Egypt, Germany deepen labour mobility cooperation amid rising demand for skilled Egyptian workers

Egypt and Germany are stepping up cooperation on skilled labour mobility, vocational training and workforce development as Germany seeks to address labour shortages across several sectors, while Egyptian professionals show growing interest in accessing European job markets.

The efforts were highlighted during the opening day of the 2026 Labour Mobility Forum, “Terminal Europe”, held on 27 October. The event brought together Egyptian talent, policymakers, employers and institutions to explore safe and regular employment pathways between Egypt and Europe.

The opening day was attended by German Ambassador to Egypt Jürgen Schulz and featured the signing of two cooperation agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral ties in workforce development and professional training.

The first was a memorandum of understanding between Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates and Germany’s Federal Employment Agency. The agreement aims to enhance cooperation in the organised mobility of skilled workers, facilitate the exchange of expertise and support vocational training.

The second was a letter of intent signed between the Egyptian ministry and Siemens Healthineers to develop the skills of radiology technicians and improve the quality of professional training in the healthcare sector.

The forum also introduced the interactive “Terminal Europe” experience, designed to familiarise visitors with regular employment pathways and the requirements for preparing to work in Germany and other European countries.

The initiative focuses on helping prospective workers make informed decisions and understand the practical steps involved in pursuing employment opportunities abroad.

Egyptian applications for qualification recognition rise 90%

Egypt ranks sixth globally in terms of applications for the recognition of professional qualifications in Germany, according to Christian Grün, Head of the Development and Cooperation Department at the German Embassy in Cairo.

The process involves assessing qualifications obtained outside Germany to determine whether they meet German professional standards and whether applicants are eligible to practise their respective occupations in the country.

Grün said Germany faces a structural shortage of skilled workers, particularly in the hospitality sector and craft-related occupations.

Applications for the recognition of Egyptian professional qualifications increased by nearly 90% in 2025, Grün added, highlighting growing opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in vocational training and skills development to better align Egyptian workers’ capabilities with the needs of the German labour market.

He noted that such cooperation could generate mutual benefits by providing Egyptian young people with professional opportunities abroad while helping German employers address labour shortages.

Egypt could also benefit from remittances sent by workers abroad and the expertise they acquire during their employment.

Grün also highlighted the importance of circular migration, which allows workers to return to Egypt after gaining practical experience in foreign markets and transfer their acquired skills and knowledge to the domestic economy.

Egypt and Germany seek to upgrade vocational education

In July, Egypt and Germany signed a joint declaration of intent to develop Egyptian-German technical schools, aiming to improve the quality of technical education and vocational training and align programmes with international accreditation standards.

The initiative includes developing competency-based curricula, strengthening dual education and workplace-based training in cooperation with the private sector, upgrading teachers’ capabilities, and modernising workshops and training infrastructure.

The programme is intended to prepare technically qualified graduates whose skills meet the requirements of both domestic and international labour markets, while strengthening links between vocational education and employers’ needs.

More than 1,500 German companies operate in Egypt

More than 1,500 German companies operate in the Egyptian market, with investments estimated at around €2bn across a range of economic sectors.

A significant number of these companies contribute to technical education and vocational training programmes by supporting skills development and preparing Egyptian workers in line with international standards and labour market requirements, according to Grün.

He added that interest from German and European private-sector companies in Egypt extends across several areas, including transport, energy, water, infrastructure, information and communications technology, and healthcare.

The participation of employers and institutions in labour mobility initiatives is expected to remain an important element in linking workforce development with business demand, while creating more structured channels for Egyptian professionals seeking employment opportunities in European markets.