1970s, these programmes came to an end; from then on, migration continued
mainly through family reunification programmes.
During the second half of the 1980s, labour migration resumed from the South as well
as the East, from around the northern Mediterranean region. It continued to increase
throughout the following decade, joined later by migratory flows from other regions.
Workers from North Africa looked to Europe for employment opportunities to escape from
the unemployment, underemployment, income inequalities and conflict in their countries
of origin. At the same time, Europe was facing labour shortages in certain sectors that had
been abandoned by national workers, as well as in highly skilled occupations where
demand outstripped supply. The conditions were thus met for the movement of workers
across the Mediterranean basin. Workers migrated in regular as well as irregular status,
depending on the policies and conditions in both countries of origin and destination.
Labour migration across the Mediterranean basin began to raise questions and interest
among policymakers. The key issue was to understand the relationship between labour
markets and migration. Questions relating to the working conditions, labour rights and
social protection of migrant workers were raised. The relationship between migration and
development also needed to be clarified. It was important to understand, on the one hand,
the effects of migrant workers’ remittances on poverty and employment and, on the other
hand, the consequences for countries of origin of highly educated and highly skilled
workers emigrating. Following migrant workers’ return to their countries of origin, the
effects of the skills they had acquired as well as the savings they accumulated needed to be
studied. Most importantly, the impact that the policies implemented by the concerned
countries were having on each of these issues needed to be examined closely.
By broadening the knowledge base, research can shed light on key issues of interest
to policy makers. With this aim, the International Labour Office (ILO) and the European
Commission (EC Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal
Opportunities) have developed a joint research project on “Expanding the knowledge base
on decent work in Mediterranean countries.” The research undertaken focused on three
main themes: 1) economic growth and employment; 2) labour market policies and 3)
labour migration. The findings from the research will be of great interest for policymakers
as well as researchers. They will also open up new avenues for research under future
programmes.
This paper on labour migration in Egypt is the result of interdepartmental cooperation
between the ILO Employment Policy Department and the International Migration
Programme. This cooperation brings out the crosscutting nature of labour migration and
ILO’s comparative advantage in addressing it. In the paper, written by Ahmed Ghoneim, a
renowned researcher on the issue, the author reviews Egyptian labour migration and
examines the characteristics of Egyptian migrant workers. He studies the determinants of
migration and its consequences for the country’s economic and social development. The
author critically considers migration policy and institutional frameworks and makes
recommendations in their respect. He discusses the global economic crisis and the policies
implemented to mitigate its impact on Egyptian migrant workers. The author reviews
Egypt’s bilateral cooperation with countries of destination, focussing in particular on
agreements with countries of the European Union.
Labour migration for decent work, economic growth and development in Egypt
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Labour migration for decent work, economic growth and development in Egypt
The main purpose of the ILO working paper series
International Migration Papers
is
to disseminate the results of research on relevant and topical issues, among policy makers,
administrators, social partners, civil society, and the media and the research community.
As with the previous studies, we hope that this paper will contribute to the efforts of
constituents to design and implement policies and programmes that serve to maximise the
development benefits of migration and to protect migrant workers.
Azita Berar Awad
Ibrahim Awad
Director
Director
Employment Policy Department
International Migration Programme
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