Egypt is a wealthy country with a thriving business sector and a growing GDP.
In recent years, the government has seen a sustained development trajectory for its economy, which ranks among the largest in the Middle East and North Africa.
In 2020, Egypt introduced its Data Protection Law (Law No. 151 of 2020), which regulates the processing and management of personal data.
This law mandates that businesses obtain licenses for various data processing activities, including cross-border data transfers, electronic marketing, and data control.
To ensure full compliance, businesses conducting employee screening in Egypt must navigate the complexities of this law and adhere to its requirements.
Skuad performs background checks in Egypt when you partner with us for EOR.
Below is a detailed explanation of the prerequisites and procedures for performing employment background checks in Egypt.
What is an Employee Background Check?
An employee background check examines candidates' financial, employment, and criminal histories.
It helps employers make informed hiring decisions, reduce risks, and ensure a safer work environment.
Background checks are crucial for confirming the accuracy of a candidate's resume and identifying potential red flags.
It protects the company’s reputation and complies with legal and industry regulations.
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Talk to an expertWhat are the Benefits of Background Checks in Egypt?
The authenticity and reliability of applicants can be verified through the execution of a background check in Egypt.
It gauges the accuracy of their education, qualifications, and work history to weed out those who may have lied on their applications.
In addition, there are several other benefits to employee screening in Egypt. Such as,
- Background checks assist with information verification, guaranteeing that only eligible applications are considered.
- This lessens the possibility of you employing somebody who might have fabricated their qualifications.
- By vetting new hires, you can reduce the risk of irresponsible hiring.
- Checking candidates' backgrounds ensures you are not employing anyone with a history of criminal activity or other problems that could present frequent legal hazards.
- Hiring candidates with accurate backgrounds and qualifications leads to a more stable workforce.
- Employees well-suited for the roles are less likely to leave, reducing turnover rates and promoting organizational continuity.
What are the Types of Background Checks in Egypt?
There are various types of employment background checks in Egypt. Below is a detailed explanation of each type.
Criminal record check
The Egyptian government issues criminal record checks for Egyptian citizens and foreigners living in Egypt. Candidates can apply for the clearance in person or via mail.
For in-person application, the following documents need to be furnished:
- Original passport
- Passport photo
- $75 in cash
For application via mail,
- Original passport
- Passport photo
- $75
- Self-addressed pre-paid envelope for the passport return and Police Check Clearance application.
Once candidates receive the police check clearance form, they must fill out the details and submit the completed form to the Consulate of Egypt.
The Consulate generally processes the application in about three months.
Employment history check
An employment history check includes verifying a candidate's job history and experience.
This approach makes you more confident that the candidate provides accurate information.
For this, you may contact the candidate's prior employers to confirm the candidate's employment history, job titles, responsibilities, and work dates.
Medical screening
As an employer, you can ask candidates to undergo medical screening before they start working.
This is necessary only for jobs where safety is crucial, such as working with machines or handling food and drinks.
It helps to ensure that the workers are medically fit for the job to maintain a safe working environment.
Education history
The education history of a candidate is an essential component of the employment background check in Egypt because it guarantees accuracy and reduces risk.
Verifying candidates' educational backgrounds allows you to make informed selections.
To verify the educational background check, you may contact institutions to verify information like degrees obtained, attendance records, and academic accomplishments.
Social media check
For a social media check, you might use a candidate's public social media activity on Facebook or LinkedIn.
A social media check can be incredibly helpful as it provides a deeper look into a candidate's behavior beyond what’s on their resume or in an interview.
By checking out their online presence, you can check if the candidate's posts are appropriate and respectful towards previous employers or colleagues.
It also helps determine if their online persona aligns with the company's values and culture, and if any posts suggest illegal activities, drug use, or other behaviors that could harm the company's image.
This additional layer of insight helps you make more informed hiring decisions and avoid potential issues.
Requirements for Background Checks in Egypt
To conduct a successful employee screening in Egypt, you need the following documents:
- Identification documents include driver’s licenses, state IDs, or proof of residence.
- Copy of high school diploma or college degrees and mark sheets
- Offer letter from previous employers, income transcripts, or a paycheck stub
- Declaration about police cases or court proceedings (if any).
Steps in Conducting Background Checks in Egypt
Conducting an employment background check in Egypt usually involves the following steps.
Step 1: Get approval
The applicant must give a written agreement authorizing the procedure before a background check in Egypt. This guarantees adherence to privacy laws and guidelines.
Step 2: Select Screening Methods
Ascertain the required type of check based on the company's requirements and the nature of the work.
Social networking, work history, and criminal background checks are a few of the most popular forms of employee screening in Egypt.
Step 3: Verify Information
You can verify information provided by the candidate via various sources, such as educational institutions, previous employers, and references.
Step 4: Review Results
After the background verification, evaluate the findings to decide whether the applicant fits the position. Look for any anomalies or warning signs that could influence the hiring choice.
Are Employee Background Checks Legal in Egypt?
In Egypt, screening employees is permissible if firms abide by the Data Protection Law.
Some of the many guidelines laid down under this data privacy law include,
- Companies need to obtain an authorized license to process personal and sensitive data.
- The employer must ensure that the personal information collected is based on specific legitimate purposes and cannot be retained for longer than necessary.
- An authorized Data Protection Officer (DPO) must be present to ensure that the organization properly follows the Data Protection Law.
- Non-compliance can lead to hefty penalties, up to EGP 5m, and criminal penalties, including imprisonment for more than six months.
As an employer, you must understand all these guidelines and establish compliance simultaneously to avoid legal penalties and criminal charges.
Planning to Hire in Egypt? Skuad Can Help
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Partner with Skuad to quickly navigate the complexities of international hiring, including background checks.
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FAQs
Q1: What are the protections for employees in Egypt?
Ans: In Egypt, various laws and regulations protect employees. These include anti-discrimination, data protection, social insurance, and workplace safety laws.
Q2: What is the work policy in Egypt?
Ans: Under Egypt's labor laws, the standard working time is 48 hours per week.
Q3: What is the employment structure in Egypt?
Ans: Egypt has a diverse labor market, with a range of official and informal work arrangements specific to the nation's industries. In 2021, employment in the services sector comprised 51.09% of all jobs, with industry coming in second with 29.08%.
Q4: Do employers do international background checks?
Ans: Businesses can perform background checks on foreign nationals as part of recruiting. This is particularly important in cases where the employment in question involves managing sensitive data or a high degree of trust. Employers can confirm that candidates meet all legal standards by checking their employment history in Egypt. This helps to ensure that the information provided by the candidates is accurate.