Egypt - IOM, in collaboration with the Egypt’s National Employment Pact (NEP), Nahdet El Mahrousa (NM) and Menoufia University hosted a job fair in Shibin Elkom, Menoufia on 19-20 December to foster employment for young people and provide alternatives to irregular migration.

The event, which targeted young people aged between 18-35, was supported by the European Union (EU) and attracted some 20 employers. All of the employers offered decent terms and conditions in line with the Egyptian Labor Law 12/2003 and Social Insurance Law 1975.

Young people with qualifications ranging from literacy certificates to technical diplomas and bachelor degrees were invited to take part in the event, which offered career counseling sessions and job interviews.

“The NEP model for organizing employment events gives employers the chance to conduct a full first interview, which saves time. It also provides job seekers with an opportunity to meet with the employer of their choice,” said Mohamed Ezzat, Business Development Manager at NEP.

In addition to employers, Egypt’s Social Fund for Development and Microsoft were present to help young people wanting to initiate start-ups. Microsoft offers career guidance, skills assessments, job matching services and hundreds of free online courses for unemployed young Egyptians.

The event is the second in Menoufia in a series of events in the governorates of Fayoum, Menoufia and Qalyoubia organized by IOM and funded by the EU. All three governorates experience high rates of irregular migration to Europe and host large numbers of Egyptian returnees from Libya.

For further information please contact Amr Taha at IOM Egypt, Tel: +20 2273 65140, Email: iomcairo@iom.int