Monday, 25 May 2026
FILE PHOTO
Egypt launches nationwide safety campaign to protect delivery workers
The Egyptian Ministry of Labour has launched a comprehensive new campaign, “Your Safety Matters to Us,” aimed at enhancing the protection and welfare of delivery workers across the country. The initiative, unveiled this week, is part of national efforts to support vulnerable and essential segments of the workforce, in line with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s directives and the government’s social support programmes.
During a press conference in Cairo, Minister of Labour Hassan Shehata highlighted the unique challenges delivery workers face on a daily basis, including traffic risks and a lack of formal workplace protections. Many of these workers, particularly the youth, operate informally or without social insurance.
“The campaign is about offering real protection—both in terms of safety on the job and social insurance,” Minister Shehata explained. The first phase will focus on delivery workers using motorcycles, bicycles, and cars, whether employed via digital platforms or working independently, with priority given to those without existing insurance coverage.
The Ministry has pledged to provide personal protective equipment, including helmets, reflective vests, gloves, masks, and first aid kits, free of charge for the most vulnerable workers. This distribution will be carried out in cooperation with private companies, civil society partners, and relevant authorities.
“We are working hand-in-hand with all partners in the private sector and civil society to ensure safe working conditions for these vital workers,” Minister Shehata said. Plans are underway to ensure the sustainability of this support, including regular training and monitoring.
Legal advisors from the Ministry stressed that the campaign aligns with international conventions on labour rights. A new occupational safety “code” specifically for delivery workers is under development, setting standards for safe operation, protective equipment, training, and worker rights, all tailored to Egypt’s local context while observing international benchmarks.
Additionally, efforts are being made to formally register delivery workers within the national database of irregular workers, granting access to health and social insurance benefits, pensions, and workplace injury compensation. Major delivery companies are being brought into partnership to ensure they contribute to this effort as stipulated by Egyptian regulations.
The Ministry has developed a nationwide inspection plan, beginning in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital and gradually expanding to all governorates. Labour inspectors, in coordination with traffic authorities, will monitor compliance with safety regulations and equipment standards. Workers will also have access to a dedicated hotline and digital platform to register complaints or seek help.
Minister Shehata acknowledged the growing importance of delivery work in Egypt’s informal economy in recent years—a trend accelerated by technology and changing consumer habits. “Taking care of this segment ensures not just their safety, but the safety and well-being of our entire society,” he added.
The safety campaign, officials emphasized, is part of a larger, long-term national strategy to integrate, train, and support delivery workers for greater stability and professional development in the years ahead.